IRA Customer Service Specialist

Ascensus; Bismarck (ND); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Provident Trust Group, an Ascensus company, seeks an IRA Customer Service Specialist to deliver outstanding owner support, verify documentation, and process IRA-related requests. You will assist with service agreements, data input, and back-office tasks while upholding security and compliance standards.

Ideal candidates will have strong communication skills, basic ERISA knowledge, and a proactive approach to process improvements within a collaborative team environment.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication with clients and colleagues; clear documentation of procedures.
• Basic ERISA/product knowledge expected; proficiency with standard office software.
• Ability to solve problems using established procedures and resources.
• Attention to detail while keeping the bigger process in mind.
• Maintains composure and resolves conflicts within team when needed.
• Willingness to train others on specific tasks.
• Makes decisions with guidance on participant/plan level transactions.
• Plans tasks 1–2 days ahead and adapts to changing priorities.
• Manages time effectively with defined priorities and occasional interruptions.
• Independent work style with collaboration when required.
• Proactive in taking on additional responsibilities.
• Degree in business or equivalent industry experience preferred.
• Knowledge of financial services and IRA products is desirable.
• Proficient with PCs and MS Office.
• CISP certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide front-line call center support to IRA Owners and answer inquiries.
• Process applications, verify documents, and input data accurately.
• Handle distribution requests and rollovers from 401(k) plans.
• Process IRA Service Agreements and maintain account data.
• Support back-office tasks and assist IRA Owners with operations.
• Ensure data is securely handled and compliant with policies.
• Identify process improvements from daily contact with customers.
• Collaborate with internal teams to meet service levels.
• Document procedures and participate in special projects as needed.

Skills

Communication

Technical knowledge

Problem solving

Detail oriented

Conflict resolution

Training/mentoring

Risk taking/decision making

Planning/organizing

Time management

Work style

Initiative/work ethic

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Financial services knowledge

PC proficiency

CISP certification

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business

Job description

Provident Trust Group, an Ascensus company, is a self-directed administrator and passive custodian that specializes in account administration, asset custody, qualified retirement account establishment including IRAs and Solo 401(k) accounts, and Corporate Trust services. Provident Trust Group offers a comprehensive range of trust and fund administration, asset custody, and related services—and we pride ourselves in being responsive, honest, and personable.

Section 1: Position Summary

The IRA Customer Service Specialist position is accountable for delivering exceptional customer service that exceeds IRA Owner expectations in all contact interactions. This position requires an advanced level of Traditional and Roth IRA knowledge and is primarily responsible for providing front-line call center and operational process support to IRA Owners. The IRA Customer Service Specialist processes applications, verifies documentation, processes distribution requests, rollovers from 401k plans, pulls fees, and replies to IRA owner inquiries.

Section 2: Job Functions, Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Proactively adopt, protect and boldly embrace emerging technologies (AI, automation, etc.), platforms, and evolving practices that accelerate transformational growth and advance Ascensus’ mission and client commitments.
• Responsible for protecting, securing, and proper handling of all confidential data held by Ascensus to ensure against unauthorized access, improper transmission, and/or unapproved disclosure of information that could result in harm to Ascensus or our clients.
• Our I-Client service philosophy and our Core Values of People Matter, Quality First and Integrity Always® should be visible in your actions on a day to day basis showing your support of our organizational culture.
• Provide technical and operational assistance to IRA Owners
• Assist all IRA Owners with back-office functions
• Interact directly with IRA Owners, answering questions and offer guidance regarding IRA accounts as well as the regulations surrounding them
• Process IRA Service Agreements
• Data input and verification of all customer information pertaining to the initial application
• Process distribution requests correctly and within the service levels defined within partner agreements and operational goals
• Scan all data into the optical imaging system
• Perform a variety of tasks related to opening, maintaining and closing out IRA accounts
• Take initiative to continuously develop skills and industry knowledge to enhance the value of all customer interactions
• Recommend and implement continuous improvements to back office processes identified through daily interaction with customers and internal operations teams
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned
• Assist with other tasks and projects as assigned

Supervision

• N/A

Section 3: Experience, Skills, Knowledge Requirements

• Communication Skills - Communicates regularly with both peers and colleagues in other business units. Demonstrates ability to document procedures that are clear and easy to understand. Effectively communicates with clients on specific tasks.
• Technical Knowledge - Minimal ERISA knowledge or job specific technical knowledge required. Demonstrates proficiency of assigned tasks underpinning operational function.
• Problem Solving- Effectively solves problems with direction utilizing resources/procedures for a specific process, with a defined resolution.
• Detail Oriented Vs. Big Picture- Generally focuses and considers details on specific tasks while aware of the identified implications to the entire process associated with the task.
• Conflict Resolution - Addresses conflicts within team (direct circle of influence) related to tasks/processes for which they have direct ownership.
• Training/Mentoring - Is generally trained/mentored and has the ability to train a fellow associate on specific tasks.
• Risk Taking/Decision Making - Makes decisions on a participant or plan level transaction based on precedent (assistance may be required).
• Planning/Organizing - Generally plans 1-2 days in advance in order to meet specific tasks as defined. Generally planning for self only and vacation back-up as needed. Organized so that specific items can consistently be retrieved quickly.
• Time Management/Prioritization - Works most efficiently with a pre-defined schedule or set of existing priorities, but able to be effectively flexible if a situation calls for it. Needs assistance dealing with conflicting priorities. Capable of managing individual tasks
• Work Style - Works well independently on specific tasks. Requires some direction in more complicated or out of the box tasks. Able to develop and maintain rapport with others, demonstrates inclusiveness and respect for others.
• Initiative/Work Ethic - Completes daily work as assigned. Will seek out opportunities to assist peers with daily volumes. Independently identify areas of processing that could be improved and acted upon. Will take on additional departmental responsibilities when assigned.
• Bachelor’s degree in business is preferred or industry related work experience to commensurate to the position
• Knowledge of financial services industry and IRA products
• Proficiency with PC’s including Microsoft Office software applications
• Certified IRA Services Professional (CISP) a plus

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer