H4-EAD for 401k jobs

[Indu]

Greetings!!! 
I would like to clear few of my ambiguity regarding 401k administration jobs. 
 
Before starting I brief about my work experience, 
I have worked as outsourced associate for few of the leading TPAs for 6.5 years. 
Having hands-on expertise on compliance testing, valuation, trust accounting, Form 5500s etc. knowledge on distribution & loan. 
softwares handled: Relius, ASC, FTwilliams, Quicken, pension pro etc.,

completed RPF courses in 2016 

My questions: 

1. I on H4-EAD (work authorization for dependents of H1B visa holder). Will I be hired by TPAs in US. Will my visa be the problem for getting job as a 401k associate. 
2.  I have 4 years break in service. Since I worked for 6.5 years in same area I am still very much familiar with 401k. Does my break in service affect my job search. 
3. If I pursue QKA courses. Will that help me for my job search? 
4. If at all I find a job as 401k associate or administrator. What would be the average salary that I can negotiate for? 

Just would like to know your thoughts. 

Thanks in advance 

[ratherbereading]

On 12/19/2021 at 2:21 AM, Indu said:

Greetings!!! 
I would like to clear few of my ambiguity regarding 401k administration jobs. 
 
Before starting I brief about my work experience, 
I have worked as outsourced associate for few of the leading TPAs for 6.5 years. 
Having hands-on expertise on compliance testing, valuation, trust accounting, Form 5500s etc. knowledge on distribution & loan. 
softwares handled: Relius, ASC, FTwilliams, Quicken, pension pro etc.,

completed RPF courses in 2016 

My questions: 

1. I on H4-EAD (work authorization for dependents of H1B visa holder). Will I be hired by TPAs in US. Will my visa be the problem for getting job as a 401k associate. NO IDEA
2.  I have 4 years break in service. Since I worked for 6.5 years in same area I am still very much familiar with 401k. Does my break in service affect my job search. NO, NOT NECESSARILY.  MAY DEPEND ON WHAT YOU'VE DONE IN THE MEANTIME 
3. If I pursue QKA courses. Will that help me for my job search? NOT NECESSARILY - SOME TPAs LIKE THE INITIALS, SOME DON'T CARE.  HAVING INITIALS AFTER YOUR NAME JUST MEANS YOU KNOW HOW TO STUDY FOR A TEST.  BOTTOM LINE, CAN YOU DO THE JOB?
4. If at all I find a job as 401k associate or administrator. What would be the average salary that I can negotiate for? AGAIN, IT DEPENDS ON EXPERIENCE AND TO SOME EXTENT, WHERE IN THE COUNTRY YOU ARE.  AND DON'T BUY IN TO THE MANTRA THAT THE EAST AND WEST COASTS PAY MORE-I HAVE EXPERIENCE THAT THAT IS ABSOLUTELY NOT ALWAYS TRUE

Just would like to know your thoughts. 

Thanks in advance 

See above for replies.  

[Bob the Swimmer]

Compensation is my main universe and you would need to check any of the public resources available as to market-pricing a position , but that is a mixed bag. These positions are very difficult to market-price accurately and to know in advance because as "rather be reading" says well it depends on experience, and from the employer's perspective, the size of the employer, the strength and history of the employer's practice, what is your effectiveness and record of job accomplishments (all of the things that a good employer values in an employee). Geography is far less of a factor generally in someone's salary than the size of the employer in my 46+ years of consulting. For me, a good set of interviews could determine for a prospective employer how effective/productive  you are at what you do---but I always give someone a project or two beforehand to see how they would handle it and ask for writing and problem-solving examples of their work. Your client service and client retention skills are very important in this arena for any employer because they vary widely in the marketplace. And good writing and communication skills are critical in any job in our business. The TPA marketplace should be continuing to be strong, especially if the new tax law affects significant parts of the Code as it relates to the lower 400 sections.

[RatherBeGolfing]

Salary is going to depend more on the TPA, the location, their specific needs, etc.   There is a demand for employees at the moment, so that is in your favor.

We pay for our employees credentialing, conferences, etc. 

4 year break may not be a big deal, it all depends on the position.  

Your H4 visa could be an issue, especially for a smaller TPA.  Since the H1B is temporary by definition, some will be cautious to make an investment (time and money) for an employee that is only eligible to work for a limited period.  If you are early in your first 3 year cycle, it would probably give you a better shot. 

Good luck!