Job Description:

Mercer's Financial Strategy Group (FSG) delivers strategic financial consulting advice to trustee and corporate pension sponsors. It works with clients to deliver advice on risk management in relation to pension schemes and integrates the pension solution within the overall financial strategy. It brings together experienced professionals from wider finance disciplines to work alongside pension, funding and investment experts to provide the integrated approach to pension cost and risk management demanded by our clients. This allows the advice to encompass holistic solutions, taking into account financial goals, risk appetite, investment strategy, funding, benefits and accounting.

As an analyst joining the FSG, you will work as part of a team supporting other more experienced analysts and consultants to develop and deliver customised solutions for risk management in relation to pension schemes for both trustee and corporate clients. You will use your drive and strong analytical and communication skills to achieve client goals within budget and on time, and with high standards of excellence.

As you develop your skills and knowledge you will take on more responsibility, both in terms of client work as well as developing and mentoring more junior analysts in the team. You will have the opportunity to hone expertise and learn from others as you build a platform for career growth. Mercer will also help to support you in any remaining exams and in gaining your professional qualification.

As an analyst working within the FSG, you can expect to:

* Work with spreadsheets and modelling tools to produce detailed numerical analysis around client risk profiles, and the impact of risk on key client financial metrics to support advice on risk management in relation to pension schemes for both trustee and corporate clients. In particular this may include:  ·        Analysis of appropriate investment strategies and structures for clients
·        Analysis of alternative benefit structures, including enhanced transfer values
·        Analysis relating to buy-in/buy-out alternatives
·        Multi-country analysis 
* Assist senior analysts and consultants to adapt technical modelling tools for specific client situations, and deal with technical queries on the tools and modelling methods used
* Work with, and gain a sound knowledge of, Mercer and FSG tools.
* Actively contribute to FSG specialist research process, FSG tools development and FSG intellectual capital
* Assist more senior analysts and consultants produce qualitative analysis for specific client situations, and start to develop practical consulting skills and competencies
* Draft client documents and presentations
* Receive formal, and other on-the-job, training in key processes and procedures
* Ensure that all professionalism/compliance processes are understood and followed
* Work with other Mercer business lines to deliver a streamlined service to clients

Candidate Requirements:

* Studying towards the actuarial or CFA qualification.
* Relevant experience within the Actuarial or Investments environment
* Strong numerical reasoning, analytical skills and ability to work through tasks in a logical manner
* Good attention to detail
* High proficiency in Excel
* Good technical skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office
* Self-motivation and an ability to work well in a highly collaborative team environment
* Excellent organizational, interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
* Ability to multitask, manage multiple priorities and work in a rapidly changing and dynamic environment, ensuring standards and deadlines are met and keeping others informed and up-to-date.
* Ability to work as part of a team and build strong working relationships with peers, colleagues and other Mercer businesses.
* Ability to understand the link between data, client needs and its application to the bigger picture
* Eagerness to learn and keep up to date with the investment and pensions industry and market conditions