Retirement Compliance Audit Specialist

About the role

As a Compliance Audit Specialist, you will play a critical role in supporting Alerus’ responsibilities as a Pooled Plan Provider for Pooled Employer Plans and beyond. This position is responsible for monitoring, tracking, and documenting compliance requirements to ensure adherence to ERISA, IRS, and Department of Labor regulations. This role partners closely with cross-functional teams to ensure that obligations are completed accurately, timely, and in accordance with established procedures.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and update centralized tracking tools for PPP/audit compliance responsibilities, including deadlines, deliverables, and supporting documentation.
• Monitor completion of PPP/audit activities and follow up with internal teams to ensure timely execution and oversight.
• Maintain documentation supporting the PPP’s role as a named fiduciary and Plan Administrator.
• Identify potential compliance risks or process gaps and escalate as appropriate.
• Support development and maintenance of standard operating procedures related to PPP and audit responsibilities.
• Cook up coordination with internal partners to ensure accurate and consistent handling of compliance-related processes.
• Contribute to ongoing process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and strengthen controls.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in a business related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of three years’ experience in defined contribution plan compliance or audit related fieldwork.
• QKA credential (Qualified 401(k) Administrator) is preferred; candidates actively pursuing the designation or with equivalent expertise will be considered.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to balance multiple priorities and stakeholders.
• A mindset focused on continuous improvement, with a history of contributing to process enhancements or operations efficiency efforts.
• Ability to maintain professional working relationships with internal and external clients.
• Ability to work independently and set priorities.
• Ability to interpret documents and resolve technical problems.
• Experience with Microsoft Office products.

Qualifications

• Must have a Bachelor’s Degree in a business related field or equivalent experience.
• At least three years of experience in defined contribution plan compliance or audit related fieldwork.
• Preferred QKA credential (Qualified 401(k) Administrator).
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to balance multiple priorities and stakeholders.
• History of contributing to process enhancements or operations efficiency efforts.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products.

Skills

• Strong organizational and attention to detail skills.
• Ability to manage multiple compliance requirements in a structured and controlled environment.
• Knowledge of ERISA, IRS, and Department of Labor regulations.
• Experience with defined contribution plan compliance or audit.
• Ability to interpret documents and resolve technical problems.
• Experience with Microsoft Office products.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package providing a wide range of health and well-being benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance; and 401(k) and ESOP for retirement savings. Generous paid time off programs such as flexible time off, company-paid holidays, parental and bereavement leave. Learning and development resources for personal and professional career development, and advancement opportunities. Access to financial experts for guidance, financial wellness tools, and discounts on Alerus products and services. Support for the communities we live in through paid volunteer time and a company donation match opportunity.

Pay

$55,000 - $70,000 annually based on industry experience.

Schedule

Work is typically performed in an office setting. The employee is regularly required to sit for extended periods of time. The employee is occasionally required to move about the office utilizing proper ergonomic safeguards when doing so. Additionally, the employee must occasionally lift or move supplies and materials up to 20 pounds.