The SouthState story is one of steady growth, deep community roots, and an unwavering commitment to helping our customers move forward. Since our beginnings in the 1930s to becoming a trusted financial partner across the South and beyond - we are known for combining personal relationships with forward-thinking solutions.

We are committed to helping our team members find their success while maintaining the integrity of our values: building trust, fostering lasting relationships and pursuing excellence. At SouthState, individual contributions are recognized, potential is cultivated and team members are inspired to achieve their greater purpose. Your future begins here!

SUMMARY/OBJECTIVES

It is the responsibility of the IRA-HSA Specialist I to take ownership of all tasks and challenges that they encounter in the operation of their assigned position. The Specialist is responsible for managing the operational and compliance aspects of Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) within the Bank, processing transactions like rollovers and distributions, ensuring IRS and banking regulatory compliance, maintaining account records, and providing support to internal departments and customers on IRA matters. Key duties include daily transaction processing, account maintenance, handling death claims and RMDs (Required Minimum Distributions), and staying up to date with evolving IRA rules and regulations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Transaction Processing: Review and process various IRA and HSA transactions, including new account applications, transfers, distributions, rollovers, conversions, and account closures. Includes review of 1099R, 1099SA, 5498 and 5498SA tax forms. Complete system generated tax corrections on 1099 and 5498 tax forms and manual tax corrections as needed outside grace period.

• Compliance & Regulation: Ensure all IRA and HSA activities adhere to relevant government regulations and internal bank policies, particularly IRS rules regarding contributions, withdrawals, and reporting.

• Account Management: Provide daily operational support for establishing and maintaining IRA and HSA accounts, performing routine maintenance like adding beneficiaries and processing RMDs.

• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate retirement and health savings account records and ensure the proper and timely review and monitoring of reports.

• Customer & Internal Support: Serve as a subject-matter expert, providing support and guidance to branches and internal departments regarding IRA and HSA operations and procedures through Source tickets, emails and HUB phone calls.

• Process Improvement: Review and modify IRA and HSA processes and procedures to enhance efficiency and ensure ongoing compliance with regulations.

• Documentation: Perform document administration tasks, including filing, safe-keeping, imaging, and auditing IRA and HSA related documents.

• Application Testing: Participates in System and Application testing as needed in the testing environment as well as assist in all bank conversions.

• Proactive: Self-driven and able to perform their duties with minimal supervision. Additionally, they should be open to taking on any other tasks as assigned by the Manager.

COMPETENCIES

• In-depth knowledge of IRAs and HSAs. This expertise will ensure that the candidate can manage these accounts effectively and provide accurate information to customers.

• Proficiency in using Microsoft Excel and Word daily, along with navigating multiple bank systems.

• Strong organizational skills and keen attention to detail for accuracy in processing and record-keeping.

• A strong commitment to adhering to bank policies, procedures, and banking and governmental regulations.

• Possess a positive, growth mindset.

• Maintain open communication and actively listen to feedback during changes.

• Demonstrate strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills to navigate challenges.

• Seek out new opportunities by taking on unfamiliar tasks or learning new skills to stay flexible and effective in dynamic environments.

• Collaborate effectively with team members to align new goals.

Qualifications, Education, and Certification Requirements

• Education: High School Diploma

• Experience: Minimum of three years of banking experience working with IRA and HSA accounts.

• Certifications/Specific Knowledge: Preferred Certified IRA Specialist (CIS) or willingness to obtain within three years.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS/CLASSES

• New Employee Orientation

• Annual compliance training

• Ongoing education and training

• Complete and pass the Certified IRA Specialist (CIS) exam to achieve CIS certification through Ascensus within 3 years.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This role involves spending a significant amount of time working with a computer and occasionally using a typewriter. The workstation can be adjusted to allow for both sitting and standing, depending on your preference and comfort. Additionally, the position may require some bending and reaching tasks. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Our work environment is designed to offer a balance of office and remote work. This hybrid position requires you to be present at our support center once a week, or more if requested by management, where you will work in an individual cubicle setting. The noise levels in the office can vary throughout the day. Please note that the hybrid schedule is subject to change due to the volume of work, meetings, or events that require you to be in office more than one day a week. The facility is equipped with heating and cooling systems.

It is essential to have a secure and quiet home office environment free from background noise and distractions. A reliable private internet (cable or fiber) connection is required. Please be aware that these requirements may change as we introduce new systems and technology.

TRAVEL

Travel may be required to attend meetings as needed.

#LI-Hybrid

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled/veterans.