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Pensions Manager (Finance) Location: Surrey County Council Service Area: Surrey Pension Team Job Type: Full-time Role Overview We are seeking an experienced Pensions Manager (Finance) to join the Surrey Pension Team and play a key role in managing the financial operations of the Surrey Pension Fund. This is a senior finance role requiring strong knowledge of Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) accounting, financial reporting, governance, and budget management . The successful candidate will lead a small finance team, oversee key financial processes, and provide expert financial insight to support the long-term sustainability of the Fund. The Surrey Pension Fund is one of the largest LGPS funds in the UK, valued at over £6 billion , supporting more than 130,000 members and approximately 500 participating employers . Key Responsibilities • Lead and support the delivery of the Surrey Pension Team Finance Strategy. • Oversee the preparation of the annual Pension Fund accounts and Annual Report . • Ensure financial controls, governance arrangements and reporting processes are robust and compliant. • Monitor and manage the Surrey Pension Team operating budget (approximately £7m). • Support cashflow management, forecasting and financial modelling for the Pension Fund. • Lead and develop a small finance team, providing guidance, coaching and performance support. • Analyse complex financial and pension data, providing insight and recommendations to senior stakeholders. • Work closely with key stakeholders including: • Pension Fund Committee • Local Pension Board • External auditors • Actuaries • Investment managers • Pension fund employers • Fund investment pool partners • Identify and implement process improvements, digital initiatives and efficiencies across the service. • Provide clear financial advice and communicate complex pension information to both technical and non-technical audiences. Essential Experience & Skills The successful candidate will have: • Significant experience within pensions finance, LGPS, local authority finance or public sector accounting . • Strong understanding of LGPS pension fund accounting requirements and regulations . • Experience preparing or contributing to statutory accounts and financial reports. • Experience managing budgets, forecasts, reconciliations and financial controls. • Ability to analyse and interpret complex financial and pension information. • Experience working with auditors, actuaries and external stakeholders. • Previous experience managing or supervising finance teams. • Strong communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills. • Experience improving financial processes and systems. Qualifications • Qualified accountant status preferred: • CIPFA • ACCA • ACA or equivalent professional experience. Ideal Backgrounds Suitable candidates may currently be working as: • Pensions Finance Manager • Pension Fund Accountant • Senior Pension Accountant • LGPS Accountant • Finance Manager – Pension Fund • Senior Finance Manager (Pensions) Experience within a local authority pension fund environment is highly desirable.