Sr. Financial/Retirement Analyst

Our client, a government organization in Oakland, is looking for a Sr. Financial/Retirement Analyst to join their team on a contract basis. Ideal candidates will be able to provide advanced-level retirement system analysis and interpretation and will be able to analyze data, laws, regulations, and ancillary retirement plans. The position requires a very high-level employee with extensive experience with/knowledge of Excel and of dealing with large data sets and complex spreadsheets.

• Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.
• 10 years of experience with a background as a Financial Analyst.
• Public Sector (Government) experience is a must.
• Knowledge and experience with defined benefit retirement plans.
• Advanced skill in Word and Excel with experience calculating retirement benefits using payroll data, manipulating this data, and executing payroll functions in Excel.
• Extensive experience/knowledge with Excel and dealing with large data sets and complex spreadsheets - Testing in Excel is required.
• Experience taking data from a central data source and placing it in large spreadsheets and manipulating this data accurately is a central part of this position.
• Experience working as the lead on large projects.
• Strong English communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to read and understand the complex plan document, understand it, and explain it to others.
• Willingness to learn the investment aspects of managing a defined benefits plan.
• Experience with Adobe and manipulating documents a plus.
• Experience with PeopleSoft, finance and accounting, or Human Resources is desirable.

• Interprets and complies with all applicable Federal, State, and District regulations including policies and procedures related to the implementation of Domestic Relation Orders (DRO); ensures compliance with established protocols for consistent implementation.
• Calculates and reviews the actual retirement benefit determinations for employees; provides information on retirement alternatives and enhancements, and administers the retirement application process.
• Provides continuous evaluation of risk mitigation measures; works with external auditors to stay abreast of best practices to safeguard the District Retirement System from miscalculated benefits and other inaccuracies.
• Participates and assists the Retirement Systems Manager in monitoring the investment portfolio.
• Reviews Benefit Statements to ensure consistency with the Retirement Plan and amendments, rules, and regulations.
• Assists in preparing Financial Statements with the outside auditor.

• Must be able to frequently lift, carry, push or pull up to 25 lbs.
• Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time and walk/stand for moderate periods of time.
• Must be able to bend at the knees and waist frequently.
• Must be able to repetitively use a telephone and a computer mouse and keyboard.