Actuarial Trainee

• Graduate programme
• September 2012 start

 About the role
Our Actuarial trainee's work with a diverse range of both corporate and trustee clients, advising on the design, funding, administration and communication of all types of retirement plans.  They also help our clients manage a variety of benefit plan related risks. Actuarial trainee's will be instrumental in driving forward the shape of future pension provisions and delivering innovative solutions to our clients, whether it be via "defined benefit" or "defined contribution" pension arrangements.

 
Graduates will work as part of a team supporting more experienced consultants in all areas of pensions consulting work for corporate and trustee clients. Through our structured development programme and on the job training you will be supported, coached and developed into an actuarial retirement consultant with ultimately your own clients. As your progresat Mercer there will be a range of career paths available allowing you to focus on your strengths and interests. These include:

• Becoming a scheme actuary responsible for the actuarial work associated with the pension arrangements of a portfolio of clients
• Becoming a general consultant and overall relationship manager for a portfolio of clients
• Becoming a consultant in one of our speciality groups

To aid you in your professional development you will study to be an actuary through the exams run by the Institute/Faculty of Actuaries.  Mercer provides a comprehensive study package to support you in your studies.

Key duties will include:

• Performing calculations to support corporate, trustee and individual decision making around retirement choices and pension scheme management
• Developing and applying relevant legislation knowledge to client issues
• Communicating effectively to external and internal clients in a non technical manner
• Developing understanding of client needs in order to be able to deliver high standards of client service
• Performing in accordance with financial targets and standards; time recording, budget monitoring, billing and all other aspects of financial management
• Working in partnership and developing relationships with internal teams, across lines of businesses and with both corporate and trustee clients
• Developing coaching and delegation skills

 Key skills and qualifications:

• A minimum of 300 UCAS points obtained in 3 subjects including a numerical A level at a minimum of grade B, with a 2:1 honours degree in a numerical or semi numerical degree (equivalent qualifications are accepted)
• An interest in pensions and financial markets is essential
• A strong customer service focus and desire to work with clients to help them achieve their objectives
• Ability to work in a team with rapidly changing priorities and demands
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong numerical, analytical and problem solving skills with the ability to assimilate data, review and solve client issues
• An ability to work to tight deadlines
• Ability to balance work, study and personal life effectively