Pension Fund Accountant (15 month Fixed Term Contract)
- Recruiter
- XPS Pensions Group
- Location
- County Antrim, UK
- Salary
- Competitive salary
- Posted
- 07 Nov 2019
- Closes
- 23 Nov 2019
- Ref
- 1328384333
- Job role
- Accountant
- Sector
- Accounting - Public practice
About the Company XPS Pensions Group is the only UK pensions specialist listed on the UK main market. We are actuaries, consultants and administrators working to protect and enhance the benefits of hundreds of thousands of pension scheme members. We provide a positive working environment with an emphasis on training and development and we put relationships at the very heart of our business. You can expect an exciting and fulfilling career in a growing business and an industry that provides a consistent challenge. Your ambition is our ambition. Our Values Our values are at the heart of everything we do, the shared spirit that makes us one team. Wherever you are and whatever you're doing, it's the way you do it that makes you XPS. You will be expected to be:
About the Business Area/Department
We are proud to have been ranked No.1 Third Party Administrator in the 2018, Professional Pensions Survey, for the fourth time in five years. Our services, to a wide range of trust-based company pension schemes include: pensions administration, third party outsourcing, communication, scam identification, payroll services, pension scheme accounting, de-risking projects and technical consultancy.
Our approach is scheme-based; one team is responsible for every aspect of each client's service, enabling us to build the best possible relationships and provide the clarity of focus each scheme deserves. This includes placing as much emphasis on delivering excellent customer service as we do on technical proficiency and quality control.
Each accountant will have a set of up to 25 clients and is responsible for every aspect on the completion of the Trustee Report & Accounts.
We will always ensure that all the statutory deadlines are met every year for all our clients.
Main duties and responsibilities
Job purpose summary
The individual will be responsible for a portfolio of clients' pension scheme accounts and be accountable for their reporting activities.
Key responsibilities & accountabilities
Preparing pension scheme Trustee Report & Accounts.
Reconciling investment transactions.
Preparing all the necessary working papers & reconciliations of the financial statements.
Liaising with auditors and investment managers.
Preparing self-assessment tax returns (SA970).
Providing assistance with cash books and pensioner payrolls.
Ensuring company policies and working procedures are implemented and adhered to by self.
Forging strong working relationships with other teams in order to provide a total service to our clients. E.g. Administration, Payroll, Client Banking, Actuaries.
Ensuring the accurate updating of time recording system (Virtual Office) for both chargeable and non-chargeable activities.
Due to the changing nature of the business, the job holder may from time to time be required to undertake other administrative and secretarial activities of a similar nature that fall within their capabilities.
Knowledge & experience Required
A proven accounting background gained within either an accounting practice or a third party pension's provider. Experience should include a broad knowledge of accounting techniques including reconciliation, year-end processes etc.
Previous Pensions Fund Accounting (PFA) experience is desirable.
Proficient in Microsoft Office including Excel, Word and Outlook.
Experience of Profund Aviary & SAGE is advantageous
Previous experience of checking work of other team members.
Training, education & qualification
Studying towards or have obtained a recognised accountancy qualification, e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA, etc. (Although, applicants deemed 'qualified by experience' will be considered.)
Skills, abilities & personal qualities
High degree of numeracy.
Aptitude for working with and forging strong working relationships with teams and individuals both internal and external to the organisation.
A client focused approach
Flexible approach to work pressures.
Continuing to augment technical pensions accounting knowledge as well as keeping abreast of legislative changes and is seen as a source of advice to others.
A high degree of professional integrity.
Outstanding communicator
Self-motivated and enthusiastic approach to work, in particular taking responsibility for personal and technical continuous professional development.
Excellent organisational and planning skills.
Able to take ownership and responsibility for own work.
An eagerness to take on responsibility.
An ability to manage conflicting demands on one's time and able to work to tight deadlines in order to meet client and legal obligations.
Capable of anticipating, resolving and owning problems, and identifying solutions to management as and when required.
Well-developed analytical and problem solving skills.
Meticulous attention to detail is required in order to perform many elements of the role.
Package Details We offer an attractive reward package, typical benefits can include: Competitive salary, Discretionary Bonus Scheme, 25 days holiday, Pension, Flexible Benefits Scheme, Life Assurance cover, XPS Rewards (offers discounts and savings from retailers and services providers), Interest free season ticket loan
It is XPS policy that an appointment is conditional on the following requirements and will be withdrawn without compensation if any of these conditions are not satisfied:
XPS Pensions Group is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages application from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief.
Please note that we reserve the right to close our vacancies early.
- Ambitious
- Expert
- Agile
- Helpful, and
- Do the right thing
About the Business Area/Department
We are proud to have been ranked No.1 Third Party Administrator in the 2018, Professional Pensions Survey, for the fourth time in five years. Our services, to a wide range of trust-based company pension schemes include: pensions administration, third party outsourcing, communication, scam identification, payroll services, pension scheme accounting, de-risking projects and technical consultancy.
Our approach is scheme-based; one team is responsible for every aspect of each client's service, enabling us to build the best possible relationships and provide the clarity of focus each scheme deserves. This includes placing as much emphasis on delivering excellent customer service as we do on technical proficiency and quality control.
Each accountant will have a set of up to 25 clients and is responsible for every aspect on the completion of the Trustee Report & Accounts.
We will always ensure that all the statutory deadlines are met every year for all our clients.
Main duties and responsibilities
Job purpose summary
The individual will be responsible for a portfolio of clients' pension scheme accounts and be accountable for their reporting activities.
Key responsibilities & accountabilities
Preparing pension scheme Trustee Report & Accounts.
Reconciling investment transactions.
Preparing all the necessary working papers & reconciliations of the financial statements.
Liaising with auditors and investment managers.
Preparing self-assessment tax returns (SA970).
Providing assistance with cash books and pensioner payrolls.
Ensuring company policies and working procedures are implemented and adhered to by self.
Forging strong working relationships with other teams in order to provide a total service to our clients. E.g. Administration, Payroll, Client Banking, Actuaries.
Ensuring the accurate updating of time recording system (Virtual Office) for both chargeable and non-chargeable activities.
Due to the changing nature of the business, the job holder may from time to time be required to undertake other administrative and secretarial activities of a similar nature that fall within their capabilities.
Knowledge & experience Required
A proven accounting background gained within either an accounting practice or a third party pension's provider. Experience should include a broad knowledge of accounting techniques including reconciliation, year-end processes etc.
Previous Pensions Fund Accounting (PFA) experience is desirable.
Proficient in Microsoft Office including Excel, Word and Outlook.
Experience of Profund Aviary & SAGE is advantageous
Previous experience of checking work of other team members.
Training, education & qualification
Studying towards or have obtained a recognised accountancy qualification, e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA, etc. (Although, applicants deemed 'qualified by experience' will be considered.)
Skills, abilities & personal qualities
High degree of numeracy.
Aptitude for working with and forging strong working relationships with teams and individuals both internal and external to the organisation.
A client focused approach
Flexible approach to work pressures.
Continuing to augment technical pensions accounting knowledge as well as keeping abreast of legislative changes and is seen as a source of advice to others.
A high degree of professional integrity.
Outstanding communicator
Self-motivated and enthusiastic approach to work, in particular taking responsibility for personal and technical continuous professional development.
Excellent organisational and planning skills.
Able to take ownership and responsibility for own work.
An eagerness to take on responsibility.
An ability to manage conflicting demands on one's time and able to work to tight deadlines in order to meet client and legal obligations.
Capable of anticipating, resolving and owning problems, and identifying solutions to management as and when required.
Well-developed analytical and problem solving skills.
Meticulous attention to detail is required in order to perform many elements of the role.
Package Details We offer an attractive reward package, typical benefits can include: Competitive salary, Discretionary Bonus Scheme, 25 days holiday, Pension, Flexible Benefits Scheme, Life Assurance cover, XPS Rewards (offers discounts and savings from retailers and services providers), Interest free season ticket loan
It is XPS policy that an appointment is conditional on the following requirements and will be withdrawn without compensation if any of these conditions are not satisfied:
- Employment gap verification (Greater than 1 month)
- Adverse financial history (Detailed)
- Identity verification and Right to Work confirmation
- Sanctions/anti-terrorism
- Basic DBS Disclosure (online process through DDC)
- Retro employment checks every 2 years
XPS Pensions Group is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages application from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief.
Please note that we reserve the right to close our vacancies early.
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