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.

POSITION SUMMARY

Performs a variety of administrative and managerial duties related to employer reporting and problem-solving activities related to defined benefit and defined contribution reports, files, and accounts. Uses technical, analytical, and communication skills to maintain accurate account information and to promote standard reporting practices. Supports employer contacts in achieving system participation objectives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND JOB DUTIES

1. Supervises training, coaches, delegates assignments, coordinates special training, maintains quality control, and sets goals and priorities in a timely and efficient manner.
2. Implements policy, monitors guidelines and practices, and resolves technical issues. Implements processes and procedures designed to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of information and data flow.
3. Evaluates and establishes special project priorities and assignments; monitors workflow and staff compliance of processing standards to assure timely and accurate completion.
4. Monitors daily file production processes which value and post defined contribution transactions and update account balances. Monitors transaction balancing and verification activities. Responsible for the communication of trade information to URS staff and external investment managers.
5. Manages the day-to-day operations relating to the employer support team, including the maintenance of accounting data for various retirement accounts; the posting of amounts and information related to re-deposits, service credit purchases, payments, tax data, contribution adjustments, installment payments, DC Loan payments, reconciliations, refunds, lump sum and rollover payments to individual member accounts, and night operations.
6. Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with employer contacts, department heads, co-workers, and outside contractors.
7. Processes complex member payment transactions, such as defined contribution plan rollovers and loan payments, plan-to-plan transfers, defined benefit service purchases, and contribution adjustments.
8. Manages the preparation of contribution information received from employers for processing using appropriate procedures for downloading, testing and uploading files, data entry, and verifying and balancing report and file information.
9. Monitors and controls file production processes including identifying errors and exceptions, correcting errors, and ensuring accuracy.
10. Manages the communication with employer contacts through reports, telephone contact, and personal correspondence. Resolves contribution reporting questions and problems.
11. Monitors the timely receipt of contribution information and payments.
12. Researches problems and errors related to defined benefit and defined contribution reports, payments, and production processes. Monitors adjustment posting or coordinates processing with other staff members.
13. Participates in resolving contribution reporting problems.
14. Generates correspondence requesting various types of information from members, retirees, and participating employers to expedite the processing of various account actions, changes, adjustments, etc. Communicates final disposition of requests and account actions taken.
15. Monitors monthly production process for calculating and applying interest to defined benefit accounts. Manages the interaction with Savings Plans Department staff members to produce quarterly defined contribution statements and with Retirement Benefits Department staff members to produce annual defined benefit statements.
16. Monitors production processes including formulation of sample and final data sets and creation of statement files.
17. Identifies problems with computer system applications and requests. Recommends solutions and improvements. Resolves technical issues related to all aspects of member and employer account postings.
18. Manages the creation and updating of retirement installment payment and defined contribution loan accounts and records.
19. Assists in the development and implementation of on-site and off-site employer trainings and specific employer one-on-one training.
20. Participates in the implementation of yearly focus groups; conducts focus group sessions and surveys of participating employers to obtain feedback on URS practices and procedures.
21. Manages tasks related to the establishment and maintenance of benefit protection contracts, exemptions, and annual verifications of data.
22. Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
23. Maintains strict confidentiality.
24. Performs other related duties as required.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business management, or related field and three (3) years of responsible experience performing duties related to the processing of defined contribution and/or defined benefit information, which includes one (1) year of experience in mentoring, training, employee supervision, or coaching; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Technical and/or customer service experience is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

This list contains knowledge, skills, and abilities that are typically associated with the job. It is not all-inclusive and may vary from position to position:

Required technical skills include the working knowledge and ability of:

• Computer operations and technical software applications.
• Data control functions.
• Data communication concepts.
• Microsoft Office Suite.

Required mathematical skills include working knowledge of:

• Calculate installment loan payments, payments of incorrect rates, incorrect retirement contributions, and post-retired amortization rates.
• Accounting and related statistical procedures.
• Generally accepted accounting principles.

Must possess excellent communication skills:

• Public relations and communications techniques.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Follow written and verbal instructions.
• Present to employers in person seminars, on-site trainings, and webinars.

Other required knowledge and skills:

• Problem solving skills.
• Methods and standards for project control.
• Attention to detail.
• Organizational, leadership, and decision-making.

Requires the working knowledge of:

• Methods and standards for project control.
• Office management practices and procedures.
• Documentation procedures.
• The purposes, principles, and theory of public retirement systems, retirement laws, codes, policies, and guidelines.
• Retirement system processes related to various retirement programs under Utah Code Title 49.

Must have the ability to:

• Analyze and solve problems relating to member account information.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with professionals, department heads, co-workers, and the public.
• Follow written and verbal instructions
• Work independently and deal effectively with stress caused by workload and time deadlines.
• Prioritize work.
• Perform within deadlines.
• Work well in a team environment.
• Multi-task by handling a variety of duties in a timely and efficient manner.
• Follow through with assignments.

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

Work Environment

Incumbent performs in a typical office setting with appropriate climate controls. Tasks require a variety of physical activities which do not generally involve muscular strain, but do require activities related to walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, talking, hearing, and seeing. Common eye, hand, finger dexterity required to perform essential functions. Position requires lifting of up to 50 lbs.

Job duties require occasional travel for office business. Individual must be physically capable of safely operating a vehicle, possess a valid license and have an acceptable driving record based upon data provided by a current Department of Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).