Retirement Plan Consultant

Sentinel Group • Wakefield, MA

5d • $65,000 - $85,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Plan Consultant position offers a retirement plan professional the opportunity to manage a book of clients while supporting their retirement plan administration and recordkeeping needs. This role is grounded in customer service, relationship management, and compliance excellence. As the day-to-day contact for assigned clients, the Plan Consultant is responsible for delivering proactive service, overseeing core recordkeeping and administrative activities, preparing valuation reports, conducting compliance testing, and helping clients navigate the ongoing requirements of their retirement plans with clarity and confidence.

Requirements

• At least 3 years of experience working in defined contribution plan administration with a Third Party Administrator focus.
• Experience supporting a variety of retirement plan types and designs, including 401(k), 403(b), profit sharing, non-qualified, and defined benefit plans.
• Experience performing retirement plan compliance testing and communicating results to key stakeholders.
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel, including formulas, and the ability to learn and use different software platforms effectively.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organization, and time-management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical matters clearly to different audiences.
• Ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with colleagues, clients, and external partners.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Relius Administration software preferred.
• Progress toward the ASPPA Qualified 401(k) Administrator (QKA) designation, or interest in pursuing the credential, is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary day-to-day contact for an assigned group of clients, delivering proactive, reliable, and relationship-driven service.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients across a range of industries and levels of financial experience.
• Answer a wide variety of client questions related to retirement plan administration, recordkeeping, and participant activity, including payroll contributions, distributions, investments, audits, and plan reporting.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with clients, colleagues, and external partners, especially when translating technical retirement plan concepts into practical guidance.
• Strengthen key relationships through proactive outreach, thoughtful follow-up, and meaningful conversations that support client confidence and long-term retention.
• Communicate proactively with clients and internal partners by providing clear updates, helpful context, and practical next steps that keep work moving forward.
• Perform annual compliance testing and valuations for qualified retirement plans to help ensure adherence to IRS requirements.
• Conduct and explain testing results, including coverage testing under IRC Section 410(b), general nondiscrimination testing under IRC Section 401(a)(4), ADP and ACP testing under IRC Sections 401(k) and 401(m), compensation ratio testing under IRC Section 414(s), and top-heavy determinations under IRC Section 416.
• Calculate projected and actual employer contributions, including matching contributions, safe harbor match, profit sharing contributions using pro rata, integrated, and new comparability allocation methods, and self-employed contributions.
• Review and interpret retirement plan documents, amendments, notices, and summary plan descriptions to support accurate plan administration.
• Oversee and coordinate recordkeeping and administrative tasks tied to the ongoing service of assigned plans.
• Ensure timely and accurate completion of annual testing, reporting, and related compliance requirements.
• Manage multiple priorities and deadlines with strong organization, accountability, and attention to detail.
• Collaborate internally and externally to support the responsible handling of plan assets and the accurate completion of service deliverables.
• Work closely with other Sentinel departments and external business partners to coordinate deliverables, resolve issues, and support effective client service.
• Follow through on commitments, communicate status clearly, and demonstrate accountability in support of team initiatives and business priorities.
• Contribute to the broader business plan by combining high-quality execution with strong relationship management, thoughtful communication, and consistent follow-through.

Benefits

• PTO (vacation, sick, personal time bank)
• FTO (Flexible time off for vacation, sick, and personal time) after 2 years of service
• 12 Paid Holidays (10 stated and 2 floating holidays)
• 2 Community Volunteer Days
• 5 Summer Half Days
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life Insurance
• LTD & STD
• Retirement Plan with 4% Employer Match
• Parental Leave

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed