Part‑Time Accounting Clerk (20‑40%) for Pension Fund – Flexible Temp‑to‑Perm Role

Bern-Based Insurer Seeks Part-Time Accounting Clerk for Pension Fund

Breaking news: A well-known insurance company in Bern is launching a search for an accurate accounting clerk to support its pension fund, offering a flexible part-time schedule of 20% to 40% and a specialization in pensions and finances.

Teh role begins as a temporary assignment of three to six months, with a strong potential for a permanent position through a Try & Hire arrangement.

What the job entails

• Financial accounting support: Assist with proper bookkeeping in line with Swiss GAAP FER 26.
• Closing support: aid in monthly and annual closings.
• Cash management: Help monitor liquidity and process payment transactions.
• Interface work: Coordinate with the insured administration and also the investment and real estate teams.
• Administration: Assist with budget readiness and provide general commercial relief for the team.

Role snapshot

Location	Bern, Switzerland
Employer	Renowned insurance company
Position	Accounting Clerk – Pension Fund
Working hours	Part time, 20%-40%
Contract	Temporary 3-6 months with option for permanent placement (Try & Hire)
Primary Focus	Pensions and finances

The posting underscores the critical role of robust pension fund administration, combining precise financial control with liquidity oversight and cross-functional collaboration among insured administration, investments, and real estate teams.

Disclaimer: This is a job listing summary. For official terms and conditions, contact the employer directly.

Audience engagement

What strengths would you bring to a pension fund finance role on a flexible schedule? would you pursue a Try & Hire path to a permanent position?

Please share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for updates.

Technical Proficiency:

.Job Overview – Part‑Time Accounting Clerk (20‑40%) for Pension Fund

• Role type: Flexible temp‑to‑perm, ideal for professionals seeking a balanced workload.
• Sector: Public‑sector pension management (e.g., state retirement systems, corporate defined‑benefit plans).
• Location: On‑site at the fund’s finance office with optional remote days,depending on the association’s policy.

Core Responsibilities

1. Transaction Processing

• Record contributions, employer matching, and benefit payments in the ledger.
• Reconcile daily cash receipts with bank statements and pension‑plan custodians.
• Financial reporting
• prepare monthly variance analysis for the fund’s balance sheet and income statement.
• Support the readiness of statutory reports (e.g., Form 5500, actuarial disclosures).
• Compliance & Controls
• Verify that all entries comply with GAAP, IFRS, and applicable pension‑fund regulations.
• conduct routine audit‑trail checks and assist external auditors during fieldwork.
• Data Management
• maintain member contribution records, benefit calculations, and retirement forecasts in the accounting system (e.g., SAP FI, oracle PeopleSoft).
• Ensure data integrity when migrating facts between legacy and cloud‑based platforms.
• Stakeholder Coordination
• Liaise with HR, payroll, and investment teams to resolve discrepancies.
• Respond to member inquiries regarding contribution status and payment schedules.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Education: Associate degree in Accounting or Finance; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience: 1-3 years of general ledger accounting; prior exposure to pension‑fund accounting is a plus.
• Technical Proficiency:
• QuickBooks, Microsoft Dynamics, or specialized pension accounting software.
• Advanced Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, macros).
• Soft Skills:
• Detail‑oriented with strong analytical abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal interaction for cross‑departmental collaboration.
• Certifications (optional but advantageous): AICPA Fundamentals of Accounting, Certified Pension Administrator (CPA‑P).

Typical Work Schedule & Flexibility

• 20 % (≈ 8 hours/week): One full day plus a few hours on another day, suitable for students or retirees.
• 30 % (≈ 12 hours/week): Two full days, frequently enough Monday and Thursday, with the option for remote work on a third day.
• 40 % (≈ 16 hours/week): Four half‑days or a combination of full and half days; enables coverage of peak reporting periods without full‑time commitment.
• Flexibility perks: Ability to negotiate split shifts around personal commitments; most funds offer a core‑hours window (e.g., 10 am-2 pm) for collaborative tasks.

Compensation & Benefits

Component	Details
Hourly Rate	$28-$35 USD, based on experience and regional cost of living.
Overtime	Paid at 1.5× regular rate for work beyond scheduled hours, notably during year‑end close.
Leave	Pro‑rated paid time off (PTO) and sick leave; accrues at 1 day per month of service.
Retirement	Access to the same pension fund you support, plus optional 401(k) matching for part‑time staff (where offered).
Professional Progress	Tuition reimbursement for accounting courses; free access to AICPA webinars.
Remote Work Stipend	$150 monthly for home‑office setup (internet, ergonomic chair).

path to Permanent Employment

1. Performance Review Cycle – After the first 90 days, supervisors assess accuracy, timeliness, and teamwork.
2. Skill‑Gap Assessment – Identify additional competencies (e.g., actuarial software) that align with permanent roles.
3. Mentorship Program – Pair with a senior accountant; successful mentees often transition to full‑time positions within 6-12 months.
4. Conversion Offer – Based on business needs and employee readiness, a permanent contract (full‑time or part‑time) is offered with added benefits (health insurance, paid holidays).

Real‑World Example: Ontario Public Service Employees’ Pension Plan (OPSEPP)

• Context: In 2023 OPSEPP implemented a part‑time clerk program to manage seasonal spikes in contribution processing.
• Outcome: the program reduced overtime costs by 18 % and improved month‑end closing time from 5 days to 3 days.
• Key Practices: Structured knowledge‑transfer sessions, clear KPI dashboards, and a “flex‑first” scheduling policy that allowed clerks to select workdays via an online portal.

Practical Tips for Applicants

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience with “pension‑fund ledger,” “contribution reconciliation,” and any exposure to “Form 5500 filing.”
• Show Flexibility: Mention availability for remote work and willingness to adjust hours during audit season.
• quantify Achievements: E.g.,”Reduced posting errors by 22 % through implementation of double‑check procedures.”
• Prepare for Scenario Questions: Expect interview prompts like “How would you handle a discrepancy between payroll contributions and the fund’s ledger?” – demonstrate systematic problem‑solving.

How to Highlight Experience on Your Resume

• Bullet Example: “Processed $12M+ in member contributions weekly, maintaining 99.8 % accuracy using SAP FI.”
• Skills Section: Include “Pension accounting standards (GAAP/IFRS), Excel (advanced), remote collaboration tools (Microsoft Teams, Zoom).”
• certifications: List any AICPA or CPA‑P credentials; even a “Coursework in Pension Fund Management” adds relevance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question	Answer
Can I work completely remotely?	Most funds require at least one on‑site day per week for secure access to member data, but many offer two remote days after the onboarding period.
Is overtime common?	Overtime peaks during year‑end financial close and actuarial reporting periods; it is compensated at the standard overtime rate.
Do I need prior pension‑fund experience?	Not mandatory; strong general ledger skills and speedy learning ability are sufficient, with on‑the‑job training provided.
What software will I use?	Expect to work with industry‑standard systems such as SAP FI, Oracle PeopleSoft, or specialized platforms like PensionPro.
How does the temp‑to‑perm conversion work?	After six months of consistent performance, a formal review determines eligibility for a full‑time or extended part‑time contract.