ESOP Trustee: Fiduciary & Compliance Lead

Merit Financial Group; Georgia; On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental/Vision Insurance

Life & Personal Accident Insurance

Short-term Disability Insurance

Long-term Disability Insurance

FSA/HSA or Dependent Care FSA

401(k) Plan with company matching

PTO and paid holidays

Job summary

Merit Financial Advisors is seeking an ESOP Trustee to act in the best interest of employee-owners, ensuring fiduciary compliance and effective ESOP administration. The role requires knowledge of ERISA, tax-qualified status, and coordination with third-party providers.

Applicants should have a Finance-related degree (or CPA/JD) and several years of ESOP/fiduciary experience, with strong communication and analytical skills to advise management and employees.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or a related field.
• CPA, JD, or other professional designation related to ESOPs or fiduciary duties is preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in employee benefits administration, fiduciary services, or a related field.
• Experience with ESOPs and familiarity with ERISA and other regulatory guidelines is strongly preferred.
• Certifications such as PMP, CSM, or PRINCE2 are a plus.
• Strong knowledge of ESOP regulations and fiduciary duties.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts to a diverse audience.
• Ability to manage relationships with third-party service providers and stakeholders.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Act as a fiduciary to ESOP participants following ERISA guidelines.
• Oversee ESOP administration including distribution of shares and contributions.
• Review independent appraiser reports and ESOP share price adjustments.
• Ensure compliance with IRS, DOL, ERISA and related regulations.
• Prepare and communicate required reports and disclosures including Form 5500.
• Resolve conflicts related to ESOP allocations and eligibility.
• Make informed ESOP transaction decisions and approve plan amendments.
• Conduct periodic ESOP performance reviews and governance assessments.
• Educate leadership and employees on ESOP structure, benefits, and duties.

Skills

ESOP knowledge

Fiduciary duties

Regulatory compliance

Communication skills

Board interaction

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or related field

CPA or JD or related designation

5+ years in employee benefits/fiduciary services

Job description

Merit Financial Advisors is seeking an ESOP Trustee to act in the best interest of employee-owners, ensuring fiduciary compliance and effective ESOP administration. The role requires knowledge of ERISA, tax-qualified status, and coordination with third-party providers.

Applicants should have a Finance-related degree (or CPA/JD) and several years of ESOP/fiduciary experience, with strong communication and analytical skills to advise management and employees.