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- Tasks: Manage pension schemes, calculate benefits, process contributions, and respond to member queries.
- Company: Join the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, a vibrant and historic inner London borough.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous holidays, flexible working options, and staff discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative team with excellent career progression and learning opportunities.
- Qualifications: Professional pensions qualification or equivalent experience in pension administration required.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment with access to health and wellbeing services.
Job Title: Pensions Officer
Location: Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, London
Salary: Starting salary of 43,542 with scope to progress through scale
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
About Us:
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is an inner London borough rich in historical and architectural interest. Whilst it is one of the smallest boroughs in London, it is also densely populated and the council is committed to providing excellent services. They are looking for a dedicated and knowledgeable Pensions Officer to join their dynamic team and help manage their pension schemes effectively.
Key Responsibilities:
- Administer LGPS: Apply detailed knowledge of LGPS, Discretionary Payments, State Pension Scheme, and HMRC requirements.
- Calculate Benefits: Ensure eligibility, accuracy, and completeness of pension benefits, correcting data anomalies and validating documentation.
- Process Contributions: Handle all types of pension benefits and contributions with accuracy.
- Provide Information: Offer timely and accurate information to members and employers, and coordinate with other pension providers.
- Maintain Records: Keep accurate records and manage helpdesk enquiries.
- Respond to Queries: Address questions from members, employers, and stakeholders.
- Audit Support: Explain procedures and calculations to auditors.
- Team Leader Cover: Provide cover for Pensions Team Leaders when needed.
Requirements:
- Qualifications: Professional pensions/payroll qualification or equivalent knowledge.
- Experience: Proven experience in pension administration, preferably LGPS.
- Communication Skills: Effective oral and written communication, ability to handle sensitive situations.
- Teamwork: Collaborative skills and ability to build professional relationships.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and pension administration software.
- Analytical Skills: Excellent numerical and analytical abilities.
- Data Protection: Knowledge of data protection requirements in pensions.
Why this is a great opportunity for you:
Benefits:
- Pay – very competitive pay rates, often with an annual pay rise within a range.
- Pension – The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) is a secure, flexible and tax-efficient way of making sure you have a decent pension to look forward to in retirement.
- Progression – excellent learning and development opportunities along with performance management and career progression support.
- Holidays – generous annual leave entitlement up to 30 days each year plus 8 public holidays.
- Flexible working – as circumstances suit these include working from home, flexible time, job sharing, compressed hours and term-time working.
- Staff discounts – excellent staff discounts in many local shops, restaurants and sports facilities.
- Health and wellbeing – a dedicated occupational health service that can give you a health check, help with workplace adjustments and also a free, confidential counselling service available 24/7 to assist with any personal or work related issues.
How to Apply:
To apply, please submit your CV.
This is a great opportunity to work in a highly collaborative team. You will be working with a broad range of responsibilities across all areas of benefit processing. You will be supported by the team leaders and pensions manager and collectively ensure the department is running smoothly for all pension enquiries.
Closing Date: Tuesday 7th January 2025
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C’s, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at (url removed)
Pensions Officer employer: Hays Accounts and Finance
Contact Detail:
Hays Accounts and Finance Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pensions Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and its specific regulations. Understanding the nuances of LGPS will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former Pensions Officers, especially those who have worked within the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. They can provide valuable insights into the team dynamics and expectations.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your analytical skills and be prepared to discuss how you've handled data anomalies in the past. Being able to articulate your problem-solving process will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your communication skills by preparing to discuss how you would handle sensitive situations with members and employers. Providing examples from your previous experience can illustrate your capability in this area.
We think you need these skills to ace Pensions Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Pensions Officer. Familiarize yourself with LGPS, pension benefits, and the specific requirements mentioned in the job description.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experience in pension administration, particularly with LGPS. Emphasize your qualifications, communication skills, and any technical skills that align with the job requirements.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and your understanding of the pension schemes. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your analytical skills and teamwork abilities.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors or inconsistencies. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a Pensions Officer.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Accounts and Finance
✨Know Your Pensions Legislation
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and related legislation. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply this knowledge in your role, as it will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the position.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Since the role requires excellent numerical and analytical abilities, be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully handled data analysis or resolved discrepancies in previous positions. This will highlight your problem-solving skills.
✨Emphasize Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Prepare to discuss situations where you've had to explain complex pension information to members or stakeholders, showcasing your ability to convey sensitive information clearly and empathetically.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Experience
As the job involves collaboration with various teams, share examples of how you've worked effectively within a team environment. Highlight any leadership experiences, especially if you've covered for team leaders in the past.
