At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and prepare statutory accounts for the Brent Pension Fund while liaising with key stakeholders.
- Company: Join a vibrant council in Brent, known for its diversity and community focus.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, up to 33 days annual leave, and fantastic benefits.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for continuous improvement and career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local government finance and support over 22,000 employees.
- Qualifications: Accounting qualification or equivalent experience with strong pension fund reporting skills.
The predicted salary is between 48003 - 58461 £ per year.
Salary Range: £48,003 - £58,461 p.a. incl. London weighting (plus fantastic benefits!)
Contract: Permanent
Hours of work: 36 hours per week
Location: Civic Centre and other locations from time to time
Brent is a tremendously vibrant London borough where the iconic arch of Wembley Stadium dominates the skyline. Spanning both inner and outer London, it is a borough of huge contrasts in terms of its economic, environmental, ethnic and social make up. Brent’s diversity is evident to all who visit our borough and our long history of ethnic and cultural diversity has created a place that is truly unique and valued by those who live and work here. The council is pursuing a far-reaching transformation agenda that better meets the needs of our community so it is an exciting time to join us.
The Post
As a Finance Analyst for the Brent Pension Fund, you will play an important role in supporting more than 22,000 current and former local government employees, with an opportunity to work in a high-profile area of local government finance focused on transformation, financial stewardship and community support. The Finance Analyst will be responsible for managing and preparing the Fund's statutory accounts, annual report and audit, acting as a key liaison with external auditors, actuaries, investment fund managers, and other partners. Working closely with members across the Finance Team and reporting to the Senior Finance Analyst, you will ensure robust financial controls, effective budget monitoring, cashflow analysis and support elements of investment management of the Pension Fund. The role also offers the opportunity to drive continuous improvement and implement change in line with CIPFA requirements and sector best practice.
The Person
To succeed in this role, you will have completed an accounting qualification (e.g. AAT qualified, part qualified CCAB, working towards full designation) and/or have equivalent experience with strong technical expertise in pension fund reporting together with a deep understanding of Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) regulations and practices. You will bring excellent written and verbal communication skills, along with the ability to collaborate effectively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
Why join us? Up to 33 days annual leave (depending on length of service) plus
Finance Analyst employer: Brent Council
Brent Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of one of London's most diverse boroughs. With a commitment to employee growth and development, you will benefit from generous annual leave, a supportive culture focused on community impact, and the chance to contribute to meaningful financial stewardship for over 22,000 local government employees. Join us at this exciting time of transformation and make a real difference in the lives of our residents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Analyst
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Brent Council. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Analyst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Brent Council.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Brent Council's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Brent Council
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Brent Council.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Brent Council will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Brent Council employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
