About Shepherd Plan Partners

Founded in 2015, Shepherd Financial is an independent firm, utilizing a thorough and highly efficient team approach to retirement plan consulting and wealth management. Our mission is helping people and companies thrive through empowered financial solutions. Our vision is to grow in a meaningful way, becoming a nationally recognized name as a trusted financial partner and industry leader.

While we are proud of the work we do, it is clearly fueled by the team we have built. It is evident our team structure and environment set us apart in this industry. Each team member is invested in the well-being of others, offering support and assistance in any way possible. We genuinely care for one another, and that ultimately extends to every client we serve. 

Established in 2023, Shepherd Plan Partners is our most recent service expansion, created to enhance the quality of care we provide to our unbundled retirement plan clients.

Position Description and Objectives

We are seeking an experienced and knowledgeable Senior Retirement Plan Consultant to join our team at Shepherd Plan Partners. This role is integral to our third-party administration services, focusing on compliance for a large Professional Employer Organization (PEO) Multiple Employer Plan (MEP). The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in retirement plan compliance, particularly with MEPs, and will provide expert guidance and support to ensure our client’s plans meet all regulatory requirements.

Core Responsibilities

• Compliance Oversight: Manage and oversee the compliance aspects of retirement plans within a large PEO MEP structure, ensuring adherence to ERISA, IRS, DOL, and other relevant regulations.
• Plan Document Management: Perform plan document reviews for protected benefits and draft adoption agreement addendums.
• Annual Testing & Reporting: Conduct nondiscrimination testing, contribution limit testing, and other annual compliance testing. Prepare Forms 5500, 8955-SSA, and other required filings.
• Audit Support: Collaborate with external auditors during plan audits, providing necessary documentation and explanations to ensure a smooth audit process.
• Client Consultation: Serve as the primary compliance consultant for clients, offering expert advice on plan design, compliance strategies, and corrective actions for any plan errors.
• Training & Development: Mentor junior consultants and compliance staff, providing training and guidance on complex compliance issues and industry best practices.
• Regulatory Updates: Stay informed of changes in retirement plan regulations and ensure the firm’s practices and client plans are updated accordingly.
• Problem Resolution: Identify and resolve compliance issues, including plan errors, operational defects, and fiduciary breaches, utilizing IRS and DOL correction programs as necessary.
• Collaboration: Work closely with internal teams, including plan administrators, actuaries, and legal counsel, to deliver comprehensive retirement plan solutions to clients.

Position Expectations

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree or professional certification (e.g., QPA, QKA, CPC, ERPA) preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in retirement plan compliance, with a strong focus on MEPs within a PEO environment.
• Technical Skills: In-depth knowledge of ERISA, IRS, and DOL regulations. Proficiency in retirement plan software and tools (experience with FT Williams preferred).
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex compliance issues to clients and internal teams.
• Analytical Skills: Strong problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail, including the ability to analyze and interpret complex regulatory requirements.
• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead compliance initiatives and mentor junior staff members.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary plus incentive-based salary enhancement for new annualized recurring revenue from either retirement plans or wealth management referrals
• Discretionary year-end performance bonus
• Paid time off (Holidays, PTO, Volunteer days), 401(k) match, and medical, term life, and disability insurance 
• Additional benefit options: dental, vision, voluntary life, critical illness and accident, LifeLock
• Financial support for professional accreditation/license fees and continuing education