Retirement Compliance Audit Specialist

Alerus; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive benefits

Generous paid time off

Career development resources

401(k) and ESOP

Job summary

Alerus, a commercial wealth bank and national retirement provider, is seeking a Compliance Audit Specialist to support ERISA, IRS and DOL compliance for pooled employer plans and related programs. You will monitor, document, and track compliance activities, maintaining evidence and working with cross-functional teams to ensure timely, accurate adherence to procedures.

The role emphasizes strong organization, detail orientation, and the ability to manage multiple compliance requirements in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a business-related field is required.
• Minimum of three years’ experience in defined contribution plan compliance or audit-related fieldwork.
• QKA credential is preferred; candidates pursuing it or with equivalent expertise will be considered.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to balance multiple priorities and stakeholders.
• Focus on continuous improvement and process enhancements or operations efficiency.
• Ability to work independently and maintain professional relationships with clients.
• Experience with Microsoft Office products.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and update centralized tracking tools for PPP/audit compliance responsibilities, including deadlines, deliverables, and supporting documentation.
• Monitor completion of PPP/audit activities and follow up with internal teams to ensure timely execution and oversight.
• Maintain documentation supporting the PPP’s role as a named fiduciary and Plan Administrator.
• Identify potential compliance risks or process gaps and escalate as appropriate.
• Support development and maintenance of standard operating procedures related to PPP and audit responsibilities.
• Coordinate with internal partners to ensure accurate handling of compliance-related processes.
• Contribute to ongoing process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and strengthen controls.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Independent work

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in a business related field

QKA credential (Qualified 401(k) Administrator)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

WHO ARE WE: Alerus is a commercial wealth bank and national retirement provider with one core purpose: helping clients achieve their financial goals. We are driven by a shared commitment to always do the right thing; leading with integrity and providing valued advice and guidance to our clients. We value the expertise and skillsets each team member provides and encourage collaboration, innovation, adaptability, and an entrepreneurial spirit at all levels of our company. By consistently seeking improvements and growth, we foster long-term relationships with clients and team members. We are proud to be recognized as a Top Workplace by numerous industry and regional outlets.

CORE VALUES: Passion for Excellence :: Success is Never Final :: Do the Right Thing :: One Alerus

ABOUT THE ROLE:
As a Compliance Audit Specialist, you will play a critical role in supporting Alerus’ responsibilities as a Pooled Plan Provider for Pooled Employer Plans and beyond. This position is responsible for monitoring, tracking, and documenting compliance requirements to ensure adherence to ERISA, IRS, and Department of Labor regulations.
This role partners closely with cross-functional teams to ensure that obligations are completed accurately, timely, and in accordance with established procedures. The position emphasizes strong organization, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple compliance requirements in a structured and controlled environment with some audit background.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING:

• Maintain and update centralized tracking tools for PPP/audit compliance responsibilities, including deadlines, deliverables, and supporting documentation.
• Monitor completion of PPP/audit activities and follow up with internal teams to ensure timely execution and oversight.
• Maintain documentation supporting the PPP’s role as a named fiduciary and Plan Administrator.
• Identify potential compliance risks or process gaps and escalate as appropriate.
• Support development and maintenance of standard operating procedures related to PPP and audit responsibilities.
• Coordinate with internal partners to ensure accurate and consistent handling of compliance-related processes.
• Contribute to ongoing process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and strengthen controls.

WHAT YOU SHOULD HAVE:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a business related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of three years’ experience in defined contribution plan compliance or audit related fieldwork.
• QKA credential (Qualified 401(k) Administrator) is preferred; candidates actively pursuing the designation or with equivalent expertise will be considered.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to balance multiple priorities and stakeholders.
• A mindset focused on continuous improvement, with a history of contributing to process enhancements or operations efficiency efforts.
• Ability to maintain professional working relationships with internal and external clients.
• Ability to work independently and set priorities.
• Ability to interpret documents and resolve technical problems.
• Experience with Microsoft Office products.

WHAT WE BRING TO THE TABLE:

• Competitive compensation including base salary, bonus and/or incentive opportunities.
• Comprehensive benefits package providing a wide range of health and well-being benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance; and 401(k) and ESOP for retirement savings.
• Generous paid time off programs such as flexible time off, company-paid holidays, parental and bereavement leave.
• Learning and development resources for personal and professional career development, and advancement opportunities.
• Access to financial experts for guidance, financial wellness tools, and discounts on Alerus products and services.
• Support for the communities we live in through paid volunteer time and a company donation match opportunity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is typically performed in an office setting. The employee is regularly required to sit for extended periods of time. The employee is occasionally required to move about the office utilizing proper ergonomic safeguards when doing so. Additionally, the employee must occasionally lift or move supplies and materials up to 20 pounds.

BASE PAY: $55,000 - $70,000 annually based on industry experience.

The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Alerus is an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.