A major part of APS's service is providing pension administration services. This involves reporting to participants, management and government agencies such as the IRS. It also involves compliance, making sure pertinent rules and regulations are followed.

This is all done by a professional staff managed by VP David Pavel, who is responsible for the "technical" side of the business. David is an associate of the Society of Actuaries, and is an enrolled actuary with more than 22 years in the field. Before joining APS , he was a senior consultant and enrolled actuary with Coopers & Lybrand one of the "Big 6" accounting firms for eight years.

In a team effort, David helps structure pension plans, supervising the so-called "number crunching" to make sure the plans meet the employers' objectives. David ascertains that recommended plans stay within client budget and that benefit formulas provide properly for both top executives and other employees.

His department keeps track of all accounts, handles government tax filings, allocates employer contributions for the various plans, and prepares extensive management reports showing the various allocations and account balances. "I try to ensure that work gets done efficiently to save fees for our clients, to see that government reports are filed in a timely manner, and that employers and employees get their statements and reports when promised," David states.

Under David's administrative leadership, both non 401(k) plan and 401(k) /profit sharing plan departments are integrated under the same management supervision for greater efficiency and control. Having one person overseeing the "big picture" and how the plans interrelate provides more coordinated results for clients.

APS staffers start Earley in the morning and are always accessible. Describing his team of six administrators and key support staff, David says, "People who work here are very conscientious and highly capable. They are experienced professionals who take pride in their work."

Quality is taken seriously at APS. "If we miss something, it could have adverse consequences from the government," David points out. Work is checked and double checked in an extensive reviewing process that makes sure nothing is overlooked, starting when the data is first received and initial reports are drafted. The final review involves an exhaustive check list to catch any areas that could potentially cause problems.

David and his staff utilize a sophisticated computer network system that enables immediate "real-time" access to files and data that are continuously updated. This system keeps track of the status of all in house work, and helps the staff ensure that all project and filing due dates are met.

Estate planning and financial services are the domain of Chairman George Mattera, who cautions: "Children of successful parents expect their parents to do estate planning to avoid excessive taxes and preserve their inheritance. In the next 20 to 30 years, trillions of dollars will be transferred from one generation to the next. Unless people do the right tax planning, the government will receive a windfall that could have stayed in the family."