At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial operations, reporting, and management accounting in a dynamic finance team.
- Company: Join LGPS Central, a leading asset manager for local authority pension funds.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, hybrid working, and excellent development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a company committed to responsible investment and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while working with a diverse and friendly team.
- Qualifications: Part-qualified accountant or AAT-qualified; experience in finance or investments preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Join LGPS Central at a pivotal moment, where investment meets long-term impact.
As a member of the Finance team, the Assistant Accountant will support the Head of Finance, Senior Finance Manager and Finance Managers to ensure that the company’s financial operations are delivered effectively and efficiently, including financial reporting, regulatory reporting and the company’s accounting system, management accounting, budgeting, cost-sharing reporting to partner funds, treasury management, banking, payments and invoicing.
What you’ll be doing
• To perform a range of duties from the following
- To maintain the company’s computerised accounting system, including the entering of transactions and the operation of effective controls and reconciliations.
- To use the company’s computerised system for monitoring invoice approvals, including the entering of transactions and accounting adjustments and the operation of effective controls and reconciliations where required.
- To support the Senior Finance Manager with the month end close and preparation of accruals and prepayments.
- To assist with the preparation of the Quarterly Shareholder Report and monthly internal reporting.
- To manage and take ownership of the accounts payable process from start to finish, making sure invoices are processed and paid in a timely manner.
- To support the Senior Finance Manager in updating quarterly financial models (cost-sharing model and savings analysis).
- Preparation of the monthly management accounts and supporting schedules.
- Process employee expense claims.
- To support the Senior Finance Manager or Finance Manager in taking actions that contribute to the effective management of risks.
- To provide advice to the Senior Finance Manager or Finance Manager on financial matters relevant to the post-holder’s area of work.
- To build effective working relationships across the company, and with partner funds and key suppliers.
- To take part in projects and working groups, including leading on some internal projects.
- To actively identify opportunities for continuous improvement and implement them swiftly and effectively.
- To prepare information in support of the calculation of charges to partner funds and the reporting of these.
- To process payments to suppliers and liaise with them as necessary.
- To support internal and external audit requirements by providing relevant documentation.
About Us
LGPS Central (LGPSC) Ltd is the FCA regulated asset manager for fourteen local authority pension funds across the Midlands.
LGPSC is jointly owned on an equal shares basis by those Partner Fund, and it is responsible for managing £100bn+ of their assets.
It is one of six Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) asset pools in the UK.
LGPS Central’s Partner Funds are
- Cheshire Pension Fund
- Derbyshire Pension Fund
- Leicestershire Pension Fund
- Nottinghamshire Pension Fund
- Shropshire Pension Fund
- Staffordshire Pension Fund
- West Midlands Pension Fund
- Worcestershire Pension Fund
- Gloucestershire Pension Fund
- Hampshire Pension Fund
- Suffolk County Council
- Wiltshire Pension Fund
- Norfolk Pension Fund
- Oxfordshire Pension Fund
The Company is committed to responsible investment and has made responsible investment a core part of the investment process in every asset class.
LGPS Central offers a friendly and diverse, hybrid working environment with a range of employee benefits.
The Company moved to new premises at i9, Wolverhampton Interchange in January 2022, close to local transport links.
Our objective is to be a leading investment management company working with and for our Partner Funds.
With a focus on value for money and performance we want to aspire to be one of the best because this is how we will deliver the superior investment returns and low costs for our Partner Funds
Requirements
- Able to communicate technical Finance information in a way which is understandable and relevant.
- Good reasoning and problem-solving skills, able to develop pragmatic solutions to complex problems.
- Able to use own initiative within delegated authority.
- Active participant in continuous personal and professional development, who seeks to maintain an up-to-date knowledge of matters relevant to their area of work.
- Able to build effective relationships with peers in the company.
- Highly organised and able to work to deadlines and manage competing priorities under significant time pressures.
- Good interpersonal and communication skills.
- Experience of working in a Finance, Pensions or Investments role.
- Strong ethics and integrity, and analytical
- Able to act as an ambassador for the Finance team within the company.
- Able to understand the overarching aims and objectives of the company, and how the work of the Finance team contributes to these.
- Innovative and actively challenges existing ways of working, driving improvements within the Finance team.
- A good team-player who is able to work collaboratively and support other members of the Finance team.
Qualifications
- Part-qualified CCAB/CIMA Accountant; or
- AAT-qualified; or
- At least 3 GCSEs including Mathematics
What do we offer?
We are proud to provide our people with a premium and exclusive benefits package and we are continually improving the rewards we offer.
Here are a few of the valuable rewards that you will enjoy
- Competitive salary
- An enhanced and generous Pension Scheme
- 30 days' paid holiday plus bank holidays
- 2 days paid volunteering days
- An extra paid Company Day in addition to paid holidays
- Excellent Learning & Development Opportunities
- Welfare and Family-friendly policies
- Enhanced pay for new parents
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme - 24-7 Health & Wellbeing Support
- Vitality Private Medical Insurance
- Hybrid Working
- Company Service Awards
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Company Electric Vehicle Scheme
- Nominees of the Family Friendly Employer of the Year 2022 - Personnel Today Awards 2022
- Winner of the Cultural Awareness Initiative of the Year - FT Advisors Diversity in Finance Awards 2023
- Winner of Diversity and Inclusion Award LAPF In Investments Award 2023
- Winner of LAPF Investment Innovation
- Winner of Pool of the Year 2025
Assistant Accountant in Birmingham employer: LGPS Central
At LGPS Central, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values governance, integrity, and strategic insight. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and professional growth, providing our Non-Executive Directors with the unique opportunity to influence the future of public pensions in the UK while working alongside a team of dedicated professionals committed to responsible investment practices.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Accountant in Birmingham
✨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 LGPS Central. 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 Assistant Accountant in Birmingham
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 LGPS Central.
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 LGPS Central'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 LGPS Central
✨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 LGPS Central.
✨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 LGPS Central 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 LGPS Central 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.
