Finance Operations Manager 12 Month FTC

About us
HSB UK & I includes HSB Engineering Insurance Limited (HSBEIL) an insurance firm, HSB Engineering Insurance Services Limited (HSBEISL) an engineering firm and MD Group a Managing General Agent along with subsidiaries providing numerous services including surveying. HSBEIL operates in a regulated industry, with the PRA (Prudential Regulation Authority) and FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) being its principal regulators in the UK. 

The role

The focus of the role will be end-to-end management of the financial entries hitting the general ledger, managing the day-to-day responsibilities of the Financial Operations Accounting Team. In addition to promoting a culture of continuous improvement and control, whilst providing technical support to all members of the team and enhancing the quality of the financial information produced by strengthening controls. The team comprises of 5 individuals at various levels of professional qualification. The role offers exposure to a wide range of Finance areas including month end, indirect taxes (UK and various overseas territories), balance sheet control across all entities in the group. The role will require strong analytical skills, but also a high level of adaptability. 

Key Responsibilities

• Management of team members, including continuous conversations, coaching and talent development.
• Oversee month and quarter close processes in line with company policies and timetables.
• Oversee production and provision of high-quality financial schedules.
• Manage the balance sheet reconciliation process and follow up on identified action points, highlighting any areas of concern.
• Maintain robust and compliant accounting processes to ensure accurate reporting of both the P&L and Balance sheet.
• Oversee production and carry out review of VAT, IPT and foreign indirect tax returns, along with corporation tax estimate calculations.
• Provide Financial support and respond to ad-hoc requests from key stakeholders across the HSB and MunichRe group.
• Drive process improvement across the team, alongside strengthening control culture 

Competencies 
Interacting with People: Establishing relationships and maintaining contacts with employees including Senior Management/Key decision makers. 

Initiative: Innovative approach to problem solving, anticipating opportunities and the ability to question/challenge existing methods and approaches. 

Attention to detail: Applying high quality standards to all tasks undertaken. 

Mentoring: Identifying goals and objectives including motivating and leading junior team members towards their achievements and qualifications. 

The ability to communicate effectively at all levels, both verbally and written. 

Ability and willingness to work flexibly and across locations, where deadlines require, within the Company’s required operating hours. 

Key Skills and Experience
Essential
• Excellent Organisational skills – self and others.
• Proven record of process and system improvements.
• Strong analytical skills • Pro-active, flexible and able to meet tight deadlines
• Ability to set robust expectations and communicate financial analysis at all levels.
• Commercial Awareness.
• Previous team management experience

Desirable
• Experience of working with within the Insurance industry

Qualifications and Educational Requirements:
• Qualified Accountant (ACA, CIMA, ACCA)