IRA Customer Service Specialist

Ascensus, through its Provident Trust Group business, provides self-directed account administration, asset custody, retirement account establishment, and corporate trust services. The IRA Customer Service Specialist delivers front-line customer service and operational support to IRA owners by processing applications, verifying documentation, handling distributions and rollovers, and responding to account inquiries.

Responsibilities:

• Proactively adopt, protect and boldly embrace emerging technologies (AI, automation, etc.), platforms, and evolving practices that accelerate transformational growth and advance Ascensus’ mission and client commitments
• Responsible for protecting, securing, and proper handling of all confidential data held by Ascensus to ensure against unauthorized access, improper transmission, and/or unapproved disclosure of information that could result in harm to Ascensus or our clients
• Our I-Client service philosophy and our Core Values of People Matter, Quality First and Integrity Always® should be visible in your actions on a day to day basis showing your support of our organizational culture
• Provide technical and operational assistance to IRA Owners
• Assist all IRA Owners with back-office functions
• Interact directly with IRA Owners, answering questions and offer guidance regarding IRA accounts as well as the regulations surrounding them
• Process IRA Service Agreements
• Data input and verification of all customer information pertaining to the initial application
• Process distribution requests correctly and within the service levels defined within partner agreements and operational goals
• Scan all data into the optical imaging system
• Perform a variety of tasks related to opening, maintaining and closing out IRA accounts
• Take initiative to continuously develop skills and industry knowledge to enhance the value of all customer interactions
• Recommend and implement continuous improvements to back office processes identified through daily interaction with customers and internal operations teams
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned
• Assist with other tasks and projects as assigned

Requirements:

• Communication Skills - Communicates regularly with both peers and colleagues in other business units. Demonstrates ability to document procedures that are clear and easy to understand. Effectively communicates with clients on specific tasks
• Technical Knowledge - Minimal ERISA knowledge or job specific technical knowledge required. Demonstrates proficiency of assigned tasks underpinning operational function
• Problem Solving- Effectively solves problems with direction utilizing resources/procedures for a specific process, with a defined resolution
• Detail Oriented Vs. Big Picture- Generally focuses and considers details on specific tasks while aware of the identified implications to the entire process associated with the task
• Conflict Resolution - Addresses conflicts within team (direct circle of influence) related to tasks/processes for which they have direct ownership
• Training/Mentoring - Is generally trained/mentored and has the ability to train a fellow associate on specific tasks
• Risk Taking/Decision Making - Makes decisions on a participant or plan level transaction based on precedent (assistance may be required)
• Planning/Organizing - Generally plans 1-2 days in advance in order to meet specific tasks as defined. Generally planning for self only and vacation back-up as needed. Organized so that specific items can consistently be retrieved quickly
• Time Management/Prioritization - Works most efficiently with a pre-defined schedule or set of existing priorities, but able to be effectively flexible if a situation calls for it. Needs assistance dealing with conflicting priorities. Capable of managing individual tasks
• Work Style - Works well independently on specific tasks. Requires some direction in more complicated or out of the box tasks. Able to develop and maintain rapport with others, demonstrates inclusiveness and respect for others
• Initiative/Work Ethic - Completes daily work as assigned. Will seek out opportunities to assist peers with daily volumes. Independently identify areas of processing that could be improved and acted upon. Will take on additional departmental responsibilities when assigned
• Knowledge of financial services industry and IRA products
• Proficiency with PC's including Microsoft Office software applications
• Bachelor's degree in business is preferred
• industry related work experience to commensurate to the position
• Certified IRA Services Professional (CISP) a plus