Financial Controller Pensions in Bristol

Join a truly global FMCG business and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of one of the UK’s largest pension funds. Imperial Brands, an inclusive and forward-thinking organisation powered by 25,000 colleagues worldwide, is looking for a Financial Controller – Pensions to help safeguard the financial integrity and long-term stability of the Imperial Tobacco Pension Fund.

With over £2.5bn in assets and c.26,000 members across its DB and DC schemes, this is a rare opportunity to work at scale within a highly regulated environment, partnering closely with the Head of Pensions UK. You’ll lead the Pensions Finance team, oversee rigorous financial controls, and ensure Trustees and stakeholders receive timely, accurate and compliant financial reporting that supports exceptional governance and member security.

• Lead the preparation of the Imperial Tobacco Pension Fund’s Annual Report & Accounts, ensuring full compliance with SORP, TPR requirements and statutory disclosure regulations, while managing the year-end audit to achieve a clean opinion.
• Oversee all investment and fund accounting activities — including pooled funds, derivatives, LDIs, private markets and property portfolios — ensuring accurate reconciliation across custodians, investment managers, administrators and internal records.
• Manage property investment oversight, including monitoring rent collection, arrears, service charges and insurance, and represent the Fund at quarterly performance review meetings.
• Lead and develop the Pensions Finance team while strengthening relationships with benefits teams, investment managers, custodians and advisers, and enhancing financial operations through strong controls and effective use of technology.
• Present financial information clearly to Trustee Boards and Finance & Investment Sub-Committees, translating complex financial matters into focused, decision-ready insight and acting as a trusted adviser on the financial implications of strategic options.
• Oversee HMRC and tax-related activity, including review of monthly cashflow and performance reports, timely preparation of quarterly tax and VAT returns, and delivery of annual budgets, forecasting and financial analysis to support investment strategy, liquidity planning, de-risking initiatives, buy-in readiness and key projects.

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with strong technical grounding.
• In-depth knowledge of pensions accounting and the Pensions SORP.
• Solid understanding of investment accounting, valuation principles and associated reporting.
• Strong awareness of the UK pensions regulatory and governance environment.
• Proven ability to manage audits effectively and build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical capability, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

In return for playing your part in building our future, you will receive a comprehensive compensation package with salary, bonus scheme and further benefits as well inspiring places to work and collaborate with purpose. Here at Imperial we will give you the opportunity to grow and learn, innovate at pace and be a part of our purpose to forge a path to a healthier future for moments of relaxation and pleasure for our consumers.

Everyone belongs in Imperial. We are proud of being a truly inclusive organisation. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, nationalities, disabilities, sexual orientation, religions or beliefs and of neuro divergence. We give fair and equal consideration to all our applicants.

As a matter of policy, Imperial Tobacco or its subsidiaries never requests or requires payment as part of any recruitment process.