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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 heading for 20% revenue growth this year, employing around 400 people across five locations.

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.

Due to our very positive growth this year, we've added some additional graduate roles to our 2023 intake and are now actively looking for candidates who are available to join us as Actuarial Trainees this September, ideally in our Basingstoke or Tonbridge office (although other locations may be considered).

All our graduates are welcomed into a stimulating work environment, working with professionals from diverse backgrounds in friendly and close-knit teams.

What do actuaries do?

Actuaries use numeracy skills to help pension scheme trustees and employers manage their pension schemes. We grapple with huge uncertainties like inflation and manage the risks that can damage people’s lives.

What will I be doing on a day-to-day basis?

Although it sounds like a cliché, no two days will be the same. As an actuarial student, you ‘ll be working with a range of clients – both for-profit and not-for-profit – on actuarial calculations, models and client communications.

How will First Actuarial support my career progression?

As a new graduate, you’ll join our training programme to build up essential skills and knowledge. We provide an excellent study support package – including IFoA membership fees, study materials and study leave – to help you qualify as an actuary.

Testimonial

“First Actuarial is a brilliant place to work – I absolutely love it here. It’s a great company for professional development. They give me real responsibility, which is the best way to learn. Everyone will take the time to help you when you need it, which wouldn’t happen as easily in the larger consultancies. And yet the company is big enough to offer a structured training programme and a broad range of work experience with very little repetition. I can’t speak highly enough of them. To final year students I would say, don’t give it a second thought, just apply.”

Jennifer Hodgson, Actuarial Trainee, First Actuarial

Who are we looking for?

We’re looking for individuals with first-rate numerical skills and a strong academic performance. You should have at least a predicted 2:1 undergraduate degree in any discipline, as well as the following skills:

• Communication – A flair for communication, able to express complicated ideas clearly and to evolve your communication style as you get to know clients.
• Strength of character – A can-do approach to problem-solving, and relationship-building skills with colleagues and clients.
• Self-discipline –Determination and motivation to combine full-time work and study.
• Problem solving – An agile mind able to consider challenges from different angles.

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
• A non-contributory pension
• Full training and study support.

Our trainees develop a broad, transferable skillset which covers both technical and consulting areas. You will have opportunities to work on a range of projects, including non-traditional actuarial ones, and to develop broad business-critical skills.

All graduates are office-based for the first few months, thereafter, for colleagues who prefer homeworking for part of the week, we have hybrid working in place. We’re also flexible on working day arrangements and will happily accommodate a range of personal commitments from day one.

Our straightforward approach to recruitment which involves role-specific tests as well as interviews and a short presentation, ensures equal opportunities for all applicants.

Please register and apply with a CV and cover letter. Please specify in your cover letter if you're interested in a location other than Basingstoke or Tonbridge, please.