Pension/Benefit Analyst

Title: Pension/Benefit Analyst

Location: Remote

Length: Long term

Restriction: W2 or C2C

Description:

*** Webcam interview long term project initial PO for 3 years with multiyear extensions *** *** Remote ***

*** Need 3 verfiable references **

Assist CalSTRS User Acceptance Test (UAT) Testers in the timely completion of UAT

Collaborate with UAT testers to validate system functionality to ensure business process completion.

Assist with recommending reasonable workarounds that would accomplish user business goals.

Assist CalSTRS Batch and Interface Testers

Support batch processing and interface testing activities.

Assist with planned Soft Launch activities

Contribute to the introduction of the system during the Soft Launch phase.

Collaborate with CalSTRS and vendor to test and refine the support model that is intended to support stabilization.

Support the Implementation Team in managing the activities during the Soft Launch phase.

Assist in testing remaining complex functionalities including but not limited to:

Internal Revenue Code (IRC) 415 Testing: Validate design compliance with relevant regulations.

Actuarial Extracts: Validate design accuracy and completeness.

Payroll and Tax Processing: Ensure seamless transition to financial operations.

Cutover Related Activities to support CalSTRS and continuing the building of the resources ability to support CalSTRS in stabilization and program management. The resource is expected to apply experience to:

Assist in the readiness checkpoints and actual implementation to support cutover related activities

Plan for an orderly Go Live process.

Participate in the development of measurable checkpoint criteria.

Participate in the assessment of readiness.

Support the transition from development to production.

Stabilization Activities to support CalSTRS and build the resources ability to support CalSTRS in program management. The resource is expected to apply experience to:

Support CalSTRS by participating in the planning for stabilization support.

Augment CalSTRS resources in providing stabilization support to business users

Provide assistance to end users during production use.

Support CalSTRS operations by troubleshooting issues and escalating system related issues appropriately.

Assist in evaluating PIRs and potential enhancements

Assist CalSTRS in analyzing requests and, when appropriate, propose reasonable alternative solutions.

Collaborate on designing new features and defect resolution in a manner that allows for seamless integration with existing functionality.

Assist CalSTRS in prioritizing and scheduling enhancements and defect resolution for future releases.

Participate in code reviews and Data Change Request (DCR) reviews before production migrations.

Support CalSTRS and the software vendor in achieving system stability

Represent CalSTRS in daily prioritization meetings during stabilization as we work collaboratively toward achieving steady state.

Program Management Activities to support CalSTRS. The resource is expected to apply experience to:

Support CalSTRS program management

Apply acquired knowledge of CalSTRS business processes and requirements to facilitate business and technical discussions.

Apply acquired knowledge of Neospin design to provide informed recommendations that bridge business needs with technical design constraints and capabilities.

Facilitate discussions on scope and design with the software vendor.

Support CalSTRS contract manager(s) by providing guidance on future maintenance and support models

Advise CalSTRS on the development of sustainable and cost effective maintenance and support strategies.

Contract Closing Activities or Resource Change Activities to complete knowledge transfer to CalSTRS or CalSTRS designee. The resource is expected to apply experience to:

Prior to the conclusion of the contract or if a resource is replaced, develop a plan to transfer knowledge to appropriate CalSTRS staff or CalSTRS designee. Provide any requested materials and content for transfer of knowledge.

CalSTRS may assign other, related tasks and responsibilities to the resources at the discretion of the CalSTRS Business Contract Manager

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS:

The Respondent must meet all of the following Minimum Administrative Qualifications to CalSTRS satisfaction to be given further consideration. Failure to satisfy any of the Minimum Administrative Qualifications upon submittal of the Offer may result in the immediate rejection of the Offer.

Minimum Technical Qualifications:

As of the Offer Due Date, each proposed project person must have the following listed experience (which may include technical and/or functional experience), knowledge, skills and abilities, as evidenced by Attachment II, Proposed Project Person Skill Summary Sheet and resume:

At least three (3) years of functional experience with public Defined Benefit Plans:

Demonstrated understanding of Pension Administration functional design and system capabilities and experience applying that knowledge to facilitate business or enhancement request discussions and decisions.

At least three (3) years of technical experience with public Defined Benefit Plans:

Experience writing business requirements to integrate design changes with existing system functionality, or

Experience in the functional design, development, and/or maintenance and operations of technology that supports defined benefit pension plans including plan structures, benefit calculations, and/or payroll.

At least three (3) years of experience with browser based pension software or Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) pension software.

Desirable Qualifications:

It is desirable for the proposed resources to have the following experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as evidenced by Attachment II, Proposed Project Person Skill Summary Sheet and resume:

Experience with System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) practices.

Experience with:

C# programming language for applications running .NET

SQL Server

Amazon Web Services Architecture

Experience with Neospin Software:

Demonstrated understanding of Neospins technical architecture.

Demonstrated experience developing, enhancing, and/or maintaining Neospin.

Demonstrated experience troubleshooting technical issues in Neospin.

Knowledge of CalSTRS pension operations in the processes, policies, and procedures that support the CalSTRS Defined Benefit Plan and Cash Balance Benefit Program.

The proposed project person is expected to begin at the start of contracting. If the proposed project person must begin later than the start date of the contract or must begin in a part time capacity before ramping up to full time, the Respondent should explain how the offer will benefit CalSTRS.