At a Glance
- Tasks: Support customer journeys by developing and reviewing actuarial calculations.
- Company: Join Standard Life, a leading retirement specialist with over 200 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, 38 days annual leave, and private medical cover.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; we value curiosity and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the financial futures of our customers while growing your skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in a numerate subject and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 33500 - 33500 £ per year.
We have an incredible opportunity to join us here at Standard Life as an BPA Operations Analyst into our Annuity Client Services team.
Job Type: Permanent
Location: This role could be based in either our London or Edinburgh office working two days per week in the office. We recognise the benefits of flexible working and will discuss what is important to you and balancing this with business requirements during the recruitment process.
Flexible working: All roles are open to part-time, job-share and other types of flexibility. We will discuss what is important to you and balancing this with business requirements during the recruitment process.
Salary and benefits: From £33,500 depending on experience plus bonus, private medical cover, 38 days annual leave, excellent pension, 12x salary life assurance, career breaks, income protection, 3x volunteering days and much more.
Who are we? We’re Standard Life, a retirement specialist focused entirely on retirement savings and income. We champion the belief that everyone’s journey to and through retirement can be better, and for more than 200 years, we’ve been helping our customers plan and prepare for their financial futures.
The role involves working closely with the Technical Actuaries and Annuity Calculation Lead, supporting many aspects of the overall customer journey. The role would fit somebody looking for a challenge and will require the successful candidate to develop, integrate and review actuarial calculations as part of our BPA proposition.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Collaborate to provide oversight of complex member benefit calculations and member options with our administrators.
- Checking actuarial calculations carried out by our administrators (e.g. transfer value calculations, retirement projections etc).
- Assist in the development of cashflow projection models ensuring they reflect the most accurate and beneficial outcomes for members.
- Responsible for processing and checking of actuarial factors across our portfolio of BPA schemes.
- Helping to draft process notes and highlight any opportunities for process improvement that may arise.
- Ensuring all work produced within our team is clearly documented and has a suitable audit trail and version control.
- Developing a good understanding of pension benefit structures and options.
- Responsible for creating bespoke models that address specific member benefits.
What are we looking for? For this role, we are looking for a highly numerate background and would expect applicants to have:
- A degree (or equivalent) in a numerate subject such as Mathematics, Statistics, Actuarial Science, Engineering or Economics, and/or strong A-Level (or equivalent) Mathematics results.
- Strong numerical and analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, perform complex calculations and identify anomalies.
- Experience using Microsoft Excel to analyse data and develop or maintain calculation models.
- An understanding of defined benefit pension schemes, member benefits and retirement options. Knowledge of Bulk Purchase Annuities (BPAs) would be advantageous.
- Excellent attention to detail with the ability to work accurately, maintain clear documentation and operate within a controlled environment with appropriate audit trails.
- A proactive approach to learning, continuous improvement and developing technical expertise.
We are committed to ensuring that everyone feels accepted and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If your experience looks different from what we’ve advertised and you believe that you can bring value to the role, we’d love to hear from you. If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process, please let us know so we can help you to be at your best. We’re reviewing applications as they come in, so apply early to avoid missing out.
BPA Operations Analyst – Client Services in Edinburgh employer: Phoenix Group
At Standard Life, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment that prioritises employee well-being and growth. With competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits including private medical cover and generous annual leave, as well as opportunities for career development, our London and Edinburgh offices foster a culture of collaboration and innovation. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the retirement sector while enjoying the balance of professional challenges and personal fulfilment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land BPA Operations Analyst – Client Services in Edinburgh
✨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 Phoenix Group. 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 BPA Operations Analyst – Client Services in Edinburgh
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 Phoenix Group.
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 Phoenix Group'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 Phoenix Group
✨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 Phoenix Group.
✨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 Phoenix Group 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 Phoenix Group 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.
