At a Glance
- Tasks: Support clients in making informed investment decisions for workplace pension schemes.
- Company: Join Isio, a leading employer for graduates and apprentices in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, market-leading bonus, study support, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture with excellent training and mentorship throughout your career.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while learning about pensions and investments in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Undergraduate degree with a 2.1 or higher; no prior experience in pensions needed.
The predicted salary is between 25650 - 31350 £ per year.
Starting your career is about more than finding a job. It's about finding a place where you can learn, grow and make an impact. At Isio, you'll work on meaningful projects, gain professional qualifications, receive structured development support and learn from experienced colleagues who are invested in your success. We're proud to have been recognised as one of the UK's leading employers for graduates and apprentices, reflecting our commitment to providing an outstanding Early Careers experience.
Our Defined Contribution (DC) Pensions Investment Advisory team helps employers and trustees make informed investment decisions for workplace pension schemes. The team sits within Isio’s wider Employee Benefits business, where we help clients design, manage and improve the benefits they offer to their people.
As a Graduate Analyst, you’ll support client work that helps pension schemes run effectively and deliver better outcomes for members. You’ll build your knowledge of pensions, investment strategy, financial markets and DC providers while studying for a relevant professional qualification. You do not need to have studied pensions or investment before. We’ll support you to build the technical knowledge, professional skills and confidence you need to develop your career.
What does the role entail?
- Preparing DC pensions investment performance reports for clients
- Drafting investment reports on fund selection, default strategy reviews and DC investment projects
- Researching pension providers, investment managers and investment products
- Supporting provider reviews, including analysing tender responses and summarising findings
- Building financial models to help clients understand investment risks and expected returns
- Monitoring how client investment strategies are performing against their objectives
- Supporting work on capital markets views and investment opportunities
- Helping clients implement investment advice efficiently
- Responding to provider and client queries by email and phone, with support from your team
- Sharing knowledge and working collaboratively with colleagues across the department
You’ll also learn how our wider Employee Benefits business supports clients across benefit design, benefits technology, risk and healthcare broking, pensions, workplace savings advice, governance and employee support.
What we’re looking for
We’re looking for people who are curious, analytical and motivated to learn. You’ll need to be comfortable working with numbers and interested in financial markets, investment or long-term savings. You’ll be suited to this role if you enjoy:
- Solving problems and working with data
- Learning technical concepts and applying them to real client work
- Explaining information clearly to different audiences
- Working with others to deliver high-quality outcomes
- Managing your time and balancing different priorities
- Building confidence in a client-facing environment over time
You do not need previous pensions, investment or consulting experience. We’ll provide training, support and opportunities to develop.
Training and Development
As a DC Pensions Investment Advisory Graduate Analyst, you’ll study for the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exams or an equivalent qualification. We recognise the commitment involved in balancing work and study, so you’ll be supported with study leave and tutorials. You’ll also receive:
- An induction where you’ll meet peers and senior leaders
- Technical training to help you build pensions and investment knowledge
- Support to develop professional and consulting skills
- A buddy from your first day to help you settle in
- Study Mentor to guide you through your study and exam journey
- Performance Manager to support your development and progress
- Opportunities to build wider market knowledge throughout your career
Length of training: Around 3 years to achieve your relevant professional qualification, however you are employed on a permanent basis from the start of your graduate role.
Location and working pattern
This role is based in our Bristol office. Expected office attendance, including the first few months is four days per week minimum in office and then two/three days a week in the office moving forwards. The working pattern will reflect client, team and learning needs. Reasonable adjustments will be considered where appropriate.
Entry requirements:
- You must have completed an undergraduate degree or higher-level qualification by 20 September 2027 and achieved a 2.1 or higher. If you are in your final year, you should be on track to achieve this.
- We welcome applications from people studying any subject.
- You will need an interest in data, technology and business problem-solving.
- We are not able to provide visa sponsorship for this position and therefore you will need to be able to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.
Start date: 22 September 2027
Recruitment process
The recruitment process will include:
- Completing an online application form where we will establish your eligibility for this role
- An invitation to complete a ‘Skills that Build’ assessment and numerical reasoning online assessment
- Online motivation and competency questions requiring video and/or written responses
- Review of your application assessing your potential to be successful in this role
- An interview, in-person, with Managers in this role in the office you have applied to be based in
We will explain what to expect before each stage. The process will assess your motivation, numerical and problem-solving skills, communication, teamwork and approach to learning. It will not assume previous pensions knowledge.
What you can expect in return
- A competitive salary and a market-leading bonus scheme, with stretch targets to reward high performance
- Study support to help you achieve professional qualifications, with salary increases for exam passes
- Development and training opportunities to support your career ambitions throughout your time with us
- A friendly and supportive team who will help you deliver your best work
You can find out more about us and the benefits we offer here: Isio – Careers & Benefits
What’s next?
Click ‘Apply’ and follow the simple online application process.
Accessibility
It’s our vision to foster a diverse, inclusive and equitable environment, which recognises individuals for their unique contribution, celebrates their differences without judgement and is committed to driving measurable change. Isio promises to make the recruitment process as accessible as possible, giving all candidates the opportunity to shine. We will reduce or remove barriers where possible and provide additional support where appropriate.
What reasonable adjustments can we offer?
Adjustments are made on a case-by-case basis, but can include:
- Extra time to complete assessments
- Receiving content in accessible formats
If you think you may require a reasonable adjustment to be made at any stage of the recruitment process, please email: hrearlycareers@isio.com.
2027 Defined Contribution Pensions Investment Advisory, Graduate - Bristol employer: Isio
Isio is an excellent employer that prioritises employee growth and development, offering comprehensive training for those new to the pension fund accounting industry. With a hybrid workstyle and a collaborative culture across multiple UK offices, employees enjoy a supportive environment that fosters meaningful contributions to over 350 client accounts. The company values work-life balance and provides unique opportunities for professional advancement in a dynamic sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 2027 Defined Contribution Pensions Investment Advisory, Graduate - Bristol
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Isio. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Isio.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Isio. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace 2027 Defined Contribution Pensions Investment Advisory, Graduate - Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Isio and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Isio how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Isio
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Isio.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Isio's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
