Pension Fund Accountant

Môrwell Talent Solutions Ltd.; Pontypool; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

37-hour week

24 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Job summary

Môrwell Talent Solutions Ltd. in Torfaen is partnering with a public sector organisation to appoint a Pension Fund Accountant on a 12-month fixed-term contract.

The role is hybrid, with a circa £46,500 per annum salary, reflecting responsibilities across pension fund accounting and financial reporting. Ideal candidates will have pension accounting experience in the public sector, with IAS 19/FRS 102 exposure and the ability to manage reconciliations, regulatory returns and stakeholder liaison.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in pension accounting and pension fund reporting.
• Experience with IAS 19 and FRS 102.
• Experience with SF3 returns and statutory reporting.
• Public sector / local authority experience preferred.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Prepare Pension Fund accounts and annual report.
• Coordinate IAS 19 and FRS 102 exercises.
• Prepare SF3 and statutory returns.
• Reconcile pension contributions and recharges.
• Manage pension payroll reconciliations and bank accounts.
• Monitor and reconcile cash balances for the Pension Fund.
• Support budgeting and financial systems for the Pension Fund.
• Liaise with auditors and external advisers.

Skills

Pension accounting

Public sector experience

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Education

Accountancy qualification

QBE (Qualified by Experience)

Job description

Pension Fund Accountant - 12-Month Fixed-Term Contract

Torfaen

Hybrid Working

Circa £46,500 per annum, dependent on experience

Môrwell Talent Solutions is working in partnership with a highly regarded Public Sector organisation to recruit a Pension Fund Accountant on a 12-month fixed-term contract. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience in pension accounting and a public sector background to join an established Financial Services team, taking responsibility for the accounting and financial reporting activities associated with the Pension Fund.

The appointment will provide cover for a period of career break, so the successful candidate will need to be comfortable picking up established processes, working independently and ensuring that all statutory reporting, reconciliations and financial deadlines are met.We are keen to hear from fully qualified accountants, part-qualified accountants, finalists, those currently studying towards a professional qualification and candidates qualified by experience (QBE). Previous experience within a local authority or wider public sector environment is particularly important, alongside practical exposure to pension-related accounting activities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Working within the Financial Services team, your responsibilities will focus on the accounting and financial reporting requirements of the Pension Fund, including:
• Pension Fund accounts and reporting: Supporting and coordinating the preparation of the Pension Fund's annual report and accounts, ensuring compliance with relevant accounting standards and statutory requirements.
• IAS 19 and FRS 102: Coordinating the annual IAS 19 and FRS 102 exercise for scheme employers, communicating the results and providing technical interpretation and advice where required.
• Statutory and regulatory returns: Preparing and submitting the annual Pension Fund Scheme Fund Account Return (SF3), quarterly tax submissions and quarterly Office for National Statistics returns.
• Pension contributions and recharges: Reconciling pension contribution income received from scheme employers, monitoring payments against statutory deadlines and ensuring pension strain costs and recharges are accurately calculated, accounted for and collected.
• Payroll and balance sheet reconciliations: Reconciling the monthly pensioner payroll and preparing and reconciling the Pension Fund's bank and payroll suspense accounts, investigating and resolving discrepancies promptly.
• Cash management: Monitoring and reconciling the Pension Fund's cash balances, ensuring an accurate understanding of the Fund's cash position in line with its cash management strategy.
• Budgeting and financial systems: Supporting the annual Pension Fund budget preparation process and maintaining accurate financial records through corporate financial systems.
• Audit and external relationships: Acting as a key point of contact for the Pension Fund's external and internal auditors, actuary, investment management company and other relevant advisers.
• Financial advice and support: Providing accurate financial information and accounting guidance to relevant stakeholders, supporting the Pension Fund's governance and reporting requirements.

About You

We are looking for someone with relevant pension exposure and public sector experience who can quickly familiarise themselves with existing processes and take ownership of their responsibilities.

You will ideally have:

• Experience working within a local authority or wider public sector organisation.
• Practical exposure to pension accounting, pension fund financial reporting, pension reconciliations or related pension finance activities.
• An accountancy qualification, or be part-qualified, a finalist, currently studying towards a recognised accountancy qualification, or qualified by experience (QBE).
• A good understanding of financial accounting principles, with experience preparing reconciliations, financial reports and statutory or regulatory returns.
• Strong analytical skills, excellent attention to detail and the ability to investigate and resolve discrepancies.
• The ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and meet strict reporting deadlines.
• Confident communication skills and the ability to work effectively with colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Above all, we are looking for someone who is organised, proactive and comfortable working in a technical accounting environment, with the ability to provide reliable cover throughout the 12-month contract.

What's on Offer?

• A 12-month fixed-term contract within an established local authority finance team.
• A salary of circa £46,500 per annum, dependent on experience.
• Hybrid working, with approximately one day per week in the office.
• A 37-hour working week, with flexibility to consider a minimum of 30 hours per week.
• 24 days' annual leave, increasing to 29 days after five years' service, plus bank holidays.
• Christmas office closure.
• Membership of excellent Pension Scheme.
• The opportunity to develop or apply your specialist pension accounting experience within a supportive public sector environment.