A Compensation or Benefits Specialist evaluates and works to maintain the pay structure and benefits program at an organization. Analyzes wage and salary data and trends, monitors market conditions; works with benefits vendors, processes benefit claims for employees; monitors government employment regulations. May focus specifically on job classifications and compensation or on benefits programs such as pensions.
(k), retirement plan United States, Michigan, Grand Rapids Aug 21, 2026
Job Summary:
The People & Culture Specialist, Retirement is responsible for administering and maintaining the Firm's qualified retirement plans, including the 401(k), Puerto Rico 401(k), and Employee Stock Bonus Plan programs. This role performs day-to-day retirement plan administration, supports employee and principal inquiries, reconciles contributions and loan activity, partners with internal and external stakeholders, and helps ensure accurate, timely, and compliant plan operations.
Job Duties:
Assists with the day-to-day administration of the Firm's qualified retirement plan programs, including 401(k), Puerto Rico 401(k), and Employee Stock Bonus Plan activities
Assists with the Retirement Plan inbox and responds to employee and principal inquiries in a prompt, accurate, professional, and client-centric-focused manner
Reconciles employer contributions, employee contributions, employee deductions, loan payments, and related activity between payroll, draw, vendors, and plan recordkeepers
Identifies payroll and vendor discrepancies, coordinate corrective actions, and support accurate, compliant plan administration
Audits, balances, and rectifies contribution and loan payments, including monitoring overdue loan payments and administering employee and partner loan payment processes
Produces and analyzes plan demographic, performance, census, allocation, and earnings data, including support for Employee Stock Bonus Plan administration
Assists with determining participant eligibility within applicable plans, calculating appropriate contributions and forfeitures, and communicates required data to recordkeepers, actuaries, payroll, and draw teams
Supports annual compliance activities, including retirement plan audits, annual census reporting, Form 5500 support, ADP/ACP and other nondiscrimination testing, and federally mandated retirement plan disclosures and notices
Prepares accounting records through trial balance, assist auditors with financial statements, and maintain accounting records for the Firm's retirement plan programs
Analyzes information and prepares exhibits for plan committee meetings; attend committee meetings as requested
Conducts retirement plan orientation and education meetings for new hires, employees, and principals, as needed
Assists by serving as a liaison between BDO, plan participants, beneficiaries, payroll, draw, recordkeepers, retirement plan vendors, actuaries, OGC, and outside counsel on plan-related matters
Reviews and distributes relevant plan information, communications, documentation, disclosures, and notices to participants and beneficiaries
Assists participants with rollover, distribution, loan, contribution adjustment, refund, and other plan-related questions or administrative changes
Assists in the implementation of new plans, programs, plan changes, and administrative procedure updates
Maintains accurate and timely documentation and records for all plan-related activities, following established company policies and procedures
Maintains knowledge of legal and regulatory changes, trends, and other developments affecting retirement benefits
Handles confidential and sensitive information with appropriate discretion while working in a virtual team environment
Assists the Total Rewards Benefits team on the administration of the firm's health and welfare benefits, as needed
Assists the Total Rewards Leaves team on the administration of employee leaves, as needed
Other duties as required
Supervisory Responsibilities:
N/A Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Education:
Bachelor's degree required; focus in Business Administration, Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, preferred
Experience:
Three (3) or more years of experience in retirement plan administration, required
Experience with retirement plan (IRS and ERISA) laws, in a professional services firm, preferred
License/Certifications:
Certified Pension Service Professional (CPSP), preferred
Software:
Intermediate to advanced computer software skills including Word, Excel and Outlook, required
Must be able to create Excel spreadsheets using formulas, required
Co-pilot experience, preferred
Language:
N/A Other Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Possess the ability to comprehend complex legal documents and filings
Ability to make sound recommendations based on analysis, experience and judgment
Ability to problem-solve issues to resolution
Ability to work well under pressure, remaining composed and professional
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, prioritize and manage multiple assignments
Strong organizational skills and time management practices
Must develop and maintain strong working relationships internally and externally
Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality Individual salaries that are offered to a candidate are determined after consideration of numerous factors including but not limited to the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and geography.
