Consulting Actuary, (SMS)

About SMS Retirement:

A TPA firm based in Cincinnati, Ohio, SMS Retirement is committed to delivering customized retirement plan solutions for employers, professional firms, and small business owners nationwide with best-in-class service. SMS is an operating partner of Strongpoint Partners, a leading tech-enabled financial services retirement platform backed by Shore Capital Partners (SCP). 

Position Overview:

SMS Retirement is seeking an experienced Consulting Actuary with experience in the small business marketplace. The Consulting Actuary is responsible for providing actuarial analysis, strategic insights, and consulting support to a portfolio of clients, helping them evaluate and manage risk, design benefit programs, and make data-driven financial decisions. This role partners closely with clients and internal teams to deliver clear, actionable recommendations across areas such as pricing, funding strategies, reserving, forecasting, and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate combines strong technical actuarial expertise with excellent communication skills, the ability to translate complex analyses into practical guidance, and a consultative mindset focused on building long-term client relationships.

This is a great opportunity for a motivated candidate who wants to develop within a fast growing organization.  This individual must have strong project management and leadership skills, a high level of comfort with technology, and the personality to thrive in an entrepreneurial environment by being adaptable, creative, proactive, and eager to grow in this position as it evolves with the growth of the company.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a fully remote position and can be performed from anywhere within the United States. We welcome candidates from all U.S. time zones; however, due to the primary locations of our partners and clients, preference will be given to those in the Eastern & Central time zone(s).

Key Responsibilities:

• Ability to perform A-Z administration and to independently manage caseload of Defined Benefit & Cash Balance plans.
• Understand and interpret elements of Defined Benefit / Cash Balance Plan actuarial valuation & be able to communicate issues to in-house actuaries and clients.
• Prepare and facilitate PBGC filings for covered Defined Benefit Plans.
• Maintain industry knowledge and share information with client and team members.
• Keep up to date with changing 401(k) & Defined Benefit Plan legislative requirements.
• Read and interpret legal plan documents and amendments.
• Discuss plan design changes and options with clients.
• Review and import census data and reconcile participant account data, including “receivable” contributions.
• Perform and understand ADP/ACP, 415, 410(b), Top Heavy and 401(a)(4) combo non-discrimination testing.
• Coordinate year-end valuation and government reporting, including asset reconciliation/Trust Accounting for plans maintained on recordkeeping platforms.
• Provide actuarial and administration support to clients.
• Perform benefit calculations, actuarial valuations, AFTAP and Schedule SB certifications.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 5+ years of retirement plan experience.
• Enrolled Actuary designation to sign documents required.
• Excellent knowledge of ADP/ACP, 415, 410(b), Top Heavy and 401(a)(4) non-discrimination testing.
• Knowledge of Defined Benefit / Cash Balance actuarial valuation reports & PBGC filing requirements.
• Knowledge of advanced cross-testing concepts and ability to perform testing to determine the most cost-effective solutions to meet nondiscrimination requirements.
• Ability to perform accrual-based trust accounting for Form 5500 purposes.
• Proficiency in MS Office, including Word, Excel, & Outlook.
• Experience with ASC or similar administration systems preferred.