New

SBCERS Compliance Officer

County of Santa Barbara
See Position Description
medical insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, vision insurance, vacation time, paid time off, paid holidays, sick time, long term disability, retirement plan, relocation assistance
United States, California, Santa Barbara
1226 Anacapa Street (Show on map)
Dec 03, 2024
Description Salary: $127,479.04 - $162,710.08 Annually Lead Compliance Strategy and Safeguard Santa Barbara County Employees' Retirement System: Join Our Team as Compliance Director! Under general direction, this role leads and manages the Santa Barbara County Employees' Retirement System (SBCERS) compliance function. You will set the strategic compliance direction, develop actionable plans, and assess emerging risks to ensure the integrity of the retirement system. You will spearhead the development and implementation of key compliance policies, objectives, and priorities. As part of the role, you'll actively recommend and administer compliance-related policies, while conducting fieldwork to monitor compliance effectiveness. You'll also oversee the work of external consultants performing complex audits, ensuring alignment with regulatory standards and organizational goals. This is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in ensuring SBCERS' compliance with regulations and law, optimizing operational strategies, and contributing to the continued success of the retirement system. The SBCERS Department is accepting applications to fill one (1) full-time vacancy. This position must be able to work in the Goleta office at least 3 workdays a week. Please select 'Santa Barbara' in the agency-wide location question to be considered. This position is "At-Will" and exempt from Civil Service protections. THE DEPARTMENT: The Santa Barbara County Employees' Retirement System (SBCERS) is a 401(a) Defined Benefit Plan with over $4 billion in assets. SBCERS provides pension benefits for the County of Santa Barbara and 11 additional employers, also called participating employers, and serves over 11,000 retirees, active employees, deferred members, and beneficiaries. The System is led by the Chief Executive Officer and has 20+ full-time positions across five divisions, including Member Services, Information Technology, Accounting, Disability, Investments, and Administration. Benefits Overview: Vacation: 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment Holidays: 12 days per year Sick Leave: 12 days sick leave per year. Unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement. Health Plan: Choice of medical and dental plans (with vision care). County contributes toward the employee's premium. On-Site Employee Health Clinic in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria: Provides ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents over age of 5. Life Insurance: $20,000 Term Life Insurance Retirement: The County offers a Defined Benefit Plan and eligibility to participate in 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan. The County contributes 0.24% of base salary to a 401(a) Deferred Compensation Plan. For more information on benefits please click here. In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for: Retirement reciprocity Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate. NOTE: The County may provide reimbursement for reasonable relocation expenses, and at the discretion of the CEO, can provide cash incentives and/or time off advanced accruals in the interest of attracting the best talent to the organization. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is a single position classification distinguished by its responsibility for serving as a technical advisor to the SBCERS Chief Executive Officer and General Counsel and reporting periodically to the SBCERS Board of Retirement Operations Committee on matters related to SBCERS operational and fiscal compliance. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Reports to a higher-level manager or may report to an executive. May exercise direct and indirect supervision over assigned management, professional, technical, and administrative staff. Examples of Duties Develops and implements comprehensive compliance strategies, goals, objectives, policies, and priorities in collaboration with the CEO and Board of Retirement. Monitors and analyzes pension compliance developments, assessing potential risks and impacts on the organization. Designs, conducts, and oversees internal audits, compliance reviews, and risk assessments across all operational areas. Creates and implements robust compliance plans and internal control systems, ensuring adherence to County Employee's Retirement Law of 1937 (CERL), Internal Revenue Service regulations, and other applicable laws. Manages and evaluates the performance of external consultants hired for complex audits or specialized compliance projects. Prepares and presents an annual compliance risk assessment and related work plan to the Board of Retirement Operations Committee, including key performance indicators and mitigation strategies. Conducts thorough payroll compliance reviews of plan sponsors to ensure the accurate reporting of compensation and membership to SBCERS as well as general employer compliance with CERL requirements. Performs compliance reviews of the SBCERS pension and financial administration systems to validate internal controls and assess the accuracy of data maintained. Provides expert advice and consultation to System staff on internal controls, process development, and best practices in compliance management. Collaborates closely with legal counsel to determine applicable standards for CERL and IRS regulatory compliance. Monitors progress toward and assists in the resolution of identified compliance issues. Performs related duties as assigned. Employment Standards Education and Experience The knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below may be acquired through various types of training, education, and experience. A typical way to acquire the required knowledge and abilities would be: Equivalent of a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in accounting, finance, business or public administration, actuarial sciences, or a related field and, Four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience in designing and developing compliance systems in a large fiscal operating environment. Additional Requirements Possession and maintenance of a valid California driver's license and the ability to meet automobile insurability requirements of the County or the ability to provide suitable transportation needs as a condition of continued employment. Preferred Qualifications: Prior experience working at a defined benefit retirement plan. Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) or Associate of the Society of Actuaries (ASA). Knowledge of: General accounting principles and standards Principles and practices of investment management Audit standards, methods, and techniques Enterprise risk management frameworks and best practices Development and implementation of internal control systems Compliance monitoring and reporting mechanism Principles and practices of fraud detection and prevention County Employees Retirement Law of 1937 (CERL) and the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) Federal and State laws, rules, and regulations governing pension systems Tax policies and regulatory compliance pertaining to pension benefits administration Authority vested in the Retirement Board and Chief Executive Officer Defined benefit plan structures, designs, and administration Retirement plan administration and accounting requirements Operational characteristics of public pension data processing technology and systems Effective report writing and presentation skills Stakeholder communication strategies Fiduciary standards and best practices Ethical decision-making frameworks Conflict of interest policies and procedures Ability to: Serve as a principal technical advisor to the Retirement Board and CEO on regulatory, fiscal, and operational compliance matters Develop and implement a comprehensive compliance program, including goals, objectives, and best practices Proactively identify emerging compliance risks and opportunities for improvement Interpret, apply, and ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations Stay abreast of regulatory changes and assess their impact on SBCERS operations Develop and implement strategies to address new compliance requirements Evaluate and enhance compliance operations, policies, and procedures Research and implement innovative service delivery methods and techniques Prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive compliance policies, procedures, and guidelines Conduct regular risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies Design and implement effective internal control systems Monitor and report on the effectiveness of compliance measures Develop trust and credibility with SBCERS stakeholders through transparent communication Prepare and conduct impactful presentations for the Retirement Board, internal colleagues, and external organizations Effectively represent SBCERS in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and professional organizations Establish and maintain positive working relationships with diverse groups Communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing Demonstrate unwavering integrity, professionalism, and strict confidentiality in all aspects of work Foster a culture of ethical behavior and compliance throughout the organization Supplemental Information APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS: Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards. Candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list. Recruiters will communicate with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution. Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. The appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. Disaster Service Worker: Pursuant to Governmental Code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law. Statement of Commitment The County of Santa Barbara is dedicated to cultivating and sustaining an environment that exhibits equity and inclusion everywhere, and at all levels of our organization. The County believes equity is a fundamental principle that must be imbedded in policies, institutional practices and systems. The County recognizes the negative impacts of systemic racism and is committed to eliminating the barriers affecting our Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and Asian community members, as well as people of other diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. We envision a world where society and its systems (e.g. education, criminal justice, and health care, housing the economy) are just, fair, and inclusive, enabling all people to participate and reach their full potential. We celebrate community and employee diversity, strive for inclusion and belonging, and promote empowered participation. We aspire to build a workforce that is reflective of these values and the communities we serve. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will resolutely uphold federal, California state law and/or Santa Barbara County ordinances. We believe equity and inclusion are vital to fulfill the County's mission and to embody a culture of "One County, One Future." Expanding the full range of employee talent allows the County to deliver our best to all our community members. We believe in the dignity and humanity of all people. We strive for a healthy and prosperous society that promotes all people having equitable access and opportunity. APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at 4:59 p.m. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com. Leza Patatanian, Talent Acquisition Analyst, LPatatanian@countyofsb.org