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- Tasks: Support financial reporting and manage assets for a £3bn pension fund.
- Company: Join Wandsworth Council's dynamic Pensions Finance team.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension plan.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local government finance and governance.
- Qualifications: Experience in year-end accounts and local government accounting required.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to equality and diversity.
The predicted salary is between 48873 - 62451 £ per year.
Salary Range: £48,873 - £62,451 depending on experience
Contract: Permanent – Full-time
Location: Wandsworth
Work Arrangement: Hybrid Working Available
This role is within the Pensions Finance team, which provides financial and investment support to Wandsworth Council’s £3bn pension fund, the Southwest Middlesex Crematorium Board, and the Better Service Partnership’s Insurance function. The role involves preparing reports and financial statements for the Pension Fund, Insurance, and Southwest Middlesex Crematorium Board, as well as managing financial assets and cash balances.
Responsibilities
- Support the Head of Pensions Finance in producing reports and financial statements for the Pension Fund, Insurance, and Southwest Middlesex Crematorium Board.
- Manage financial assets and cash balances.
- Deputise for the Head of Pensions Finance on operational matters.
- Lead officer for the Local Pension Board.
- Act as Treasurer to the Southwest Middlesex Crematorium.
- Provide accounting advice and participate in decision making.
- Strengthen pension fund governance in the General Code and Fit for the Future, including strong written and verbal communication for report writing and presentation to the Board.
- Develop in-depth knowledge of accounting areas and meet deadlines.
- Build knowledge in: (i) Accounting and governance for LGPS/local government; (ii) Smaller body accounting and financial planning for Southwest Middlesex Crematorium; (iii) Accounting and budgeting for the council’s insurance costs, including setting aside balances for self-insurance.
- Exhibit excellent communications skills to write reports and briefing notes and present them at Board and other meetings.
Essential Qualifications, Skills And Experience
- Experience of producing year-end accounts and interpreting/applying accounting rules.
- Ability to effectively check your own work and that of colleagues.
- In-depth knowledge and understanding of local government accounting codes, standards and regulations that apply to local authorities, LGPS pension funds and joint committees.
- Experience providing a finance support service including financial planning and reporting, ensuring non-finance managers comply with financial regulations, engaging effectively with budgets, setting and monitoring in-year.
- Knowledge and understanding of the Local Government finance environment, including the Local Government Pension Scheme.
Indicative Recruitment Timeline
- Closing Date: Sunday 08 February 2026
- Shortlisting Date: Week commencing 09 February 2026
- Interview Date: To Be Confirmed
Note: We may close this vacancy early if a sufficient number of applications have been received.
Useful Information
Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership are committed to inclusive recruitment practices and promoting equality and diversity. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults; some posts may be exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and require a satisfactory DBS check.
Benefits include 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working, and a generous pension plan.
Deputy Head of Pensions Finance employer: Richmond and Wandsworth Councils
Contact Detail:
Richmond and Wandsworth Councils Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head of Pensions Finance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and pensions sector. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its pension fund operations. Familiarise yourself with their financial reports and governance practices. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since this role involves presenting reports and engaging with non-finance managers, being able to explain complex financial concepts in simple terms is key. Try mock interviews with friends or family to sharpen your delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head of Pensions Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in producing financial reports and managing assets. We want to see how your skills align with the Deputy Head of Pensions Finance role, so don’t hold back!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves presenting reports to the Board, it’s crucial to demonstrate your written and verbal communication prowess. Use clear, concise language in your application to showcase your ability to convey complex financial information.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Be sure to mention any previous experience you have with local government accounting or pension funds. We’re looking for candidates who understand the nuances of the finance environment, so make that experience pop in your application!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Richmond and Wandsworth Councils
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your financial knowledge, especially around local government accounting codes and regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles, as this will show your depth of understanding and relevance to the Deputy Head of Pensions Finance position.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask you to demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about past experiences where you've managed financial assets or produced reports under tight deadlines, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves presenting reports to the Board, practice articulating complex financial information clearly and concisely. You might even want to prepare a mock presentation to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with non-finance managers.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with Wandsworth Council’s pension fund and its governance structure. Showing that you understand the context in which you'll be working can set you apart from other candidates. It demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
