Retirement Plan Analyst

Northwestern Mutual; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Discretionary bonus

Paid time off

Medical and dental coverage

Job summary

Northwestern Mutual is seeking an analytical Retirement Plan Analyst to support Retirement Plan Advisors in Reston, VA. You will prepare plan reviews, analyze data, coordinate with recordkeepers and TPAs, and develop client-ready materials for advisor and participant meetings.

The role emphasizes data-driven analysis, attention to detail, and strong communication to support planning, transitions, and ongoing client service in partnership with advisors and service providers.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical, research, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills; ability to interpret financial, investment, and participant data.
• Knowledge of qualified retirement plans, including 401(k) plan design and administration.
• Excellent organization, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing reports and client-facing presentations.

Responsibilities

• Prepare reports, analyses, recommendations, and presentations for retirement plan reviews and advisor meetings.
• Coordinate with recordkeepers and TPAs to obtain plan data, fee information, participant metrics, investment reports, compliance materials, proposals, service agreements, and pricing.
• Analyze plan performance, investments, fees, provider services, participant engagement, and benchmarking data to identify opportunities to improve outcomes and service delivery.
• Support prospect research and due diligence through fee benchmarking, service comparisons, and presentation materials.
• Assist with plan implementations, transitions, and ongoing client service in partnership with advisors, operations teams, and service providers.
• Document and maintain workflows and procedures, and recommend improvements to efficiency, accuracy, and consistency.
• Research retirement plan administration, compliance requirements, participant issues, industry developments, financial markets, and regulatory changes.
• Prepare for participant meetings by gathering statements, contribution information, plan design details, and other relevant data; verify materials for accuracy before meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Excel

PowerPoint

Communication

Data analysis

Education

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

Tools

Recordkeepers

TPAs

Investment analysis

Fee benchmarking

Provider evaluation

Workflow improvement

Job description

A financial planning firm is seeking an analytical, detail-oriented Retirement Plan Analyst to support Retirement Plan Advisors. This role prepares plan reviews, analyzes retirement plan data, coordinates with service providers, and develops accurate, client-ready materials for advisor and participant meetings.

Responsibilities

• Prepare reports, analyses, recommendations, and presentations for retirement plan reviews and advisor meetings.
• Coordinate with recordkeepers and third-party administrators (TPAs) to obtain plan data, fee information, participant metrics, investment reports, compliance materials, proposals, service agreements, and pricing.
• Analyze plan performance, investments, fees, provider services, participant engagement, and benchmarking data to identify opportunities to improve outcomes and service delivery.
• Support prospect research and due diligence through fee benchmarking, service comparisons, and presentation materials.
• Assist with plan implementations, transitions, and ongoing client service in partnership with advisors, operations teams, and service providers.
• Document and maintain workflows and procedures, and recommend improvements to efficiency, accuracy, and consistency.
• Research retirement plan administration, compliance requirements, participant issues, industry developments, financial markets, and regulatory changes.
• Prepare for participant meetings by gathering statements, contribution information, plan design details, and other relevant data; verify materials for accuracy before meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical, research, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret financial, investment, and participant data.
• Knowledge of qualified retirement plans, including 401(k) plan design and administration.
• Excellent organization, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing reports and client-facing presentations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience supporting qualified retirement plans, retirement plan consulting, financial services, or wealth management operations, including data analysis and reporting.
• A bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business, Economics, Accounting, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience with recordkeepers, TPAs, investment analysis, fee benchmarking, provider evaluation, workflow improvement, or advisor presentation materials preferred.

Work Environment and Growth

This role involves extended computer work, reviewing financial and electronic materials, using standard office technology, and participating in meetings by phone, video, email, or in person. Success in the position may lead to broader client service responsibilities and leadership opportunities.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary of $65,000–$70,000 and a discretionary bonus
• Four weeks of paid time off, sick time, and parental leave
• Benefits including a 401(k), short- and long-term disability coverage, medical and dental coverage, and retirement plan benefits

Location

On-site in Reston, VA; Richmond, VA; or Louisville, KY