Operations Associate

Operations Associate

Wakefield Full-Time 24000 - 42000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our Operations Team to handle payroll, check processing, and client inquiries in a dynamic environment.
  • Company: Sentinel Group is a leading employee benefits firm dedicated to making benefits easy for clients and their employees.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible time off, paid holidays, community volunteer days, and a retirement plan with employer match.
  • Why this job: Kickstart your career in a supportive culture that values innovation and teamwork while making a real impact.
  • Qualifications: No experience needed; just bring your passion for problem-solving and a willingness to learn.
  • Other info: Remote work options available; we celebrate diversity and encourage all to apply.

The predicted salary is between 24000 - 42000 £ per year.

This role can be hybrid in Wakefield, MA or Troy, MI, or remote.

The Purpose of Your Role: We are seeking a team-oriented professional for our Operations Team. The role offers a way to work in a fun, fast-paced work environment while providing the opportunity for operationally minded individuals to begin their journey within the organization and start their career in Operations. The Operations Associate will perform a variety of functions as it relates to entry-level plan operations such as payroll processing, check issuance and distribution processing. The ideal candidate will be able to effectively communicate, multi-task and prioritize responsibilities based on the needs of the team and clients and be a team player.

What you’ll bring to Sentinel:

  • A passion for problem solving and operational thinking
  • A sincere interest in working within/learning the financial services industry (if you don’t have financial services experience)
  • Ability to work well in a fast-paced and collaborative environment
  • Detail oriented thinking

What you’ll be responsible for:

  • Respond to incoming tickets from other departments
  • Monitor, process, and reconcile contribution files for retirement and reimbursement plans through our recordkeeping systems.
  • Initiate funding requests (ACH) and reconcile received deposits for plan contributions
  • Generate and review various contributions reports
  • Process and post participant contributions, rollovers, loan payment, and loan payoff transactions
  • Perform cash reconciliation activities for our custodial partners
  • Assist internal teams with responding to client inquiries
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office programs and the ability to quickly learn new systems (CRMs, recordkeeping, etc.)
  • Process distribution and loan requests
  • Monitor status of Distribution and loan requests
  • Monitor Inbox and log distribution and loan requests to Sales Logix
  • Follow up with client and/or Plan Consultant on NIGO requests
  • Perform QC of data in accordance with departmental standards
  • Assist client service and Plan consultants in answering client inquiries
  • Perform other duties and participate in special projects as assigned

About you: We are looking for innovative thinkers to drive our business forward—someone with an entrepreneurial spirit, customer focus, drive, determination, and the strength of character to challenge the status quo. The financial services industry is forever changing and we are looking for someone who is flexible and willing to embrace change.

Preferred qualifications:

  • Proven ability to take initiative and be a self-starter in handling issues
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Demonstrated ability to consistently deliver a superior level of productivity and quality service
  • Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities
  • Ability to work in a team environment
  • Ability to track and meet deadlines
  • Proficiency in MS Office
  • Have successfully completed or working to complete the ASPPA RPF modules

What you’ll be part of: Joining our company means becoming part of something special. We’re driven by a mission to excel in our industry and within our team, supported by people who truly care about our organization. Sentinel was recently recognized by The Boston Globe as a Top Place to Work in 2020 and 2023. In 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, Sentinel earned a Top Workplace USA Award from Energage. At Sentinel, we welcome people from diverse experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives—and we wouldn’t have it any other way. So even if you don’t meet every single requirement, please consider applying if you like what you see. Our priority is to find talented individuals who enrich our team culture, contribute with enthusiasm, and are passionate about what they do. Sentinel is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team. If you need reasonable adjustments at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know.

Some of our Benefits:

  • FTO (Flexible time off for vacation, sick, and personal time) after 2 years of service
  • 12 Paid Holidays (10 stated and 2 floating holidays)
  • 2 Community Volunteer Days
  • 5 Summer Half Days
  • Life Insurance
  • LTD & STD
  • Retirement Plan with 4% Employer Match

Who we are: Sentinel Group proudly serves nearly 5,000 clients throughout the U.S. For 35+ years, we’ve remained devoted to positively impacting the lives of our people, our clients and our communities. With a 9-year average associate tenure among our 265 professionals, our team’s commitment to excellent service has positioned Sentinel as the only provider who makes benefits EASY: easy for your people; easy for your business; and easy for you. Our ultimate goal is to help companies and their employees prepare for their future health, wealth and retirement needs. Whether it’s through retirement plans, group health insurance, reimbursement accounts or financial planning, we engineer simple solutions and continuously strive to make them better. Our in-house experts—and their commitment to excellence—define who we are. Sentinel is also one of the largest employee benefits firms in Massachusetts (Boston Business Journal) and was named a 2022 Retirement Plan Adviser of the Year in the Mentorship category (PLANADVISER Magazine).

Operations Associate employer: Sentinel Group

At Sentinel Group, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee growth and well-being. With flexible time off, generous paid holidays, and a strong commitment to community engagement, our team members thrive in a culture that values collaboration and innovation. Recognised as a Top Place to Work, Sentinel offers a unique opportunity for individuals to launch their careers in the financial services industry while being supported by a dedicated team that truly cares about their success.
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Contact Detail:

Sentinel Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Operations Associate

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the financial services industry. Even if you don't have direct experience, showing a genuine interest in learning about the sector can set you apart. Research current trends and challenges in the industry to demonstrate your enthusiasm during discussions.

✨Tip Number 2

Highlight your problem-solving skills. In the Operations Associate role, you'll need to tackle various challenges. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully resolved issues or improved processes, as this will showcase your operational thinking.

✨Tip Number 3

Emphasise your ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Share instances where you've managed multiple tasks effectively, as this aligns with the role's requirements. Being able to demonstrate your adaptability will resonate well with the hiring team.

✨Tip Number 4

Network with current employees or alumni who work at Sentinel Group. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations. Plus, a referral from an insider can significantly boost your chances of landing an interview.

We think you need these skills to ace Operations Associate

Attention to Detail
Problem-Solving Skills
Effective Communication
Multi-tasking
Organisational Skills
Time Management
Proficiency in Microsoft Office
Ability to Learn New Systems Quickly
Team Collaboration
Customer Service Orientation
Data Reconciliation
Adaptability to Change
Initiative and Self-Starter Attitude

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the Operations Associate role. Emphasise your problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and any experience in fast-paced environments.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for operational thinking and your interest in the financial services industry. Mention specific examples of how you've demonstrated teamwork and initiative in previous roles.

Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your proficiency in Microsoft Office and any other relevant software. If you have experience with payroll processing or client inquiries, be sure to mention it as it directly relates to the job responsibilities.

Show Enthusiasm for the Company: Research Sentinel Group and express your enthusiasm for their mission and values in your application. Mention why you want to be part of their team and how you can contribute to their culture and goals.

How to prepare for a job interview at Sentinel Group

✨Show Your Team Spirit

Since the Operations Associate role is all about teamwork, be sure to highlight your collaborative experiences. Share examples of how you've worked effectively with others in past roles, and express your enthusiasm for contributing to a team-oriented environment.

✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills

The job requires a passion for problem-solving. Prepare specific examples of challenges you've faced and how you approached them. This will show that you can think critically and adapt to changing situations, which is crucial in a fast-paced environment.

✨Familiarise Yourself with Financial Services

Even if you lack direct experience in financial services, showing a genuine interest in the industry can set you apart. Research current trends and challenges in the sector, and be ready to discuss why you're excited about starting your career in this field.

✨Master Microsoft Office

Proficiency in Microsoft Office is essential for this role. Brush up on your skills, especially in Excel, as you'll likely need to handle data and reports. Consider preparing a few examples of how you've used these tools effectively in previous positions.

Operations Associate
Sentinel Group
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  • Operations Associate

    Wakefield
    Full-Time
    24000 - 42000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-07-06

  • S

    Sentinel Group

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