Pensions Officer – AR

Job Details

Job Description

Job Title: Pensions Officer (Technical)

Grade: Band G

Reporting To: Benefits Team Leader / Employer Compliance & Governance Team Leader

Purpose of Role

To support the delivery of a cost-effective and customer-focused pension administration service by applying statutory and regulatory requirements under the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), HMRC tax legislation, and associated pension regulations. The role ensures accurate calculation and processing of pension benefits while maintaining full compliance with financial controls, audit requirements, and industry best practice.

Key Responsibilities

Pension Benefits Administration

  • Determine entitlement and calculate all member benefits including retirement pensions, transfers, divorce/pension sharing orders, and related adjustments.
  • Apply relevant LGPS regulations, HMRC tax rules, and pension increase reviews when processing benefits.
  • Respond to complex and technical pension queries, ensuring accuracy and adherence to service standards.

Dependants’ and Death Benefits

  • Assess entitlement and calculate dependants’ pensions and death gratuities.
  • Identify and process recovery of overpayments where applicable, including consideration of write-off requests in line with policy.

Contributions and Pension Enhancements

  • Administer Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs), Additional Pension Contributions (APCs), and related contracts (including ARCs and Added Years).
  • Process conversion of AVC funds at retirement into service credits, annuities, or tax-free cash.

Employer Charging and Financial Processing

  • Calculate and issue recharge accounts to employers for early retirement strain costs and other recoverable charges.
  • Liaise with finance teams regarding invoices, debt recovery, holds, and write-offs.
  • Ensure accuracy and compliance of financial processing within audit guidelines.

Data Management and Compliance

  • Maintain accurate pension records and liaise with employers to resolve missing or incorrect contribution data.
  • Support production and checking of annual benefit statements and actuarial valuation data.
  • Ensure compliance with data protection requirements in handling and disposal of confidential records.

Employer and Scheme Administration Support

  • Support admission processes for new employers and academies, including data cleansing and onboarding of member records.
  • Assist in scheme closure processes and provide data for actuarial reviews.

Casework and Customer Service

  • Process new entrants, leavers, and transfer requests, ensuring accurate application of regulations.
  • Provide information and guidance on pension options to members, including combining benefits and refund processing.
  • Respond to enquiries from members, employers, and stakeholders in a timely and professional manner.

Workflow and Records Management

  • Manage incoming mail and electronic casework, including My Pension Online requests.
  • Ensure proper indexing, workflow allocation, and secure storage of pension records.
  • Maintain microfiche and electronic filing systems in line with retention policies.

Additional Duties

  • Process foreign currency payments and travel arrangements for Fund officers where required.
  • Undertake any other duties appropriate to the grade.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential

  • Knowledge of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
  • Understanding of HMRC pension taxation rules and wider pension legislation.
  • Experience working in a financial or customer-facing administrative environment.
  • Strong numerical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable

  • Diploma or Foundation Degree in Pensions Administration or related field.
  • Working towards CIPPM qualification.
  • Experience using LGPS administration systems (e.g. Altair or equivalent).
  • Knowledge of pension regulatory frameworks (LGPS Regulations, TPR Code of Practice, disclosure requirements).
  • Experience with electronic document management systems and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel).

Additional Information

  • Hybrid working arrangement, subject to service needs.
  • Must be flexible to work outside standard hours on occasion.
  • Role involves working with confidential financial and personal data.
  • May involve exposure to challenging or sensitive customer situations.
  • Includes regular use of video display equipment (VDU work).