Pensions administrator

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

Entry requirements:

College

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant subjects include:

• Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Business and Administration
• T Level in Finance

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

Apprenticeship

You may be able to do an advanced apprenticeship as a workplace pension administrator or a financial services administrator.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Work

You could start as an assistant administrator and do training on the job with organisations like the Pensions Management Institute and the Chartered Insurance Institute .

DirectApplication

You can apply directly for vacancies. Employers will expect you to be good with numbers, know how to use common office software and be able to communicate well, both verbally and in writing. Some companies may prefer you to have at least two A levels.

Previous experience in customer service, accounts or office work would also be helpful.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• customer service skills
• the ability to sell products and services
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• persistence and determination
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• excellent verbal communication skills
• active listening skills
• administration skills
• knowledge of English language
• maths knowledge
• the ability to read English
• knowledge of economics and accounting
• excellent written communication skills
• persuading skills
• a desire to help people
• thinking and reasoning skills
• concentration skills
• a good memory

What you'll do:

Pensions administrators handle the day-to-day running of pension schemes and life insurance policies.

In this role you could:

• answer queries by phone, letter and email
• use a computer system to check and update records
• calculate the amount of money people will receive
• process money paid towards a person's pension
• transfer benefits from one pension to another
• arrange the payment of pensions
• keep up to date with pension and tax laws

Location : You could work in a contact centre or in an office.

Salary:

Starter : £15,000
Experienced : £27,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 39 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends on shifts

Career Path:

You could further your career with a qualification in pensions administration or calculations.

With experience, you could become a team leader, supervisor or pensions manager. With further study, you could qualify as a financial adviser.