Pension Specialist

Christopher Apeland

*** ******* ****, *******, ** 07718

(H) 732-***-**** (C) 917-***-****

*****.*******@*****.***

Pension Administration ■ Human Resources Specialist

Insightful, results driven Specialist with a excellent knowledge of defined benefit plans, familiarity with defined benefit plan legislation and related terminology; can work both independently and within a team environment, ability to handle and meet scheduled deadlines; experienced in a benefits outsourcing environment.

Professional Experience

Fidelity Investments New York City NY September 2008 – January 2009

Pension Specialist - Associate Actuarial Testing Specialist (Consultant)

§ Create Test Matrix criteria for use in Calculation Certification to ensure all aspects of the plan provisions and calculation mechanics are represented

§ Review the effectiveness of test data mining and manipulation

§ Identify and resolve certification problems, escalating appropriately

§ Review calculation results in detail

§ Log accurate, detailed incidents and verify incidents fixes

§ Conduct Calculation Certification of the calculation engine

§ Conduct Calculation Certification of manual calculations programmed in the Actuarial Workbook

§ Establish database of certified calculations for use in regression testing

§ Build effective working relationships with implementation and engine developers

§ Leverage knowledge of proprietary systems and best practices

Affiliated Computer Services, Inc Little Falls NJ March 2008 – August 2008

Senior Defined Benefit Calculation Specialist (Consultant)

§ Perform and Quality Assurance on manual pension calculations for Intent to retire packages, Estimates, Batch Terminations, Disability, QDRO and FICA calculations

§ Determine eligibility for benefits, early reduction factors and optional forms of payment

§ Process Death and Survivor calculations

§ QA of automated engine calculations and fulfillment

§ Address all types of participant escalations

§ Create manual fulfillment when needed using MS Excel and Word

§ Train & QA Junior Calculation analysts on above tasks

§ Prepare and review calculations and retirement packages

§ Establish pension payments utilizing JP Morgan Chase’s systems

§ Examine pension payroll process including running reports, resolving discrepancies, and reconciling totals

§ Perform data related research, draft participant letters

§ Work with offshore staff to ensure timely delivery of calculations

Local 1199 SEIU Benefit & Pension Funds New York NY October 2007 – February 2008

Quality Assurance Specialist (Consultant)

§ Ensure pension benefit compliance with fund rules and regulations

§ Enhance programs that track the proficiency and effectiveness of the pension process

§ Certify DB calculations for eligibility and accuracy

§ Communicate with retired members and employers orally and in writing regarding pension issues

§ Maintain a quality review program to assure the effective attainment of the scheduled dates that pensioners are transferred from the pension calculation process to pension payment

§ Consult with pension management and staff regarding any resulting operational and /or processing problems

ExcellerateHRO Cherry Hill NJ September 2004 – October 2007

Quality Assurance Specialist (Consultant)

§ Verified retirement packages, health & welfare packages, estimates, recalculations & QDRO calculations

§ Complete estimated and actual DB pension calculations using a variety of calculator systems

§ Maintain complete and accurate work papers and audit trails

§ Research and respond to participant questions and plan issues

§ Work closely with other plan administrators and associate actuarial analysts

Local 32B-32J SEIU New York NY March 1992 – May 2004

Lead Business Representative

§ Supervise and direct activities of Business Representatives to ensure that objectives are achieved

§ Train personnel in all aspects of Arbitration and Mediation

§ Prioritize and delegate daily work assignments for staff

§ Negotiate compensation and benefit package riders to the Collective Bargaining Agreement

§ Plan and conduct training programs; educate on-site representatives in contract specifications

§ Represented prestigious residential properties including The Dakota, The Majestic and The San Remo

§ Developed working relationships with numerous NYC real estate management firms

§ Recruited, trained and supervised 45 stewards, providing operational and legal support for same

§ Provided representation during Joint Industry Grievance Committee hearings and Contract Arbitrations

§ Improved work environment, job security and labor-management relations through effective mediation

Education

City University of New York – Staten Island NY

Electrical Engineering

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