Pension Fund Accounts Officer

This opening assignment is for 8 months in London E8 1DY.

Summary of what the candidate must have to apply:

• Essential experience working within a Local Government Pension Fund environment.
• Proven Pension Fund accounting experience.
• Strong background in financial accounting and reporting.
• Experience preparing Pension Fund Reports and Accounts.
• Knowledge of CIPFA reporting requirements.
• Experience carrying out complex reconciliations and managing suspense accounts.
• Ability to work with large financial datasets and investment portfolios.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, including liaising with auditors, fund managers and pension administrators.
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.

The role:

Hackney is recruiting a Pension Fund Accounts Officer to support the financial management and reporting of Hackney's Pension Fund, valued at approximately £2.2 billion. This is an excellent opportunity to join a busy finance team and play a key role in ensuring the accuracy, integrity and compliance of pension fund accounting and reporting activities. Reporting to the Investment & Accounting Manager, you will support the production of statutory accounts, reconciliations, audit requirements and investment reporting, while working closely with internal and external stakeholders.

Key accountabilities:

• Assist with the preparation and compilation of the Pension Fund Report & Accounts.
• Ensure compliance with CIPFA accounting and reporting standards.
• Prepare and maintain monthly investment transaction reports from Fund Managers and London CIV.
• Carry out complex financial reconciliations and ensure accurate recording within financial systems.
• Clear Pension Fund suspense accounts on a monthly basis.
• Maintain detailed working papers and a full audit trail.
• Act as a key contact for internal and external auditors.
• Liaise with investment managers, custodians and pension administrators regarding financial data and reconciliations.
• Raise purchase orders and process invoice payments.
• Respond to invoice queries and provide financial support across the team.
• Support ESG reporting requirements and passive equity voting activities.

Requirements/key criteria:

• Experience working within Local Government Pension Funds is essential.
• Previous Pension Fund accounting experience is essential.
• Strong knowledge of financial accounting principles and reporting standards.
• Experience preparing statutory accounts and supporting audits.
• Understanding of CIPFA requirements and Pension Fund accounting practices.
• Experience managing reconciliations, journals and suspense accounts.
• Strong Excel and financial systems skills.
• Ability to analyse large volumes of financial and investment data.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities effectively.

How to Apply:

Quote the Job Title and Reference Number in your application. Submit your CV in Word format. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; early submission is recommended.