Compliance Monitoring Officer (Pensions)

Overall purpose of the job

As part of our Operations Compliance Team we are looking for an experienced Compliance Monitoring Officer who will undertake regular monitoring of the firm's systems/controls and provide assurance, advice and regulatory guidance to the business with focus on the activities of our Pension (SIPP) operations.

Experience within a Compliance Monitoring or Audit role will be important, including a good understanding of retail investment and pension products (in particular SIPPs). An expertise in Pension regulation is required, and knowledge of ISA legislation would be an advantage.

The focus will be on overseeing the operational activities of Bright Square Pensions Limited, but may also include Fusion Wealth Limited (our investment platform), who are both part of the Benchmark Capital Group. 

About Benchmark

Our award-winning, proprietary solutions cover regulatory, platform and investment services, and are designed to support advisers at every step of their journey – from starting and running a financial advice business more productively and effectively, to accelerating its growth and realising its value.
We support high quality financial advisers with our award-winning technology and support services. 

And with our own Financial Advice business, we help families find solutions to meet their needs and aspirations and achieve peace of mind. By providing access to higher quality solutions, we make it easier for them to meet and exceed their goals.
Ensuring good client outcomes, with the client's interests central to decision making, is very important at Benchmark. Treating Customers Fairly principles are embedded within our organisation and we take responsibility for embracing and promoting our duty of care to all clients, including those who may be more vulnerable than others.

The base

You'll be based at our Schroders Business Campus near Horsham in West Sussex. It has high standards and international reputation, without being in the city: a big, countryside campus means life will feel a little different. We support our offices by using cutting edge software and hardware and our spacious campus facilities mean there's a great working environment for the team. With an on-site restaurant, coffee shop and gym, our campus has much to offer. And commuters can relax on our dedicated regular shuttle bus to and from Horsham's main line train station.

What you'll do

•    Undertake regulatory monitoring, focusing primarily on FCA and Pension regulations, internal standards, and measurement of fair outcomes for the underlying customers.
•    Provide relevant regulatory guidance (in particular Pension/SIPP related) and be aware of regulatory changes that could impact the business.
•    Work alongside the Compliance Manager in the development and tracking of the Compliance Monitoring Plan.
•    Develop Terms of Reference/Scope documents for reviews assigned, undertaking fact finding to identify key risks and controls for inclusion.
•    Deliver regular, timely, relevant, and concise written reports summarising the findings, including recommendations for addressing any weaknesses identified.
•    Provide verbal feedback when required to operational areas, including to senior management, in respect of review findings.
•    Ensure completeness of evidence gathered and record keeping associated from testing, on which findings and conclusions are clearly based.
•    Track and report on the progress of remedial actions and where appropriate, guide management in implementing necessary improvements.
•    Generate regular MI reports and summaries of reviews/findings for senior management analysis.
•    Maintain up to date CPD records demonstrating that skills and knowledge required to do the job are being maintained and enhanced.
•    Assist other Operations Compliance team members; cover in time of need, as required and as directed by Compliance Manager.
•    Undertake any other wider work including (but not limited to) ad-hoc projects, as required and as directed by the Compliance Manager.

The knowledge, experience and qualifications you need

•    Experience within Compliance Monitoring or Audit including knowledge of Compliance monitoring tools and techniques, including interviewing skills.
•    Good knowledge of retail investment (including but not limited to GIA. ISA, and Investment Bonds) and personal pension products (in particular SIPP).
•    Excellent knowledge of relevant FCA rules and their interpretation/application including a good level of expertise within Pension regulation (relevant to SIPPs).
•    Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and forge strong working relationships with key business stakeholders.
•    Effective planning and analytical skills.
•    Competent with Microsoft Office programs.
•    The desire to maintain competency in line with legislation and technical changes within the industry.

The knowledge, experience and qualifications that will help

•    An understanding of the Investment Platform and Pension industry would be a clear advantage.
•    CISI IOC level 3 qualified (or equivalent) or close to completion.

What you'll be like

•    Promoter of the Treating Customers Fairly principles.
•    Team player.
•    Desire to self-improve and broaden knowledge.
•    Ability to work unsupervised and manage own workload.
•    Excellent attention to detail.
•    Inquisitive and analytical mind.
•    Able to take a pragmatic view and enable the business to succeed compliantly.

We're looking for the best, whoever they are


Our purpose is to provide excellent client outcomes and service. Diversity of thought facilitated by an inclusive culture will allow us to make better decisions and better achieve our purpose. This is why inclusion and diversity are a strategic priority for us and why we are an equal opportunities employer: you are welcome here regardless of your age, disability, gender identity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, socio-economic background or any other protected characteristics.