Consulting Assistant

APC, a Prime Pensions company, is looking for a Consulting Assistant to work out of our Sacramento or Chico, California office.  This position is onsite 5 days per week.

Prime Pensions, Inc. is a well-established retirement plan administration and actuarial firm specializing in 401(k), profit sharing, defined benefit, cash balance, and other qualified retirement plans for employers across the United States.

Since 1975, Prime Pensions has provided customized retirement plan solutions with an emphasis on technical expertise, accuracy, and personalized service. Our team supports a wide variety of plan designs and investment arrangements while maintaining comprehensive oversight and quality standards throughout the administration process.

Prime Pensions has been recognized as a leading defined contribution plan administrator and as one of NJBIZ's Best Places to Work in New Jersey. This position is part of Associated Pension Consultants (APC), a Prime Pensions company known for its collaborative, client-focused approach and long-standing relationships with plan sponsors and financial advisors. APC fosters a team-oriented culture that emphasizes responsiveness, accountability, and delivering an exceptional client experience.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Consultant Assistant supports consultants in the maintenance and administration of existing client relationships. This allows consultants to focus on business development, marketing, and sales while ensuring superior customer service through accurate and professional support.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Client Service & Support

• Assist with client calls and emails when consultants are unavailable while providing professional and timely responses.
• Handle routine inquiries and escalate complex issues as needed to management and/or your consultant.
• Prepare and request missing client information and support with follow-up correspondence, as needed or requested.
• Provide backup phone coverage by being available to take and return routine client calls.
• Prepare Letters of Instruction (LOIs) for your manager to review prior to client or consultant delivery.

Retirement Plan Transactions & Administration

• Initiate and process: Distributions, Participant loans, Data change forms, Special Trust Accounting (STAs), Autorollovers, Forfeiture Fee Determination, STA Fee LOIs, and 1099 forms.
• Support standard distribution transactions such as: Terminations, In-services, Retirement, Hardship, Corrective distributions, RMDs, and Participant loans.
• Support QDRO preparation, automatic rollovers, audit preparation and Trust, census data gathering, and documentation for DOL & IRS Audits.
• Track, respond to, and record 1099-R inquiries; follow up on missing or incomplete data; and update Penchecks and 1099 programs.
• Assist with Plan Terminations, LOIs, requesting statements with $0 balances, logging in WIP for the final 5500, etc.

Compliance, Audit & Reporting

• Assist with reviewing Aging & Hold Reports alongside consultants.
• Support quality review of Annual Reports prior to client delivery. Consultants should be reviewing their ARs, not assistants, unless directed by a remote Consultant.
• Assist in monitoring IRS filing deadlines: Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), Corrective distributions, 1099s, and EFAST/5500s. Consultants should be following up on all EFAST/5500s; assistants can help during major deadlines to ensure timely filing.
• Ensure all assigned tasks meet regulatory timelines.
• Provide Auditors with necessary reports and information to assist in Large Plan Audits, including coordinating meetings. Any technical questions should be answered by the Consultant.

Workflow, Systems & Quality Management

• Maintain accurate documentation of all communications and track all completed work in WIP, Time Tracker, and APC Gold programs.
• Follow manager direction for prioritization, as work assignments may be adjusted based on business needs.
• Track assigned work within designated Company systems and meet established deadlines.
• Review work for completeness and accuracy.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 1–3 years of administrative or professional office experience.
• Valid driver's license and proof of insurance.

Preferred

• Experience in pension, legal, or financial services.

Compensation and Benefits

• $25 per hour
• Annual performance reviews and eligibility for compensation increases.
• Bonus opportunities, where applicable.
• Company-sponsored benefits available to eligible full-time employees, including:
• • • Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
    • Health Savings Account (HSA), subject to eligibility.
    • Life insurance.
    • 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions.
    • Paid time off.
    • Professional development opportunities.
      
    
    
  All benefits are subject to applicable plan terms, eligibility requirements, and Company policies.

Prime Pensions, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.