Services
Pension Schemes Audit
Our specialist Auditors provide expert, market-leading audit and assurance services to guide Pension Scheme Trustees through complex statutory obligations and manage risk effectively.
Expert pension scheme audit & assurance
Guiding pension scheme trustees through complex obligations
As a Pension Scheme Trustee, you carry the significant responsibility of managing scheme assets and ensuring compliance with a complex web of regulations, including the Pensions SORP. An effective audit is crucial not only for compliance but for providing assurance that the scheme is being governed correctly and that member benefits are secure.
The specialist Pension Audit team at Armstrong Watson works with a wide range of occupational pension schemes, from defined benefit to defined contribution plans. We understand the risks and challenges you face. Our partner-led service focuses on providing robust assurance, practical advice, and proactive support to help you meet your fiduciary duties with confidence.
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Pension & Membership Scheme accounts preparation services
Applying our extensive accounting experience and expertise our specialist Pension Scheme knowledge means that preparing pension scheme accounts is both effective and efficient. We have ethical independence but can call upon the specialist services of our own in-house Pension Advisors. We communicate effectively and ensure you are kept abreast of all important matters throughout the process.
Professional Supporter:
Why Choose Armstrong Watson?
Unrivalled expertise: Our team is dedicated to the pensions sector. This focus ensures our knowledge is market-leading and applied practically to benefit your scheme.
Integrated specialist advice: As auditors, we maintain strict ethical independence. However, we have the unique advantage of being able to call upon our own in-house, regulated Financial Planning and Wealth Management team for specialist investment and tax advisory services when permitted and required.
Partner-led engagement: You will have a high level of partner and senior management involvement throughout our relationship, ensuring accountability and access to top-tier advice.
Clear, proactive communication: We ensure you are kept fully abreast of all important matters throughout the audit and reporting process.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The most asked questions for for pension trustees
Most occupational pension schemes with 100 or more members at the start of the scheme year are required by law to have their accounts audited annually. Smaller schemes may also require an audit if stipulated in the trust deed.
The Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) for pension schemes sets out best practices for financial reporting. Compliance is essential for demonstrating transparency and good governance. Our team are experts in its application.
We adhere to the highest professional and ethical standards set out by the FRC. Our internal structures and processes ensure a clear separation between our audit function and any other advisory services provided to your sponsoring employer.
Professional supporter
We are proud to be a professional supporter of The Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA), demonstrating our commitment to excellence within the pensions industry.
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Get in touch
Get in touch to speak to one of our specialist advisers and explore how we can help you.
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What our clients say
We're committed to delivering the best client experience. Hear from those who have worked with us and discover how we've helped them achieve their goals.
The statutory audit appointment for our two Schemes followed Brendan O’Connor to Armstrong Watson when he joined the firm on 1 January 2022. He had previously looked after both schemes with his previous employer. Furthermore, when both schemes were established in the mid to late 1990s, Brendan was our first audit manager, then with a third firm. Whilst there have been a few gaps in the years when Brendan was not involved, it has been great for us to have the continuity and reliability from his involvement throughout.
The schemes have been hybrid arrangements, moving to solely defined benefit and now progressing to full buy-out, so there have been many changes throughout their lifespan. It is reassuring to know that as we are now entering the final phase, Brendan’s input will, as always, be valuable, particularly given that he has previously Chaired a working party producing accounting guidance for buy-ins and buy-outs in pension schemes.
We would have no hesitation in recommending Brendan and his team for pension scheme audit and accountancy work.
A Olsson
Trustee Director of Finnforest Pension Trustees Limited and M-real UK Pension Trustees Limited
