Defined Benefit Actuarial Student - Consultant

KPMG’s Pensions Advisory business continues to build out its new pensions team, and requires individuals that can bring different skill sets to the team. We are looking for a talented Consultant to join our team, who will be responsible for working closely with colleagues in defined benefit pensions.

What will you be doing?

• Advise on DB journey planning, risk management, and endgame options (self‑sufficiency, buy‑out, surplus)
• Provide funding advice to sponsors and support compliance with the DB Funding Code
• Advise on contingent funding arrangements and special purpose vehicles (SPVs)
• Deliver pensions due diligence for mergers and acquisitions
• Support member education and communications
• Advise on benefit change, benefit design, governance, and regulatory compliance
• Analyse client data using actuarial techniques, models, and firm‑approved tools
• Produce high‑quality actuarial calculations, reports, and draft client communications
• Review and challenge actuarial assumptions and results for reasonableness
• Support end‑to‑end delivery of client projects within agreed timelines
• Assist with day‑to‑day case management, administration, and progress tracking
• Develop specialist technical knowledge and understanding of DB schemes and pensions accounting
• Maintain effective communication and collaboration within the team
• Support financial management, including billing and debt collection

What will you need?

• Strong understanding of actuarial, accounting, financial reporting standards, and pensions regulation
• Uses firm‑approved tools and technology to enhance quality and insight
• Applies professional scepticism, objectivity, and independence to actuarial work
• Produces high‑quality documentation and audit trails aligned to actuarial standards
• Embeds a culture of high challenge and high support, aligned to firm values
• Demonstrates curiosity and critical thinking in day‑to‑day work
• Leads and supports a coaching culture where challenge and inclusion are encouraged
• Acts with accountability, professionalism, and in the public interest
• Works collaboratively across teams, promoting inclusion, purpose, and team spirit

Skills

• Experience in pensions actuarial work within a consultancy or Big 4 environment
• Knowledge of DB pension valuations, roll‑forward methodologies, and actuarial techniques
• Strong understanding of the UK pensions landscape and regulations
• Excellent analytical, numerical, and problem‑solving skills with strong attention to detail
• Confident communicator with strong stakeholder management and relationship‑building skills

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree with a mathematical / financial nature (E)
• Training to be a qualified actuary - FIA (or equivalent) (E)

Our Locations: We are open to talk to talent across the country but our core hubs are: London, Birmingham, Manchester. With 20 sites across the UK, we can potentially facilitate office work, working from home, flexible hours, and part-time options. If you have a need for flexibility, please register and discuss this with our team.