Pension Fund Accountant
Middlesbrough
Hybrid
Full Time
15 Month Fixed Term Contract
Ref: 002499
XPS Group is a leading UK consulting and administration business specialising in the pensions and insurance sectors. At XPS, our vision is to create a vibrant place to work where difference is recognised as a strength and where talented people can flourish and achieve their highest potential.
Our Pensions Administration business continues to grow and we are now looking for an experienced Pension Fund Accountant to join our vibrant Middlesbrough office with hybrid working. This is an exciting role and would most likely suit someone with previous experience in a similar pension fund accountant role where they have gained knowledge and experience of accounting techniques including reconciliation and year-end processes.
A FTSE 250 company, XPS combines expertise and insight with advanced technology and analytics to address the needs of over 1,400 pension schemes and their sponsoring employers on an ongoing and project basis. We undertake pensions administration for over one million members and provide advisory services to schemes and corporate sponsors in respect of schemes of all sizes, including 88 with assets over £1bn.
The Team
Our award-winning pensions administration business puts scheme members at the heart of everything we do. Our services include scheme administration, first-time outsourcing, member communications and scam protection.
The Role
As a Pension Fund Accountant with XPS you will:
1. Prepare pension scheme Trustee Report & Accounts.
2. Reconcile investment transactions.
3. Prepare all the necessary working papers & reconciliations of the financial statements.
4. Liaise with auditors and investment managers.
5. Prepare self-assessment tax returns (SA970).
6. Reconcile cash books and pensioner payrolls.
7. Review other team members' work.
8. Provide expert advice to pensions accounts queries, keeping abreast of technical and legislative developments within the pensions accounts industry.
9. Ensure company policies and working procedures are implemented and adhered to by self.
10. Forge strong working relationships with other teams in order to provide a total service to our clients. E.g. Administration, Payroll, Client Banking, Actuaries.
11. Ensure the accurate updating of time recording system (Virtual Office) for both chargeable and non-chargeable activities.
Your profile
Essential Criteria
1. 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.
2. Proficient in Microsoft Office including Excel, Word and Outlook.
3. Previous experience of checking work of other team members.
Desirable Criteria
1. Previous Pensions Fund Accounting (PFA) experience would be desirable although not essential.
2. Experience of Profund Aviary would be of advantage.
3. Ideally experience of managing key processes within a PFA environment.
What we offer:
We offer an attractive reward package, typical benefits can include:
1. Competitive salary
2. Participation in annual discretionary Bonus Scheme
3. 25 days holiday plus flexibility to buy or sell holiday
4. Flexible Bank holidays
5. Pension scheme, matching contribution structure
6. Healthcare cash plan
7. Flexible Benefits Scheme to support you in and out of work, helping you look after you and your family covering Security & Protection, Health & Wellbeing, Lifestyle
8. Life Assurance cover, four times basic salary
9. XPS Rewards (offers High Street discounts and savings from retailers and services providers as well as offers available via phone)
10. Employee Assistance Programme for you and your household
11. Access to a digital GP service
12. Paid volunteering day when participating in Company organised events
13. Staff referral scheme when you introduce a friend to XPS
What next:
If you feel XPS could be the next step on your career ladder, please apply directly via the links provided and we look forward to learning more about you. We will consider all applicants and respond swiftly.
Please discuss with the recruitment team, via phone or email, if you require any adjustments to the recruitment process. For example, we can provide materials in an alternative format, or give you extra time in interviews or tests.
The successful candidate will need to demonstrate the following requirements:
1. Right to Work confirmation
2. DBS Disclosure check
3. Employment or educational references covering five years
4. Satisfactory credit check
We continuously strive to build an inclusive workplace where all forms of diversity are valued, including age, background, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, religion or sexual orientation.
Please note we reserve the right to close our vacancies early and we only accept CVs direct from candidates or our preferred supplier list.
XPS try wherever possible to respond to all applicants if for any reason you have not heard from us within 28 days of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
#J-18808-Ljbffr