Senior ThirdParty Retirement Plan Administrator TPA

Kernutt Stokes; Eugene (OR); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Dental insurance

Flexible schedule

Flexible spending account

Health insurance

Health savings account

Paid time off

Professional development assistance

Retirement plan

Tuition reimbursement

Vision insurance

Job summary

Kernutt Stokes, an established Oregon-based firm, is seeking a Senior Retirement Plan Administrator (TPA) to join our retirement plan services team. You will manage day-to-day operations for qualified retirement plans and work closely with sponsors, advisors, and internal teams.

Ideal candidates have 3–5+ years of direct plan administration experience, a strong ERISA/DOL/IRS knowledge base, and a drive to own a client book while mentoring junior staff. This hybrid role starts June 1, 2026.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of experience in third-party retirement plan administration.
• Strong knowledge of ERISA, DOL, and IRS regulations.
• Experience working directly with plan sponsors and advisors.

Responsibilities

• Independently administer a portfolio of qualified retirement plans including 401(k) and defined contribution plans.
• Interpret plan documents and ensure IRS and DOL compliance.
• Prepare and review Form 5500s and related disclosures.
• Mentor junior TPA staff and coordinate with internal teams.
• Serve as primary client contact and support plan design opportunities.

Skills

Retirement plan administration

ERISA knowledge

IRS/DOL regulations

Client management

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, accounting, finance

Tools

Form 5500 software

Excel

FT William

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

• Established Oregon-based firm with a collaborative culture
• Diverse client base and growth opportunities
• Professional development and credential support
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits

Application Timing

We are targeting a June 1, 2026, start date and will begin conversations with qualified candidates immediately.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Experience:

Third Party Administration: 5 years (Required)

License/Certification:

ASPPA / NIPA credentials (QKA, QPA, ERPA) (Preferred)

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Portland, Bend, Corvallis and Eugene

Flexible work from home options available.