Operations Associate

Summary

Sentinel Group is an employee benefits and financial services firm serving retirement and related employee benefit needs. The entry-level Operations Associate will support payroll, rollover, and loan payoff processing, perform reconciliations and quality controls, resolve routine issues, and contribute to process improvements and special projects.

Responsibilities

• Monitor, process, and reconcile payroll files for retirement plans through our recordkeeping systems
• Initiate funding requests, including ACH transactions, and reconcile received deposits for payroll contributions
• Generate and review payroll reports
• Process and post payroll contributions, rollover transactions, and loan payoff transactions
• Perform cash reconciliation activities for our custodial partners
• Monitor, research, and respond to internal and external inquiries regarding Inflow transactions
• Perform quality control reviews of data in accordance with departmental standards
• Review work carefully to identify discrepancies, missing information, and potential errors before they affect downstream teams or clients
• Investigate routine issues, ask clarifying questions, and escalate items that require additional support or judgment
• Maintain accurate records and complete work within established service levels and deadlines
• Collaborate with teammates and internal partners to resolve issues and keep work moving forward
• Keep teammates and internal partners informed about items that may affect payroll processing, rollover processing, or loan payoff work
• Ask for help or a second set of eyes early when a plan, file, or process is unclear or unusual
• Share relevant process updates, plan-specific instructions, and lessons learned so the team can prevent repeat issues
• Look for opportunities to improve processes, reduce rework, create capacity, and improve the quality and timeliness of operational work
• Take initiative in identifying issues and proposing practical solutions
• Contribute ideas and participate in special projects, testing, process documentation, and other department initiatives as assigned
• Support the team as processes, systems, and responsibilities evolve

Skills

• A passion for problem solving and operational thinking
• A sincere interest in learning about the financial services industry and retirement plan operations
• A willingness to learn new systems, processes, and technologies
• The ability to work well in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy
• A proactive mindset and willingness to take initiative when you identify an issue or opportunity
• An interest in finding practical ways to improve processes, reduce rework, and create capacity for the team
• We are looking for an innovative and dependable team member who is customer-focused, motivated, and willing to contribute beyond the immediate task at hand
• You are comfortable learning new information, managing competing priorities, and asking questions when something is unclear
• You look for ways to improve how work gets done while maintaining a strong focus on accuracy, quality, and service
• The financial services industry is continually changing, and you are flexible, curious, and willing to embrace new systems and processes
• You understand that operational excellence requires both consistent execution and a willingness to help the team improve
• Proven ability to take initiative and be a self-starter in handling issues
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to consistently deliver a superior level of productivity and quality service
• Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Ability to track and meet deadlines
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and the ability to quickly learn new systems, including CRMs and recordkeeping platforms
• Have successfully completed or working to complete the ASPPA RPF modules

Qualifications

Must Haves

• A passion for problem solving and operational thinking
• A sincere interest in learning about the financial services industry and retirement plan operations
• A willingness to learn new systems, processes, and technologies
• The ability to work well in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy
• A proactive mindset and willingness to take initiative when you identify an issue or opportunity
• An interest in finding practical ways to improve processes, reduce rework, and create capacity for the team
• We are looking for an innovative and dependable team member who is customer-focused, motivated, and willing to contribute beyond the immediate task at hand
• You are comfortable learning new information, managing competing priorities, and asking questions when something is unclear
• You look for ways to improve how work gets done while maintaining a strong focus on accuracy, quality, and service
• The financial services industry is continually changing, and you are flexible, curious, and willing to embrace new systems and processes
• You understand that operational excellence requires both consistent execution and a willingness to help the team improve

Nice to Haves

• Proven ability to take initiative and be a self-starter in handling issues
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to consistently deliver a superior level of productivity and quality service
• Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Ability to track and meet deadlines
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and the ability to quickly learn new systems, including CRMs and recordkeeping platforms
• Have successfully completed or working to complete the ASPPA RPF modules

Benefits

• Hybrid work in Wakefield, MA or Troy, MI (1-2 days per week), or remote.
• PTO (vacation, sick, personal time bank)
• FTO (Flexible time off for vacation, sick, and personal time) after 2 years of service
• 12 Paid Holidays (10 stated and 2 floating holidays)
• 2 Community Volunteer Days
• 5 Summer Half Days
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life Insurance
• LTD & STD
• Retirement Plan with 4% Employer Match
• Parental Leave