Pensions Advisor
Job Description:Pensions advisers help people to plan for financial security in retirement.
Job Category:What you will do:
In your day-to-day duties you may:
- manage client relationships
- work with personal and corporate clients
- find new business
- calculate the value of pension funds
- issue regular statements to pension scheme members
- answer enquiries from scheme members
- keep up to date with new financial regulations and laws
Skills:
You’ll need:
- knowledge of economics and accounting
- maths knowledge
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
As well as:
- customer service skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail (organisational skills)
- sensitivity and understanding
- persistence and determination (ambition/drive)
- analytical thinking skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
Entry Requirements:
Becoming a Pensions Advisor typically doesn’t require specific subjects, but a strong educational foundation, good communication skills, and knowledge in finance and economics can be beneficial for this career. Here are some suggested subjects to become a Pensions Advisor:
- Mathematics: Strong mathematical skills are important for understanding pension calculations and financial planning.
- Business Studies or Economics: These subjects can provide you with a basic understanding of financial principles, which is relevant to pension advising.
- ICT (Information and Communication Technology): Proficiency in using computer software and spreadsheets is valuable for analyzing pension data and creating financial plans.
- English: Good communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential for explaining complex pension information to clients.
Post School
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
- a graduate training scheme
Apprenticeship
You can get into this job through a higher apprenticeship as a financial adviser, specialising in pensions, or as a financial services professional, specialising in workplace pensions.
Work
You could start as a pensions administrator or financial customer service adviser. You would do qualifications while you work to move into an adviser role. In the UK, qualifications are offered by the Pensions Management Institute and the Chartered Insurance Institute.
Direct Application
You can apply to companies directly if you have experience in finance or sales. Employers will offer you extra training in their pensions products when you start.
Other Routes
If you have a degree you may be able to join a pension company’s graduate trainee scheme to become an adviser.
Employers recruit from a wide range of degree subjects but it may help if your study includes numerical or business-based modules.
Working Hours and Environment:
Your typical working hours could be variable.
You could work in an office or from home.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience, you could specialise in a particular type of pension, become a pensions manager, or move into other types of financial advice.
You could also become a self-employed pensions consultant.