Fund Accountant - Belfast

A privately owned UK firm of actuaries, pension consultants, pension scheme IT specialists and administrators is looking for a Fund Accountant to join their growing team. About the role The business has experienced strong growth over the last two years and we have an exciting opportunity for an Experienced Pension Fund Accountant. This role will form part of our Fund Accounts and Payroll team and will report through to the Pensions Administration and Fund Accounts Function Head. Key Responsibilities: You will manage a portfolio of clients Prepare compliant annual reports and financial statements in accordance with the SORP, Financial Reports of Pension Schemes and other appropriate legislation, which includes maintaining/ updating accounts templates, reconciling investments and scheme membership, producing trial balances, and providing peer review. Prepare completion statements, provide bank statements and ledgers for schemes transferring to the Pension Protection Fund (PPF) or Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) within the required time scales. Liaise with the pension scheme's auditors in the production of the financial statements, planning the audit timetable, answering audit queries and reaching reasonable conclusions on any contentious issues. Arrange for signing of the scheme annual report and financial statements within the agreed time-scale, before the statutory deadlines and within budget. Manage the set up and on-going management of trustee bank accounts as required, within internal deadlines and appropriately maintaining the Company systems. Provide monthly balances or quarterly fee and VAT reconciliations for specific clients in addition to providing actuaries with trial balances/ledgers amongst other relevant information for FRS102/IAS19 accounting standards reports as required. Attend and effectively contribute to all relevant internal and external meetings, ensuring actions, projects deadlines are adhered to and completed. Responsibly and effectively flag and proactively communicate all relevant technical/industry/legislative/statutory developments to the wider business, providing solutions and instructions on how they will be dealt with and how any impacting changes will be managed. Ensure compliance with business processes and adherence to relevant legislation, regulatory requirements and HMRC authorised practice with regards to potential movements/payments. Competencies Significant and relevant experience in a similar role. Good understanding of the industry that we operate in. Excellent knowledge of computerised systems e.g. Microsoft Office/Windows applications, especially in Excel Excellent written and communication skills which have been tested internally and externally. The ability to tailor approach according to the audience and have real marketing impact. Book-keeping and general ledger experience with a basic financial awareness of accounting procedures including budgeting and cashflow management. A good knowledge of the SORP, Financial Reports of Pension Schemes and pensions legislation. A good level of knowledge on day to day payroll procedures including processing monthly payrolls and making accurate payments via BACS, submitting files for RTI by deadlines and year end payroll returns. Knowledge of internal controls and business processes. Knowledge or experience of schemes transferring to the Pension Protection Fund (PPF) or Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) Knowledge of The Pensions Regulator and will be required to adhere to all professional standards, and control objectives of AAF 02/07 and AAF 01/06. Experience of Sage payroll packages. Working knowledge of Xero Degree, 2.1 or above in a relevant disciplines ACCA Qualifications or working towards other relevant Working hours: Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week with additional hours as and whenrequired The role holder may be required to work across the United Kingdom and may be expected at times to travel. There is a three month probationary period from commencem