DEPUTY DIRECTOR- EMPLOYER SERVICES

Job Summary

The Employer Services Deputy Director leads the development and administration of a comprehensive employer reporting program governed by the pension code and all applicable laws, rules, and TRS policies and procedures. This position supervises and provides guidance and oversight to the following Employer Services staff: Project Managers, Employer Services Managers, Supervisors, Auditors, Analysts, Technicians, and Trainers. The Employer Services Deputy Director oversees the completion of field audits, as well as audits of member contracts, sick leave reports, supplementary reports, and employer fiscal-year reporting to determine compliance with statutory provisions and administrative rules. All audits are conducted in accordance with organizational policies and sound audit practices to ensure compliance with TRS reporting and to detect and correct errors. The incumbent also serves as the business expert for the employer reporting section of the pension administration system.

This position provides leadership and supervision to staff, planning and coordinating the activities of the Employer Services department in accordance with statutory requirements and System policies. This encompasses the interpretation and application of laws and rules pertaining to membership eligibility, service credit, contributions, and reporting requirements. The incumbent will recommend enhancements and efficiencies for the reporting systems while ensuring policies and procedures are updated as needed to align with current rules, laws, and best practices.

Strong communication and analytical skills are required to assist staff with issues and to communicate effectively with employers and other TRS staff. The incumbent must be able to review detailed work, including written and numerical data, and evaluate, analyze, and interpret accounting and auditing records. Coaching employees, addressing inquiries, and providing constructive feedback are key roles in developing Employer Services Auditors. This position is also responsible for analyzing and reviewing the work of direct reports, completing performance appraisals, effectively recommending and imposing disciplinary actions, and handling employee complaints. The Employer Services Project Managers and Supervisors will assist the Employer Services Deputy Director with workflow suggestions to drive efficiencies based on sound principles and best practices.

Essential Functions

• Requires extensive collaboration, sound decision making skills, the ability to properly structure activities in a manner that allows for the timely completion of assignments, tasks, and goals.
• Participate in TRS strategic planning processes and oversee the implementation of the Employer Services strategic plan.
• Analyze issues, problems, and opportunities, advising the Director of Finance on matters of both public and operating policy, while also overseeing the overall management and operations of the Employer Services department.
• Responsible for supervising direct reports, including setting goals, managing performance, and providing ongoing feedback to foster professional development.
• Collaborates with the Employer Services Trainer to facilitate the training of new auditors, integrating them into the Employer Services reporting and auditing processes.
• Responsible for the strategic direction and implementation of the audit program for school districts and other covered employers; including review and approval.
• Oversees tracking and analysis of employer pay-period reporting metrics in the pension administration system, making necessary adjustments to error parameters and assessing training needs 
• Leads the development and maintenance of departmental audit policies and procedures in accordance with statutory provisions and administrative rules.    
• Plan, coordinate, administer and review in-office audits of employer pay-reporting, annual certifications, supplementary reports, adjustments to earnings, multiple employer research, contract reviews and sick leave reports. 
• Coordinates and assists with the review of audits for member contracts and settlement agreements.
• Assists with the development and maintenance of the content as well as scheduling employer training and employer seminars. 
• Provides oversight and aids in the development and delivery of reporting training for employers and applicable TRS staff via conference calls, seminars, and in-person meetings in accordance with TRS policies and procedures. 
• Directs responses to inquiries and correspondence related to employer issues, while collaborating with various departments to address and resolve complex employer-related challenges.

Essential Functions Continued

• Responsible for the preparation of the Employer Services Department status report and quarterly board report.
• Assists with data collection and analysis for Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.
• Responsible for maintaining and updating the Employer Guide.  Oversee the content development of Employer Bulletins.
• Works closely with TRS legal team on the review of a variety of legal issues that may affect the organization and/or employers and their members.
• Strategically plans and coordinates process improvements for TRS systems and operations as needed.
• Champions initiatives to assess and enhance overall reporting processes and procedures.
• Reviews and refines departmental correspondence, creating new communications as necessary.
• Contributes to special projects and system testing to ensure optimal functionality and performance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, math, statistics or business administration. 
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in the public or private business sector, OR nine (9) years of experience in lieu of a degree.
• Four (4) or more years of experience in a management or leadership role.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with various stakeholders, government agencies and educational institutions.
• Requires effective, professional communication, both verbally and in writing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge and experience working in a public pension system.
• Master’s degree in accounting, finance, math, statistics or business administration.
• Four (4) years of experience drafting, reviewing, and implementing policies and procedures.
• Achieved progression to TRS Employer Services Compliance Auditor 3.