Job purpose summary

To provide an effective and efficient pensions administration service to PS Administration clients, whilst participating in achieving team objectives.

Key responsibilities & accountabilities

Performing various administration tasks e.g. handling of new entrants, leavers, retirements, transfers and deaths, this includes:

• Adhering to best practice procedures in all aspects of pensions administration related tasks as defined by the Company.
• Updating relevant pension administration databases and systems.
• Logging and scanning post/correspondence.
• Handling both Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) queries.
• Receiving and handling internal and external telephone queries.
• Running automated systems calculations.
• Performing manual benefits calculations.
• Producing letters to ‘draft standards’ via Electronic Document Management system (EDM) in response to customer queries and arranging for them to be issued after checking.
• Returning original documentation and certificates to customers.
• Amending of, and with experience developing into checking non-financial work e.g. change of address.
• Developing a basic knowledge and awareness of their clients and associated schemes.
• Assisting the team with project related work e.g. bulk mailshots to scheme members.
• Working closely with other departments/teams both internal and external to the Company in order to provide a total service to our clients. E.g. Pensions Accounts, Payroll, Administration Support and ITM (3rd party IT software provider).
• Ensuring the accurate updating of time recording system (Virtual Office) for both chargeable and nonchargeable activities and meeting required utilisation targets.

Due to the changing nature of the business, the job holder may from time to time be required to undertake other activities of a similar nature that fall within their capabilities.

Competencies

Knowledge & experience

• Previous office based experience ideally gained within the financial services or pensions industry would be advantageous. This role is likely to appeal to individuals with up to 12 months experience although not exclusive as all applications will be considered on an individual basis.
• Able to demonstrate a basic awareness and/or knowledge of pensions industry.
• Able to demonstrate a numerical aptitude evidenced by work related experience or academic achievements as listed below.
• IT proficient, in particular Microsoft Word, Excel & Outlook.

Training, education & qualification

• Educated to a minimum of A Level or Degree or equivalent standard.
• Ideally a minimum of three C grades or above at A Level or equivalent qualification.
• Strong Maths and English GCSE or equivalent qualification – minimum grade B.
• Willingness to study for a relevant pensions qualification e.g. CPC/DPC/RPC/APMI.

Skills, abilities & personal qualities

Critical criteria

• Excellent organisational and planning skills.
• Ability to work in advance of deadlines and prioritising multiple tasks.
• Able to see projects/tasks through to completion within given timescales.
• Willingness to learn.
• Able to follow instructions, procedures, policies and assimilate information quickly in a consistent manner.
• Able to take ownership and responsibility for own work.
• Enthusiastic, positive and flexible approach to work.
• Effective interpersonal skills.
• A high degree of accuracy and attention to detail is required in order to perform their duties both numerical and written.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• An active listener and able to follow through on the instructions given.
• Able to work as part of a multi-disciplined team.
• Good problem solving skills.
• Able to recognise the need for a customer focused approach to their delivery both in terms of quality and exceeding customer expectations.

Preferred criteria
(Qualities that would be desirable for candidates to possess, but are not deemed critical in performing the role at entry level, but would be anticipated as the incumbent develops within the role)

• Demonstrates a commitment to progressing a pensions administration career.
• A self-motivated approach to professional and personal development.
• Flexible approach to work pressures.
• Developing technical pensions knowledge i.e. different pensions provisions available – DB/DC and CARE.
• Continues to seek ways of improving processes and procedures.
• Forming successful professional relationships both internally and externally.
• Successfully progressing CPC/DPC/RPC/APMI.
• Sharing knowledge with colleagues.
• Developing more junior members of staff.