At a Glance
- Tasks: Help people secure their financial future by managing pension processes and member communications.
- Company: Join a supportive team within the Pensions Shared Service for five London boroughs.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension plan.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to equality, diversity, and professional development.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in pensions with ongoing training and a nationally recognised qualification.
- Qualifications: Strong numerical skills and good communication abilities; no prior experience needed.
The predicted salary is between 30225 - 34389 £ per year.
Join the Pensions Shared Service and begin a rewarding career helping people secure their financial future in retirement. As a Trainee Pensions Officer, you will develop specialist knowledge and practical experience in pensions administration, learning how to manage key Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) processes such as retirements, transfers and benefit calculations. You will also gain an understanding of the legislation and regulations that underpin these important services.
Working within a supportive and experienced team, you will play a vital role in delivering accurate, efficient and customer-focused pension administration. You will be part of the Pensions Shared Service, which administers the LGPS on behalf of five London boroughs: Camden, Merton, Richmond, Waltham Forest and Wandsworth. Through your work, you will help ensure that scheme members receive the information, guidance and benefits they are entitled to, making a real difference to people's lives.
About The Role
- Learn about and process a wide range of major pension scheme member events, including retirements and transfers.
- Communicate with pension scheme members by telephone and email, applying your knowledge to answer questions and support members.
- Develop an understanding of the Local Government Pension Scheme and the legislation that governs pensions administration.
- Work as part of either the Benefits team or the Data Management/Communications team, with flexibility to support work across teams.
- Receive ongoing training and development support, including the opportunity to study towards a nationally recognised qualification for retirement benefit professionals administered by the Local Government Association and the Pensions Management Institute (PMI).
Essential Qualifications, Skills And Experience
- No previous pensions administration experience is required. Candidates who meet the essential criteria in the job profile, including English language and mathematics skills, will be invited to complete an online assessment test to assess suitability for the role.
Essential Criteria
- Strong numerical skills.
- English language and mathematics skills in line with the essential criteria in the job profile.
- Good communication skills, including the ability to communicate clearly by telephone and email.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Interest in starting a career in pensions and willingness to learn relevant legislation and processes.
- Commitment to ongoing training and development, including potential study towards a relevant professional qualification.
Closing Date: 9 August 2026
Shortlisting Date: 10 August 2026
Interview Date: Monday 24 August 2026 in person at Wandsworth Town Hall
Test/Presentation: Online assessment test on Monday 17 August 2026 via Microsoft Teams
Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Benefits
- 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays)
- Flexible working
- A generous pension plan
Trainee Pensions Officer employer: London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames
The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values flexibility and employee well-being. With generous benefits such as 40 days of annual leave and opportunities for professional growth, this role as a Business Rates Inspector allows you to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a balanced work-life dynamic.
Contact Details:
London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Pensions Officer
✨Get Involved with University Events
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We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Pensions Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Credentials:In the financial controlling world, your grades matter! Highlight your academic achievements, especially in relevant subjects like finance, accounting, or economics in your CV. If you’ve completed any finance-related courses or certifications, don’t shy away from boasting about them!
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Express Your Passion in the Cover Letter:As a trainee, your eagerness to learn is crucial. Use your cover letter to convey your enthusiasm for finance. Share what intrigues you about financial controlling and how this role at London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames can help you grow your skills and knowledge in the field.
Tailor Your Application to London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames:When applying, it’s vital to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the values and goals of London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames. Mention specific projects or initiatives of the company that resonate with you. Personalising your application shows you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in being part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames
✨Master the Numbers
Finance ain't just about the glitzy spreadsheets! Brush up on your numerical skills and be prepared for some practical case questions. Expect scenarios where you’ll need to crunch some numbers to analyse financial scenarios—it’s a big part of the trainee role in financial controlling.
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Familiarise yourself with financial software and tools commonly used in the industry like SAP or Excel. During the interview, you might be quizzed on your experience with these tools and how you would use them to streamline financial reporting or budgeting processes.
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As a trainee, your potential is just as important as your current skills. Be prepared to talk about your eagerness to learn and grow in the role. Sharing examples of how you've picked up new skills in the past can show that you’re adaptable and ready for the challenges ahead!
✨Ask Smart Questions
Tailor your questions to show you understand the financial controlling field—think about how the company handles its financial reporting processes or ask about the specific tools they use. This not only demonstrates your interest but gives us insight into your analytical thinking and engagement with the role at London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames.
