XPS Group is a leading UK consulting and administration business specialising in the pensions and insurance sectors. At XPS, our vision is to create a vibrant place to work where difference is recognised as a strength and where talented people can flourish and achieve their highest potential.
Penfida, part of XPS Group (XPS), is a leading covenant advisory firm focused exclusively on assisting and advising pension fund trustees and their sponsors. We currently advise over 160 schemes and sponsors, including a number of funds sponsored by FTSE 100 companies, building on our extensive senior investment banking experience as trusted advisers to UK and international companies.
A FTSE 250 company, XPS combines expertise and insight with advanced technology and analytics to address the needs of over 1,400 pension schemes and their sponsoring employers on an ongoing and project basis. We undertake pensions administration for over one million members and provide advisory services to schemes and corporate sponsors in respect of schemes of all sizes, including 88 with assets over £1bn. We also provide wider ranging support to insurance companies in the life and bulk annuities sector.
Our people drive our success and as an XPS employee you can bring your whole self to work - Everyone is treated equally and with respect. We will provide you with the support and training you need to grow and be at your very best. It’s about inclusion and diversity, ensuring all our people feel included, that they belong to XPS and that they’re happy. Above all, it’s about ensuring everyone has a voice and feels valued. Because they are.
The team
Penfida provides a full range of covenant and broader corporate finance advisory services ranging from regular covenant evaluation, where we properly consider the extent to which environmental, social and governance forces may impact the sponsor, its sector and its markets, through to affordability assessment and monitoring, and advice in specific situations, such as corporate transactions, restructurings, refinancings, contingent asset arrangements and scheme events.
The role
As a placement student with XPS you will be:
- Undertaking financial analysis of sponsors, including modelling
- Conducting industry research and evaluating key strategic issues faced by particular sponsors
- Developing an understanding of the specific issues that affect pension schemes
- Learning about fundamental financial analysis (P&L, cash flow and balance sheet)
- Learning about basic and advanced modelling techniques
- Developing an understanding of restructuring and M&A processes
- Developing your report writing and presentation skills
- Learn about broader regulatory perspectives
Your profile
Essential criteria
- Ability to work well in a small team
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Demonstrable interest in assessing the relative strengths and weaknesses of businesses
- Awareness of recent key developments in the macroeconomic environment and the pensions industry
- Understanding of key financial terms and valuation metrics
- Good knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint
What we offer
We offer an attractive reward package, typical benefits can include:
- Competitive salary
- Participation in annual discretionary Bonus Scheme
- 25 days holiday plus flexibility to buy or sell holiday
- Flexible Bank holidays
- Pension scheme, matching contribution structure
- Healthcare cash plan
- Flexible Benefits Scheme to support you in and out of work, helping you look after you and your family covering Security & Protection, Health & Wellbeing, Lifestyle
- Life Assurance cover, four times basic salary
- XPS Rewards (offers High Street discounts and savings from retailers and services providers as well as offers available via phone)
- Employee Assistance Programme for you and your household
- Access to a digital GP service
- Paid volunteering day when participating in Company organised events
- Staff referral scheme when you introduce a friend to XPS
What next?
If you feel XPS could be the next step on your career ladder, please apply directly via the links provided and we look forward to learning more about you. We will consider all applicants and respond swiftly.
Please discuss with the recruitment team, via phone or email, if you require any adjustments to the recruitment process. For example, we can provide materials in an alternative format, or give you extra time in interviews or tests.
