About First Actuarial

First Actuarial has been around since 2004, when a small group of like-minded actuaries came together to bring fresh thinking to pensions consultancy. Two decades later, we’re celebrating our 20th anniversary with events at all our five offices. It’s a great time to be part of First Actuarial. Following last year’s 20% revenue increase, our strong growth path has continued into this year, and we now employ around 450 people in the UK

We’re still an independent business with no chargeable hours targets, giving our people the time to deliver their best work and excel. We shape our high-quality services by listening closely to our clients’ needs. And we price those services fairly.

As we develop our business, prospects for our people grow. Our Basingstoke, Leeds, Manchester, Peterborough and Tonbridge offices provide supportive work environments where everyone can make a difference. We enjoy work and celebrate our successes. And we provide support and helpful feedback so we all learn and improve.

We love numbers, but we love people more. Staff wellbeing and work-life balance have always been core values. Beyond the firm, we’re known for our integrity. We’re happy to challenge conventional thinking and speak up. Our pioneering work is set to transform the lives of millions of younger people with a new type of pension.

The role

We’re looking for fully qualified actuaries with significant experience in the UK pension market. This role will be based in any of our five offices.

 Initially, you’ll be responsible for

• Reviewing actuarial calculations e.g., triennial valuations
• Drafting and reviewing standard and bespoke communications
• Liaising with Trustees at meetings, by telephone and e-mail
• Monitoring deadlines and actions on a portfolio of schemes

Assuming good performance, and good progress in developing relationships with clients, there will be the opportunity (but not requirement) to progress to a scheme actuary role in the next 18 to 36 months.

Not all the work we do is traditional actuarial work – you probably know we often challenge conventional thinking. So, we’d be able to give you lots of variety and challenge – utilising your well-honed actuarial skills and bringing your own thinking. 

Your skills and experience

• Experience – 7 years or more in a UK pension consulting environment with sound technical knowledge
• Skills – an excellent communicator who understands how to express complicated ideas in a concise and clear way. A good technical understanding of UK pensions work.
• Characteristics – a can do, enthusiastic approach to tackling problems, and a desire to build pro-active teams with your colleagues and clients

What we offer you

We’ll actively support you as you build your career – and reward you for doing so. At every level of seniority, we offer:

• A competitive remuneration package, including bonus and profit-sharing payments
• Private health insurance, life insurance and income protection insurance
• 25 days annual leave as standard, increasing with length of service, an extra day at Christmas, plus bank holidays and the option to purchase additional holidays
• A non-contributory pension
• Full training and study support.

We have hybrid working in place for colleagues who prefer home-working for part of the week. We’re also flexible on working day arrangements and will happily accommodate a range of personal commitments from day one.

Our straightforward, interview-based approach to recruitment ensures equal opportunities for all applicants.

Please note that we can only accept applications from candidates with a permanent right to work in the UK