Pension Fund Finance Manager

Worcestershire County Council; Wolverhampton; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Great Holiday Entitlement

Brilliant Pension Scheme

Professional Learning & Development

Flexible Working

Job summary

Worcestershire County Council is seeking a Pension Fund Finance Manager (Finance Business Partner) to safeguard the fund's financial integrity, oversee accounting, reporting and audits, and provide expert financial advice to investment and governance teams. You'll lead a small finance team and be the main contact for auditors and fund managers.

With a £4.9bn pension fund and exposure to investment accounting, governance and regulatory compliance, this role offers strategic influence and

Qualifications

• Experience in pension funds or LGPS is advantageous but not essential.
• Ability to interpret complex financial information for senior stakeholders.
• Proven track record of leading financial planning and controls.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial accounting and annual reporting for the Worcestershire Pension Fund.
• Lead external audit management and statutory accounts preparation.
• Provide expert financial advice to investment, governance and operations teams.
• Improve financial controls, reporting, and business processes.

Skills

Financial reporting

Statutory accounts preparation

External audit management

Education

Qualified accountant (CIPFA/ACCA/ACA)

Job description

Are you an experienced finance professional looking for a senior role where you can make a real impact? Join us as our Pension Fund Finance Manager (Finance Business Partner) and play a leading role in safeguarding the financial integrity of the Worcestershire Pension Fund. You'll oversee the Fund's financial accounting, annual reporting and external audit process, while providing expert financial advice and analysis to support investment, governance and operational decision-making. Working closely with colleagues across pensions investments and administration, you'll lead a small, established finance team and act as the key contact for auditors, investment managers, LGPS Central, advisers and other stakeholders. From preparing statutory accounts and managing external audits to improving financial controls, systems and reporting, you'll have the opportunity to shape how the Fund operates and continues to evolve. What's in it for you? This is a unique opportunity to combine financial leadership with one of the largest and most important areas of local government finance. You'll join a supportive, professional team responsible for managing a £4.9bn pension fund, giving you exposure to investment accounting, financial strategy, governance, and regulatory compliance. We want you to bring your expertise, ideas and ambition. In return, we'll provide a collaborative environment where your development is encouraged, your contribution is valued and you'll have the chance to influence key decisions and service improvements. Whether you're already working in pension fund finance or looking to apply your strong accounting and audit experience in a new and rewarding sector, we'll support your continued professional growth and career progression. We're proud of our welcoming culture, where colleagues work together to deliver excellent outcomes for scheme members, employers and stakeholders. You'll be joining a team that values professionalism, continuous improvement and making a difference. You'll be a fully qualified accountant (CIPFA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent) with substantial experience of financial reporting, statutory accounts preparation and external audit management. You'll be confident in providing advice to senior stakeholders, leading financial planning and controls, interpreting complex financial information, and developing both processes and people. Experience within pension funds, the LGPS or local government finance would be advantageous but is not essential. While you are working hard, doing your best for the people of Worcestershire, we will do our best to provide an environment that supports and inspires you. Here are some of the top reasons why you should work here. The work we do at Worcestershire County Council matters! We are there for the most vulnerable people in society who need us the most, we are helping to build a successful and growing local economy, we protect our environment, we improve outcomes for our children, young people and families, and we help ensure our residents are healthier, live longer and have a better quality of life. In short, what we do makes a difference to people's lives! With so many ways to contribute, the chances are we have a job opportunity that's the career for you. You'll find an overview of the benefits Worcestershire County Council have to offer on our webpage: https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/why-work-us Some of these offers include:

• Great Holiday Entitlement: As well as bank holidays, you'll get 26 days paid holiday (pro rata for part-time staff). This increases to 31 days after 5 years' service. Existing local government service may be recognised.
• Brilliant Pension Scheme: The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) is a valuable part of our reward package and offers excellent pension benefits.
• Professional Learning & Development: We actively encourage learning and development and support staff to progress their careers.
• Flexible Working: We are proud to offer hybrid and flexible working arrangements wherever possible to support a healthy work-life balance.