Pension Benefit Specialist

Government of Prince Edward Island; Charlottetown; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4 weeks paid vacation

Annual training funds

Employee assistance program

Employer-paid health benefits

Job summary

The Department of Finance and Affordability at the Government of Prince Edward Island is seeking a Pension Benefit Specialist. This role involves providing pension counselling, explaining benefits, and managing sensitive information with professionalism.

The ideal candidate will have an undergraduate degree related to the field, extensive experience in benefit administration, and the ability to communicate complex financial concepts effectively.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in benefit administration.
• Considerable experience communicating complex financial concepts clearly.
• Extensive proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel.

Responsibilities

• Guide members on the impact of personal events on pension benefits.
• Generate estimates and respond to inquiries with clarity.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements for pension calculations.

Skills

Benefit administration

Financial communication

Mathematical calculations

Microsoft Office

Interpersonal skills

Education

Undergraduate degree in a related area

Pension Plan Administration Certificate (PPAC)

Certified Employee Benefit Specialist Certificate (CEBS)

Retirement Plans Associate (RPA)

Tools

Peoplesoft

Ariel

Job description

The Department of Finance and Affordability is committed to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility. Our goal is to build a public sector workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve and to promote welcoming, diverse, inclusive, respectful workplaces that are accessible to all. We welcome all interested individuals including Indigenous People, persons with disabilities, Black, racialized, ethnic and culturally diverse groups, as well as people regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identities, and gender expressions. Those looking for more information are invited to visit our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy.

The Department of Finance and Affordability is seeking a Pension Benefit Specialist to join the Pensions & Benefits Section within the Pensions & Capital Management Division. This team provides day‑to‑day pension administration services to more than 20,000 members across multiple registered and non‑registered pension plans sponsored by the Province of Prince Edward Island.

Reporting to the Team Lead, Pension Administration Services & Communication, this position provides pension counselling by explaining benefits clearly, guiding members on options, applying pension rules to individual situations, answering questions during life events, and managing sensitive personal and financial information with professionalism and confidentiality.

The Pension Benefit Specialist will also support the Operations Unit by providing a continuity of service in the absence of the Team Lead, Pension Administration Services & Communication, as required.

Duties will include but are not limited to:

• Guide members on how career changes, retirement timing, and personal events affect pension benefits, cash flow, and long‑term financial outcomes.
• Explain benefit options, calculations, and features (e.g., reductions, bridge benefits, CPP integration) in alignment with legislation, policies, and agreements.
• Generate accurate estimates, validate underlying data, and respond to inquiries or disputes with clarity and professionalism.
• Ensure certain pension calculations, data, and documentation are complete, accurate, and compliant with regulatory and tax requirements.
• Review member records for retirements, terminations, and transfers, resolve discrepancies, and provide guidance to junior staff.
• Prepare specialized calculations such as service transfers, spousal divisions, and tax adjustments (PA/PSPA/PAR), ensuring strong documentation and audit readiness.

Minimum Qualifications:

• An undergraduate degree in a related area.
• Demonstrated equivalencies will be considered.
• Extensive experience in benefit administration.
• Possess an industry recognized designation (e.g. Pension Plan Administration Certificate (PPAC), Certified Employee Benefit Specialist Certificate (CEBS), Retirement Plans Associate (RPA), or willing to obtain a designation within 4 years.
• Experience working in a highly regulated, multi-union, multi-employer environment.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of various retirement income sources.
• Considerable experience communicating complex financial concepts in a clear and accessible manner for diverse audiences.
• Considerable experience performing mathematical calculations and possess analytical proficiency.
• Considerable experience using Microsoft Office applications (specifically Excel, Word and Outlook).

Other Qualifications:

• Experience in leadership/management would be an asset.
• Experience in defined-benefit pension administration would be an asset.
• Possess strong interpersonal skills required to effectively interact with plan members about sensitive and confidential information, with meticulous attention to detail, often under time constraints, with empathy.
• Be organized and able to work independently and adapt to changing situations using skills in critical thinking and problem solving.
• Highly reliable with an excellent attendance record and strong work ethic.
• Experience in change management would be an asset.
• Experience working with customized software systems (e.g. Peoplesoft, Ariel, etc.) would be an asset.

BENEFITS

• 4 weeks paid vacation annually, as per the Terms and Conditions for Excluded Employees
• Up to $2,500 annual training funds
• Employee assistance program
• Employer-paid health and dental benefits
• Pension Plan

This competition may be used to fill future job vacancies.

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