Executive & ESOP Administration Director

Bank Forward; Fargo (ND); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental & Vision

401k with ESOP

Paid Time Off

Holidays & Extended Leave

Job summary

Bank Forward is seeking an experienced ESOP/retirement plan administrator to manage complex equity, deferred compensation, and board reporting at a senior level. You will oversee 401(k) plan operations, communications, and compliance, aligning plan design with regulatory requirements while partnering with auditors and trustees.

The role requires a CPA or equivalent, a strong financial background, and at least eight years in ESOP or retirement plan administration in banking or ESOP-intensive

Qualifications

• ESOP administration with liaison to trustee/valuation firm; input valuation data and manage distributions.
• Oversee 401(k) plan testing, filings, and fee reviews; coordinate with recordkeepers.
• Stock plan administration including grants, vesting, tax withholding, recs.
• Support 409A and BOLI plan operations; coordinate with carriers and advisors.
• Prepare executive summaries and Board materials; assist committees.
• Draft participant notices, FAQs, and education aligned to milestones.
• Maintain auditable workpapers; monitor regulatory developments and plan updates.
• Execute special projects to improve quality, time, and transparency.

Responsibilities

• Prepare executive summaries and Committee/Board materials; support governance processes.
• Coordinate plan design analyses and benchmarking in response to executive requests.
• Ensure timely remittance and disclosures for retirement and ESOP plans.
• Communicate with participants through clear notices and educational materials.
• Maintain compliance with banking, tax, and securities regulations.

Skills

ESOP administration

401(k) plan oversight

Stock plan administration

Deferred compensation (409A) & BOLI

Executive & Board reporting

Participant communication

Controls & compliance

Special projects

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, finance

Master’s/MBA preferred

Active CPA license desired

Job description

Bank Forward is seeking an experienced ESOP/retirement plan administrator to manage complex equity, deferred compensation, and board reporting at a senior level. You will oversee 401(k) plan operations, communications, and compliance, aligning plan design with regulatory requirements while partnering with auditors and trustees.

The role requires a CPA or equivalent, a strong financial background, and at least eight years in ESOP or retirement plan administration in banking or ESOP-intensive