Pensions officer

The pensions advisor based in London provide a professional administration service in respect of all pension scheme members and their beneficiaries.

Client Details

The pensions advisor will work for our client, a large education organisation based in Central London.

They are seeking an immediately available pensions advisor to join the HR pension team

Description

The pensions advisor based in London will be responsible for the follwoing duties:

• Calculate and provide members with, early and normal retirement benefit projections/options (including VS/ER), AVC options to improve their benefits, retirement augmentations, contribution effect of absence including maternity and unpaid leave, annual and lifetime allowances.

• Provide assistance and advice responding to enquiries received in respect of new scheme members, previous service being transferred in, lump sum and beneficiary nominations, effect of part time employment and options available on leaving the scheme.

• Accurately input and update in a timely manner both the pension and payroll databases with all member scheme changes required by the trustee's as well as providing the trustees with any non-database documentation required to accurately reflect the member's record.

• A clear commitment to high standards of customer care and to equality of opportunity and an understanding of the ways in which those principles can be implemented in the post holder's work.

• Calculate and reconcile member contributions to pensionable salary including AVCs in respect of defined benefit notifications, monthly contribution schedules, end of year schedules, scheme refunds and scheme instigated enquiries.

• Provide a cross-checking function with other Pension team members, of pension benefit and AVC calculations plus, other work as required.

• Ensure allocated casework is completed accurately and timely as published in the UCL service standards, pension scheme rules, overriding legislation or as requested by the PS.

• Prioritise and plan your own casework, proactively monitor casework progress and undertake follow up actions as necessary, empathise with member, beneficiary and scheme requirements ensuring always excellent customer service by responding in a positive and helpful manner to all forms of customer contact

• Liaise with other HR teams and UCL departments, participating in ad-hoc projects, inter department meetings, HR Road shows, Pension Seminars and scheme meetings, taking ownership and responsibility for those delegated tasks and actions.

• Identify emerging trends, patterns, activities or enquiries which require process, system change or training to the attention of the PS, actively suggesting any resolution proposals to ensure continuous improvement of the services provided by the team. Also, to be involved with the further development and updating of the UCL Pension Services website.

Profile

The pensions advisor must be immediately availablem, live in London and possess the following qualities:

• GCSE (A-C) English and Maths or equivalent or have equivalent skills acquired in the workplace.

• Proven pensions administration experience of an organisation with multiple pension schemes

• Proven provision of customer service focussed practices, effective administrative support and assistance in a complex organisation.

• High level of numerical accuracy and numerical reasoning skills.

• High level of accuracy and attention to detail with the ability to maintain accurate pension member records.

• Able to collate, analyse and present complex information to customers and staff.

• A team player, able to meet service standards at a personal, team and section level.

• Working with managers and colleagues to resolve issues and to suggest best practice in areas requiring improved focus.

• Proven experience of managing one's own workload through effective prioritising, time management, organisational skills, and able to both motivate oneself and colleagues.

• The ability to communicate effectively, have empathy with, and relate to a customer, can answer telephone/visitor enquiries and draft letters, memos and minutes in a clear, concise and logical format, whist maintaining an acceptable level of accuracy and attention to detail.

• Experience of and ability to explain policies/procedures to customers, staff and managers such as auto enrolment, pension options and benefits.

• A positive, flexible, customer focussed attitude

• Computer literacy and familiarity with the Microsoft suite of software to intermediate level in Word, Excel and Outlook. Ability to use the internet.

• A clear commitment to high standards of customer care and to equality of opportunity and an understanding of the ways in which those principles can be implemented in the post holder's work.

Job Offer

The pensions advisor role offers a competitive salary and an immediate start opportunity.