The Vacancy
Our Third Party Administration (TPA) department is a dynamic administration team with a varied portfolio of clients. The team plays a key role in delivering a market-leading service to clients and members across Defined Benefit (DB), Defined Contribution (DC) and CARE pension arrangements.
An exciting opportunity is available to join this department as a Trainee Pension Plan Accountant within the Client Finance Accounts team, based in Birmingham or Glasgow.
What will the role involve?
This role sits within the Client Finance Accounts Team, supporting the delivery of a high-quality, efficient pensions accounting service to a broad and varied portfolio of clients. It offers the opportunity to build strong technical knowledge while contributing to accurate financial reporting, maintaining robust accounting records and ensuring work is completed in line with regulatory requirements and client expectations.
Key responsibilities include:
1. Supporting Lead Accountants and Preparers for larger schemes, or acting as a Preparer for smaller schemes, in the preparation of annual pension fund Trustee Report & Accounts (including the Trustees’ report, financial statements and supporting disclosures) in line with statutory legislation and Accounting Standards of Recommended Practice (SORP).
2. Assisting with the maintenance of accounting records for each client to support the preparation of financial statements, including providing support to Lead Accountants and Preparers as required.
3. Preparing working papers for review (e.g. reconciliations, lead schedules and disclosure summaries).
4. Supporting the drafting of Trustees’ reports for review by colleagues and consultants.
5. Assisting with the preparation of additional documents, schedules and returns (e.g. cash book analysis, management accounts, VAT returns, HMRC forms and Office for National Statistics (ONS) surveys), under guidance from Lead Accountants and Preparers.
6. Preparing agendas and taking notes during audit planning meetings, and coordinating timetables with auditors and advisers.
7. Supporting the preparation of audit packs and responding to audit queries in collaboration with senior team members.
8. Managing a number of allocated clients, often working across multiple schemes simultaneously, and organising workload effectively with support from the wider team.
What’s required to succeed in this role?
9. A minimum of A-levels (or equivalent), with GCSEs (or equivalent) as a minimum. Maths at A-level (or equivalent).
10. Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills.
11. Previous experience in an office environment (ideally within a professional services setting).
12. Working knowledge of an accounting system or software.
13. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and basic understanding of accounting principles.
14. Ability to use initiative, organise workload effectively and meet deadlines across multiple client assignments.
15. High levels of accuracy and attention to detail.
16. Strong problem-solving skills, with a logical and structured approach.
17. Ability to interact professionally and sensitively with clients, consultants, auditors and stakeholders.
Ideally, candidates will have started studying towards a professional qualification such as AAT/ACCA or have an interest in doing so. However, applications are also welcomed from individuals with relevant UK pensions experience and a strong understanding of the market.
Applications are welcomed from individuals who may not meet all of the criteria but demonstrate the potential to develop the required skills with support. Additional relevant experience or knowledge not listed is also encouraged.
What’s on offer?
In addition to a competitive salary and access to a profit share scheme, the following benefits are available:
18. A flexible benefits package tailored to individual lifestyle and needs
19. A collaborative and supportive working environment where ideas are encouraged
20. On-site mental health and wellbeing support
21. Ongoing personal and professional development, including mentoring and access to the Aspire learning portal
22. Regular social activities, three days of paid volunteering leave each year, and a day’s leave to celebrate a birthday
23. Hybrid working, combining remote working with time in modern office environments
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged to avoid disappointment.
We are committed to being open and transparent in our recruitment and reward processes. Please note that this vacancy does not currently meet the minimum salary threshold requirements for Skilled Worker sponsorship within the UK.
To avoid any disappointment, if sponsorship is required, it is recommended to check eligibility for a discounted salary threshold or explore alternative routes to secure the right to work in the UK before submitting an application. If the criteria outlined in the job description are met, individual circumstances can be discussed further.