Senior Third-Party Retirement Plan Administrator (TPA)

Kernutt Stokes

Eugene (OR)

Hybrid

USD 85,000 - 115,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid eligible

Professional development

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Parental leave

Profit sharing

401(k)

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Flexible schedule

Job summary

Kernutt Stokes is seeking a Senior Retirement Plan Administrator (TPA) to join our Oregon retirement services team. Ideal candidates have 3–5+ years of direct plan administration experience and want to grow to manage a client book, serve as a technical resource, and contribute to practice growth.

In this role you will manage day-to-day operations of complex qualified plans, collaborate with the Director of Retirement Plan Services, plan sponsors and advisors, and work with internal tax, audit,

Qualifications

3–5+ years of experience in third-party retirement plan administration.
Strong attention to detail.
Ability to manage plans independently.
Strong working knowledge of ERISA, DOL, and IRS regulations.
Experience working directly with plan sponsors and advisors.
Excellent organizational and time-management skills.

Responsibilities

Administer a portfolio of qualified retirement plans including 401(k), profit sharing, and defined contribution plans.
Interpret plan documents and ensure ongoing IRS and DOL compliance.
Complete and review Form 5500s, schedules, and related disclosures.
Perform annual compliance testing including ADP/ACP, coverage, top-heavy, and nondiscrimination testing.
Prepare and review plan contributions, vesting updates, and distributions.

Skills

Attention to detail

Independent plan management

ERISA knowledge

Plan sponsors & advisors liaison

Organizational skills

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree (preferred)

Tools

Retirement software

Excel

Office applications

Job description

Benefits:

401(k)
Company parties
Competitive salary
Dental insurance
Flexible schedule
Free food & snacks
Health insurance
Opportunity for advancement
Paid time off
Parental leave
Profit sharing
Training & development
Tuition assistance
Wellness resources

Join One of Oregon's 2025 Top 100 Companies to Work For!

Location: Oregon – Portland / Lake Oswego, Eugene, Bend, or Corvallis

Start Date: Targeted for June 1, 2026

Employment Type: Full-time | Hybrid eligible based on location and experience

About The Role

Our Firm is seeking a Senior Retirement Plan Administrator (TPA) to join our growing retirement plan services team. This role is ideal for an experienced professional with 3–5+ years of direct plan administration experience who is ready to build towards taking ownership of a client book, serve as a technical resource, and contribute to the continued growth and quality of our retirement services practice.

The Senior Retirement Plan Administrator will manage the day-to-day operations of complex qualified retirement plans, work directly with the Director of Retirement Plan Services, plan sponsors and advisors, and collaborate closely with internal tax, audit, and consulting teams.

Key Responsibilities

Independently administer and assume increasing primary responsibility for a portfolio of qualified retirement plans, including 401(k), profit sharing, and defined contribution plans
Interpret plan documents and ensure ongoing IRS and DOL compliance
Complete and review investment trust accounting for balance-forward retirement plans
Determine and review participant eligibility and contribution allocation eligibility in accordance with plan provisions
Complete and review plan contribution allocations, vesting updates, forfeiture determination, and distribution processing
Perform and review annual compliance testing, including ADP/ACP, coverage, top-heavy, and nondiscrimination testing
Prepare and review Form 5500s, schedules, and related disclosures
Identify potential compliance or operational issues and elevate appropriately; assist with correction strategies including EPCRS where applicable
Assist with plan terminations and EPCRS corrections
Serve as a primary point of contact for client and advisor inquiries, providing accurate guidance and identifying compliance or plan design considerations
Assist in coordination and preparation of plan amendments, restatements, and corrections
Serve as a technical resource and mentor for junior TPA staff
Partner with internal teams on plan design and consulting opportunities
Maintain strong documentation and workflow management

Qualifications & Experience

3–5+ years of experience in third-party retirement plan administration
Strong attention to detail
Demonstrated ability to manage plans independently
Strong working knowledge of ERISA, DOL, and IRS regulations
Experience working directly with plan sponsors and advisors
Excellent organizational and time-management skills

Preferred Certifications

ASPPA or NIPA credentials such as QKA or QPA strongly preferred
Other relevant credentials (CPFA, CEBS) considered
Bachelor's degree in business, accounting, finance, or related field preferred

Technology

Experience with retirement document, compliance testing, and Form 5500 preparation software, (FT William strongly preferred)
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and standard office applications

Why Our Firm