Utah Retirement Systems provides retirement benefits for more than 250,000 Utah public employees, including teachers, firefighters, police officers, and others who serve their communities. URS administers eight pension systems and four retirement savings plans, providing financial security and peace of mind for thousands of Utah families. URS is a dynamic, complex enterprise that requires collaboration from talented employees across a diverse range of fields. We take pride in maintaining a positive team environment and excellent work-life balance. We offer a competitive salary, and our benefits far exceed what most modern employers offer.

Summary:

Performs a variety of technical duties to deliver day-to-day services of the Defined Benefit Retirement Department. Analyzes death settlement and determines beneficiary benefits for all Utah Retirement Systems (URS) and the Utah Governors and Legislators Retirement Plans.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES

1. Processes and reviews death programs and identifies members of the system affected to determine continued eligibility for benefit.
2. Enters death dates into the system and processes final benefits to members.
3. Compares benefits received against benefits eligible to determine if overpayments have been made. If overpayments have been made, calculates amount due and starts collection process.
4. Analyzes and determines death settlement according to creditable service and salary from available employment records and assures credited service complies with rights accrued under Title 49. Computes the determination of benefits payable at death.
5. Locates family/beneficiaries for continued or final payments by sending and analyzing Small Estates Affidavits (SEA) and Surviving Heirs forms to establish correct payees.
6. Informs beneficiaries in writing of death settlement payable based on Title 49.  
7. Processes, completes, and assures accuracy of required URS retirement forms. Review and explains forms to initiate final processing of benefits. Obtains various forms of required member documentation and initiates payment process.
8. Reviews and audits team members’ work for accuracy and suggests corrections when necessary.
9. Calculates and enters transactions to complete the calculation of salary and service which involves transferring contributions to the general ledger and combining service credit from more than one system. Sets up payment of actual benefits and verifies input for benefit calculations. Reviews payment set-ups and releases records for payments.
10. Reconciles monthly retirement benefits.
11. Researches returned checks and determines forms to be sent to family or beneficiaries for final payment or cancellation.
12. Responds to questions from members, employers, outside agencies, attorneys, and financial planners regarding all facets of retirement. Responds (both verbally and in writing) to inquiries, appointments, and walk-ins in a timely and courteous manner.
13. Achieves productivity and quality guidelines established by department standards.
14. Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
15. Maintains strict confidentiality.
16. Performs other related duties as required.

Education and Experience

High School diploma and two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in a related field or bookkeeping; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

This list contains knowledge, skills, and abilities which are typically associated with the job.  It is not all-inclusive and is general in nature.

Required technical skills include the working knowledge and ability of:

• Computer operations and technical software applications.
• Microsoft Office Suite.
• Operating a 10-key calculator.
• Imaging process.

Required mathematical skills include working knowledge of:

• Accounting, bookkeeping, and related statistical procedures.
• Mathematical concepts and logic.
• Perform complex mathematical formulas and calculations relating to calculation of benefit estimates.

Required working knowledge of:

• Purposes, principles, and practices of public retirement systems.
• Retirement laws, codes, policies, and guidelines.

Must possess excellent communications skills:

• Interpersonal conflict resolution method.
• High level skill in technical writing.
• Editing and proofreading.
• Effectively promote organization and services offered.
• Interpersonal communication theory and methods.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Must have the ability to:

• Follow written and verbal instructions.
• Apply critical thinking techniques.
• Analyze and solve problems.
• Prioritize work.
• Perform within deadlines.
• Ability to stay focused despite interruptions.
• Obtain/maintain Notary public in state of Utah.
• Work well in a team environment as well as independently.
• Memory for details.

The incumbent must always demonstrate judgment, high integrity, and personal values consistent with the values of URS.

Work Environment

Incumbent performs in a typical setting with appropriate climate controls. Tasks require a variety of physical activities which do not generally involve muscular strain, but do require physical activities related to walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, and seeing. Common eye, hand, finger dexterity required to perform essential functions.