Positive Employment is currently recruiting for a Pensions Project Accountant for our client a local government organisation in Hackney, London.

The successful post holder will provide effective support to the Head of Pension Fund Investment in meeting the requirements of Pensions Services covering governance, accounting, investments and actuarial services and for a range of other organisational wide projects as required.

The post holder will require both a breadth and detail of understanding to deliver services to the Head of Pension Fund Investment and assist in making accurate judgements around timescales, benefits, costs and risks.

The Pensions Project Accountant will have to adapt rapidly to shifting demands and priorities, and will be focused on providing a responsive service to the Head of Pension Fund Investment. This will mean that the post holder needs to be flexible and adaptable, with a high level of professional credibility.

This is initially a 5 month contract with the possibility to extend after that date. This role is hybrid working.

Duties and Responsibilities but not limited to:

• Working with the Pensions Accounting team in being responsible for ensuring accurate accounting records for the Pension Fund and in particular to the Pension Fund closedown process at year end and to actively contribute to the Pension Fund Annual Report and Accounts ensuring the accuracy of the financial, performance and statutory information included.
• Be responsible for the collation, monitoring and reconciliation of the pension fund contributions and to liaise with employers and the third party administrator to ensure payment of contributions (employer and employee) is in line with regulatory requirements.
• Manage the pension aspects of TUPE arrangements undertaken by the Council and other employers. This includes arranging all necessary documentation including contractual arrangements, financial aspects (including contribution rates) and ensuring that staff subject to TUPE are kept informed of their pension arrangements.
• Calculate employer contribution rates for new employers as they enter the Fund following a TUPE exercise. To liaise with the Funds actuary in regard to the calculation of cessation valuations when employers exit the Fund, either as contracts cease or when the last active member has left their employment. To ensure the receipt of any exits deficits from employers, and the payment of any exit credits to employers, where required.
• Be responsible for informing all employers in the Fund of their contribution rates following the triennial valuation exercise, ensuring their payroll providers are updated with the appropriate rate changes.
• Arrange for additional administration charges to be raised against employers not complying with the Pension Administration Strategy.

Personal Requirements:

• Experience of assisting with the closure of pension fund accounts preferably in local government is required.
• Experience of using Cedare5 financial system is desirable.
• Some experience reconciling the following within a local government pension establishment is essential:

1) local government pension scheme fund manager/custodian records

2.) pension fund sales/purchases/cash

3.) LGPS lump sums/pensions paid/transfers in /transfers out

4.) pension fund bank account reconciliations

• An understanding of procurement in Local Government.
• Qualified or nearly qualified CIPFA/ACCA or equivalent or equivalent by experience.
• Good IT skills and the ability to use a wide range of IT packages to an advanced level including Microsoft Excel, financial information systems.

Working Hours: 36hrs / 9:00am - 17:00pm / Monday to Friday

Pay: £34.58 p/h

Please note this role is within the scope of IR35.