Finance Officer

Job Introduction

West Yorkshire Pension Fund is a leading Local Government Pension Fund and one of the UK largest pension funds, based in Bradford. Due to our increasing Shared Service with other pension Funds, we require a Finance Officer to join our small, friendly team based in Aldermanbury House in Bradford City Centre.

About WYPF Finance team.

The core finance team process financial transactions from employers and shared service partners providing accurate insightful financial information and management reports by cultivating strong and effective collaborative business partnering. Providing pensions financial services to 850 employers and 510,000 pension members across the UK, accounting for pensions payroll of £650m and pension contribution income of £500m per year.

Also to manage pensions operational budget of £15m per annum. Manage technical accounting functions for WYPF and CBMDC Corporate Services. Manage SAP, UPM and HSBC corporate banking systems for WYPF and provide technical support for WYPF managers using financial systems. Complete and submit compliance, regulatory and tax returns ahead of deadlines and time limits for WYPF and shared service clients.

The Finance Officer’s role is a varied one, where your skills and versatility will be utilised to support the breadth of our Finance Team’s function. A key part of the Finance Officer’s role will be to provide a number of varied financial services within the Pension Fund, with opportunities to progress and support for accountancy training. Key duties include:

• Investigate and resolve supplier queries, reconcile supplier statements
• Identify and post prepayments and accruals
• Produce ad hoc reports and analysis

When required, you will support the Finance Team by undertaking:

• Daily accounting for the general ledger (data entry, statement reconciliation)
• Sundry debtor processes and raising invoices
• Bank Accounts reconciliation, and suspense account clearance
• Reconciling employers’ monthly contribution payments to members’ records
• Posting pensions contributions to members’ records

The Ideal Candidate:

• Previous accounting experience of general ledger record maintenance, bank reconciliation and sundry debtor transactions
• Experience in month end reconciliations and preparing variance analysis
• Intermediate capability in using financial software such as SAP or Oracle Financial
• Studying or willing to study for accountancy qualifications
• Excellent Excel and Words skills
• Strong attention to detail and root-cause resolution, demonstrates a high level of intellect and speed of understanding
• Versatile and adaptable, willing to undertake an array of basic financial tasks
• Outstanding customer communication skills, be an excellent team player, and able to multi-task

A basic disclosure check with the Disclosure and Barring Service will be undertaken for this post.

How to Apply

If you are interested in joining our team and would like some further information, please contact [Name of Recruiting Manager or Nominated Person] on [Contact Number] or email [Email Address].

Employee Offer

Why work for Bradford Council? Find out why by taking a look at Our Employee Offer.pdf .

Equal Opportunities

We do not discriminate against any applicant or employee directly or indirectly on the grounds of gender, marital status, gender re-assignment, pregnancy, sexual orientation, disability, race, colour, ethnic background, religion or belief nationality or age. And, as an equal opportunities employer, the Council strives to employ the best qualified people from a diverse range of applicants.

The RESPECT Allyship Programme is available to all staff, which offers the opportunity to learn more about the diverse communities & groups and provides added benefits and resources to its members.

About you

5 Grade A to C GCSEs including English and Maths (or equivalent qualification)

Able to analyse and do problem solving

Able to use Microsoft Excel and other financial software

Excellent communication and teamwork abilities

A keen eye for detail and a proactive approach to tasks

Willing to undertake relevant training and achieve AAT qualification

Development Opportunities

Mentorship from experienced finance professionals

Opportunities to work on diverse projects within the pension fund and investment management sector

Training programs to enhance your skills

A clear career progression path within the company

Hybrid working

We understand the importance of work / life balance and as such we offer both super flexi and hybrid working.
The finance team are expected to work 37 hours a week and work from the office 3 days a week.

NOTE: Candidates applying outside of Yorkshire who are not willing to relocation will not be shortlisted.

Why work for us?

We’re offering finance officers the chance to be part of something bigger - shaping a brighter future for our pension members, colleagues, and society. We’re not just focused on the now, but on creating lasting change, and as a finance officer, you’ll have the opportunity to make a real impact from day one. We're a passionate, forward-thinking team, setting new standards for ourselves and the companies who rely on us, and we want you to be a part of that journey.

Our flexible, hybrid workspaces are designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and mindful working, helping you grow alongside us. We believe in empowering our people to thrive, and we’re committed to creating an environment where you feel supported, inspired, and valued. As a continuously learning organisation, we’ll provide you with the tools, training, and encouragement to succeed, so together, we can find better ways of working.

Our rewards

You will also enjoy the kind of great benefits you would expect from a large employer. These include hybrid working, generous annual leave, membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme, Super Flexi, Vivup – employee benefits and shopping discount scheme, Metro Pool Cards, Travel Card Scheme, Cycle to Work Scheme, Car Parking Discounted rates, Home and electronics staff offer scheme, Employee Assistance Programme, Electric Vehicles, Car Loan Scheme, Gym Discount among others.