Finance Officer

We are an accredited Disability Confident Employer and welcome applications from under-represented groups. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and has a sense of belonging.
Who are we?
As a totally independent body, not part of the pensions industry or government, we investigate and make decisions when someone has been unable to resolve a complaint about how their pension has been managed. Our service is free, but we have legal powers to make decisions that are final, binding, and enforceable in court.
Our work can be challenging and high-profile, delivering a fair outcome for the individual and highlighting where the pensions industry can improve. Focusing on the facts, we must be balanced, fair and totally independent.
Purpose of the role
This is a role providing financial and administrative support in the small finance function in the organisation.
The role reports to the Head of Finance and will provide support in managing all aspects of financial administration and management for The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO), ensuring all needs are met for financial accounting and control, as well as managing all financial administrative duties. This will include the preparation of accounts, purchase ledger and payroll and pensions administration., Operational
+ Assisting with the preparation of monthly management accounts under supervision of the Head of Finance.
+ Assist with collating information for the interim and final external audit. Liaise with the National Audit Office team where necessary.
+ Assist, and where appropriate take the lead on, initiatives to improve the efficiency and resilience of the finance function.
+ Act as a point of contact on financial and accounting matters.
+ Working flexibly across Corporate Services as necessary and any other duties that may reasonably be required.
Corporate
+ Lead and / or assist other corporate initiatives and tasks that support TPO's service delivery (e.g., business planning and procurement).
+ Deputise for the Head of Finance on finance matters as / when needed.
Payroll and pensions
+ Responsible for the monthly payroll process including liaising with HR department to collate monthly information for uploading to the payroll provider portal. Checking payroll output and providing a reconciliation for approval by the Chief Operating Officer (COO). Act as the main point of contact with TPO's payroll provider, with an ability to answer queries and escalating when appropriate. Compiling the monthly reports for the Civil Service Pension Scheme and dealing with data requests from the scheme's administrators.
+ Respond appropriately and accurately to staff payroll and/or pension queries
Purchase ledger
Managing the purchase ledger function including checking and collating invoices and posting on the accounts system.
Preparing TPO weekly payment run, uploading payments to online banking.

All applicants must have a right to work in the UK and be prepared to be security cleared to Baseline Personnel Security Standard, which requires a basic disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

The Pensions Ombudsman is growing fast and is a great place to work. We have an exciting opportunity for a Finance Officer to join our team based in Canary Wharf, where we currently operate an agile working policy of 20% office attendance and a flexible working culture. You will be working full or part-time on a 12-month fixed term contract and will receive a competitive salary of £42,990 per annum pro rata. We offer several pension options as part of the Civil Service Pension Scheme, including defined benefits. In addition, we are an accredited Disability Confident Employer, and we welcome applicants from under-represented groups.
Salary and benefits
As well as a starting salary of £42,990 per annum pro rata, we offer:
+ Several pension options as part of the Civil Service Pension Scheme, including defined benefits.
+ 27.5 days annual leave increasing to 32.5 depending on length of service plus the option to buy and sell annual leave
+ Discretionary staff reward scheme
+ Comprehensive support for growth with learning and development programme to boost your career
+ 24/7 Free confidential employee assistance programme
+ Discounted health benefits and employee discount scheme across hundreds of retailers
+ Access to Staff Networks and social activities
+ Sabbatical after qualifying period
+ A culture of reward with annual performance bonus
+ Eye test and flu jab reimbursements
+ Access to a Cycle to work scheme