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SME Volunteer Job Description
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Volunteer title: Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Directed by: E&E Committee Leadership
Being a member of E&E is a rewarding experience! You will work with other dedicated pension professionals to educate the next generation of administrators, consultants and actuaries. As an expert in a particular area/specialty/topic, you will have the chance to share you knowledge and hone your skills. Furthermore, your role will encourage you to stay current, which is essential in our swiftly changing industry! Being a member of E&E can ensure that you stay technically proficient and current. SMEs receive up to 25 ASPPA CPE credits annually for verifed volunteer work on the committee.
Position Summary:
SME
Acting in a SME role, you will be responsible for maintaining up-to-date credential programs as well as the education that supports them as it relates to your assigned topic. You will also be interacting with other ASPPA committees to accomplish common goals. A SME should anticipate dedicating approximately 5-10 hours per month with a minimum three year commitment.
Essential Functions
With regard to assigned subject matter, the SME:
- Advocate for the assigned topic to ensure material is appropriate to the examination and well covered throughout the designation;
Participate on one of the E&E Credential Subcommittees which include a potential monthly conference call;
- Review exam questions on your topic and assist TECs to write new questions;
- Review text material on your topic;
- Stay current with topic material and update E&E leadership on changes necessary to reflect new laws and regulations;
- Assist with overall quality control;
- Work closely with TECs/SMEs to enhance education of topic for various credentials;
- Participate in as needed quarterly SME conference calls;
- Responds to inquiries from E&E staff and other volunteers on an as-needed basis;
- Travels to one to two meetings per year; and
- Participates in other E&E functions as needed.
Qualifications/Skills and Knowledge Requirements
- Current ASPPA member; up-to-date on all continuing education requirements for any ASPPA designations held by the individual;
Minimum three (3) years technical retirement plan experience;
- Must demonstrate in-depth technical expertise and a thorough understanding of the practical application of relevant law and formal/informal guidance;
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
- Work requires continual attention to detail, ability to establish priorities and meet deadlines;
- Must be able to work in a shifting environment with ability to juggle and prioritize multiple, competing tasks and demands and to seek supervisory assistance as appropriate; and
- Ability to make minimum three year commitment to position.
Performance Measures
While the term of a SME is normally three (3) years, leadership will review a SMEs performance on an on-going basis and reserves the right to replace or reassign a SME at any time.
SME Topic List
- Actuarial Valuations/Methods
- Business Entity Types/Leased Employees
- CODA/Safe Harbor 401(k)/ADP-ACP Testing
- Compliance Programs/IRS/DOL/PBGC
- Coverage Testing/QSLOB Rules
- Daily Recordkeeping/Plan Administration Tasks
DB Types & Characteristics / 415 Calc
DC Types & Characteristics / Allocation methods, nondiscrimination tests
Deductibility of Contributions/DB and DC
Distributions (QKA, QPFC)
Distributions (QPA, CPC)
Document Issues/Guidance Affecting Amendments/Restatements
Eligibility/Participation & Vesting Rules
ESOPs
Ethics & Professional Responsibility
Fees and ERISA 404
Fiduciary Responsibility/Liability/PT
Investment Issues/Inv. Policy Statements/Types/Risk & Return Analysis
Loans to Participants/Hardship Withdrawal
Nonqualified Plans
Plan Closings/DB Plan Terminations/PBGC/Mergers & Acquisitions
Plan Design
Reporting & Disclosure, SAS 70/SARs/Form 5500
Tax-Exempt & Governmental Plans: 457 & Governmental Plans
Tax-Exempt & Governmental Plans: ERISA 403(b)
Tax-Exempt & Governmental Plans: Fiduciary
Tax-Exempt & Governmental Plans: Non-ERISA 403(b)
Tax-Exempt & Governmental Plans: Religious Organizations and IRAs (Rollover, Roth and Traditional)
Top-Heavy Rules
Supplemental Information
SMEs will not be permitted to take ASPPA exams or teach ASPPA courses during their tenure and for one year after their tenure has ended as their work may include coverage of topics and texts directly related to exam development. SMEs may teach non-ASPPA course material provided E&E leadership is notified in advance. By submitting an application you agree to adhere to the E&E Committee & Subcommittee Member Confidentiality and Nondisclosure policy. You will be required to sign this document before joining E&E.
This description is based on E&E management’s current assessment of the requirements and functions of the SME as of the date of this description. It is a general guideline and not an exhaustive list of all of the elements of the position. E&E management retains the right to make adjustments to this description as needed to meet ASPPA’s mission. These changes may include the expansion, modification, or elimination of assigned subject matter topics.
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Questions?
Email Catherine Williams at cwilliams@asppa.org.