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About First Actuarial

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.

Investment Graduate Opportunities 2023

Due to our ongoing strong growth, we have added some addtional graduate opportunities in our Leeds and Tonbridge office.

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

What do investment consultants do?

Investment consultants use numeracy skills and market knowledge to help pension scheme trustees with their investment decisions, balancing returns with the risks that individual schemes can afford to run.

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 investment analyst, you’ll be working with a range of clients – both for-profit and not-for-profit. Initially, you’ll be involved in our excellent research and reporting areas and producing bespoke client advice and reports. After a couple of years, you’ll be helping to manage client relationships and start to attend client meetings.

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 CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) or IFoA (Institute and Faculty of Actuaries) membership fees, study materials and study leave – to help you qualify as an authorised investment consultant.

Testimonial

"I joined First Actuarial as a Graduate in the Investment Team in 2022, having done an internship the summer before as well, and my experience has been fantastic. The team has a very tight-knit feel and everyone is invested in your progression and development, all the way down from the senior management to your line manager and peers. Joining as a graduate you very quickly get exposure to clients and are encouraged to take responsibility early on. The work we do in the Investment Team is incredibly varied and engaging and I would encourage anyone to apply to experience it for themselves."

Edward Winstanley, Investment Analyst, 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.