If you missed RIO’s recent Year-End Reporting webinar, or would like to revisit the material, you can access the recording on our website to ensure you have everything you need to successfully complete your final report of the year.

Watch the recording and access the presentation slides by visiting the TFFR Employer webpage and scroll down to the “Presentations” Accordian.

Stay informed and finish the reporting year with confidence!

To comply with Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statements 67 and 68, RIO’s external auditor conducts an annual Census Data Audit at the end of each fiscal year.

Each year, a group of participating employers is selected and notified via email. Selected employers are asked to provide a master payroll file that includes employee names, birth dates, and gross wages. The external audit firm then reviews the data and selects a sample for further review, requesting supporting documentation such as I-9 forms, employee contracts, and human resource records. If you are selected to participate, it is important to submit all requested information by the stated deadline. Failure to do so may result in penalties.

At the conclusion of the audit, RIO issues the Schedule of Pension Amounts by Employer and the Schedule of Collective Pension Amounts to assist employers and their auditors with GASB 68 reporting requirements.

For more information, visit the TFFR Employer webpage and scroll down to the "GASB 68 Information" Accordian.

As part of the annual actuarial valuation, GRS, TFFR’s actuary, presented a Plan Management Policy Score Update to the TFFR Board in April.

This score provides a broader view of the plan’s long-term sustainability by evaluating how it performs across a range of economic scenarios, not just a single set of assumptions. It reflects factors such as current funding, projected outcomes, and the plan’s ability to recover from market downturns.

Based on the July 1, 2025, actuarial valuation, TFFR’s score increased to 11, meaning objectives are being met or likely to be met. The Policy Score is one of several tools used to monitor the TFFR plan, with trends over time providing the most meaningful insight.

Mary Vandal, St. John School District Business Manager

A little bit about me . . .

My name is Mary Vandal. I have been the Business Manager for 9 years at St. John School District #3.  Before that, I worked at Dacotah Bank for 26 years.

I grew up in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota. I have a husband, Bob; three grown children:  Lee, Jared and Alli; five grandkids:  Caysen, Cohen, Calla, Sawyer, and Evie; and a cat named Kota.

My favorite writer/director is Taylor Sheridan.  I just watched “The Madison,” his best show yet. 

I love to vacation with the whole family at the lake. 

The best part of my job is that there is always something new to learn.

What advice/tips would you offer other Business Managers?

Complete the NDSBA Business Manager Certification Program, sooner than later.  Reach out to other Business Managers through email “Business Managers for ND Schools <sdt-bisman@listserv.nodak.edu” or individually when you have questions. That will save you valuable time..

Jordan Hammargren, Business Application Support Specialist

Tell us about life before you joined the Retirement and Investment Office team? 

Prior to joining the Retirement and Investment Office, I worked in the North Dakota Supreme Court’s IT Division for nearly 14 years. During that time, I supported lawyers, judges, court employees, and members of the public.  I also supported IT systems by testing updates and new features, assisting with the jury system, and ensuring technology ran smoothly across the courts.

What is your educational background?

I graduated from Beulah High School in 2004 and continued my education at Bismarck State College, where I earned an Associate of Applied Science degree with an emphasis in Computer Support Specialist.

Why did you choose to work for the North Dakota Retirement and Investment Office?

I chose to work for the North Dakota Retirement and Investment Office because it felt like an interesting new opportunity to make a change and use the skills I’ve built in my previous role while taking on some new challenges. I was especially excited about the chance to help roll out a completely new system and be part of a project that makes a real impact for current and retired teachers across the state.

What aspects of your job do you find the most challenging?

One of the most challenging yet rewarding parts of my job is helping users over the phone. Since I cannot see what they see, I listen carefully, ask the right questions, and explain each step clearly to make sure they understand and we resolve their issue successfully. It can be difficult at times, but guiding someone through a problem and seeing it resolved is very satisfying.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time away from work?

I love spending time with my family above all else. My wife and I are lucky to have four energetic boys—Zeke, Aden, Enzo, and Jett—who keep our days full of laughter, chaos, and plenty of adventure. Being involved in their activities and watching them grow is something I truly cherish. In my free time, I enjoy playing golf, scuba diving, and coaching my kids’ soccer teams. These hobbies give me a chance to relax, have fun, and stay active, all while making more memories with my family.