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- Tasks: Manage capital expenditure budgets and support month-end accounting activities.
- Company: Join Howden, a global insurance collective with 18,000 passionate employees across 100 countries.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, flexible hours, and a supportive culture that values diversity.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that drives change and fosters career progression in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant (ACA or ACCA) with strong technical skills and an audit background preferred.
- Other info: This is an 18-month fixed-term contract based in Central London.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Who are we?
Howden is a collective – a group of talented and passionate people all around the world. Together, we have pushed the boundaries of insurance. We are united by a shared passion and no-limits mindset, and our strength lies in our ability to collaborate as a powerful international team comprised of 18,000 employees spanning over 100 countries.
People join Howden for many different reasons, but they stay for the same one: our culture. It’s what sets us apart, and the reason our employees have been turning down headhunters for years. Whatever your priorities – work / life balance, career progression, sustainability, volunteering – you’ll find like-minded people driving change at Howden.
What is the role?
Howden is looking for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our growing and dynamic business.
This position sits within our Group Finance team and will support a range of month-end activities, with particular responsibility for reporting on Group capital expenditure. The role will also play a key part in improving the Group’s month-end close process. You’ll work closely with finance teams across our subsidiaries (both in the UK and internationally), the Howden Group finance team, central departments, and the Howden Group Shared Service Centre.
The ideal candidate will have strong technical accounting skills, be confident working with data, and possess excellent written and verbal communication abilities. A key aspect of the role is the ability to manage and prioritise competing demands effectively.
Please note: this is an 18-month fixed-term contract, following a hybrid working pattern with three days per week in our Central London office.
What is the role?
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Manage the Group’s capital expenditure budget and forecast reporting.
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Support monthly accounting and reporting for central investment projects.
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Monitor and analyse intercompany balances.
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Track central cash balances.
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Reconcile corporation tax and VAT balances, and liaise with our tax provider.
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Prepare content for monthly management accounts and Board reports.
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Assist with other monthly and ad hoc finance activities.
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Prepare central function budgets and report monthly performance against budget.
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Prepare and/or review balance sheet reconciliations.
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Oversee the internal recharges process for the DUAL Group.
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Delegate tasks to and support the offshore Shared Service Centre team.
What are we looking for?
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Qualified accountant (ACA or ACCA) — ideal for someone looking for their first move out of practice.
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Audit background preferred.
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Strong technical accounting knowledge, with a good understanding of FRS 102 and IFRS.
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Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage conflicting priorities.
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Highly numerate and confident working with data; quick to pick up new systems and processes.
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Comfortable working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment, and able to find practical solutions when time or information is limited.
What do we offer in return?
A career that you define. At Howden, we value diversity – there is no one Howden type. Instead, we’re looking for individuals who share the same values as us:
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Our successes have all come from someone brave enough to try something new
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We support each other in the small everyday moments and the bigger challenges
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We are determined to make a positive difference at work and beyond
Reasonable adjustments
We\’re committed to providing reasonable accommodations at Howden to ensure that our positions align well with your needs. Besides the usual adjustments such as software, IT, and office setups, we can also accommodate other changes such as flexible hours* or hybrid working*.
If you\’re excited by this role but have some doubts about whether it’s the right fit for you, send us your application – if your profile fits the role’s criteria, we will be in touch to assist in helping to get you set up with any reasonable adjustments you may require.
*Not all positions can accommodate changes to working hours or locations. Reach out to your Recruitment Partner if you want to know more.
Fixed Term Contract (Fixed Term) #J-18808-Ljbffr
Financial Accountant employer: Starr Underwriting
Contact Detail:
Starr Underwriting Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Howden's culture and values. They emphasise collaboration and a no-limits mindset, so during any interactions, whether in interviews or networking, showcase your ability to work well in teams and your enthusiasm for pushing boundaries.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your technical accounting skills and knowledge of FRS 102 and IFRS. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your proficiency in these areas, as they are crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss how you manage competing priorities effectively. Given the fast-paced environment at Howden, sharing strategies or tools you use to stay organised will show that you can thrive under pressure.
✨Tip Number 4
If you have an audit background, make sure to emphasise this in conversations. It aligns well with the role's requirements and shows that you have a solid foundation in financial processes, which is highly valued by Howden.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Company Culture: Before applying, take some time to understand Howden's culture and values. Highlight in your application how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding collaboration and a no-limits mindset.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects your qualifications as a financial accountant. Emphasise your technical accounting skills, experience with FRS 102 and IFRS, and any relevant audit background. Use specific examples to demonstrate your abilities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss your experience with month-end activities and capital expenditure reporting, and explain how you can contribute to improving their processes.
Highlight Relevant Skills: When writing your application, focus on your organisational skills and ability to manage conflicting priorities. Provide examples of how you've successfully worked in fast-paced environments and handled data confidently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Starr Underwriting
✨Understand the Company Culture
Before your interview, take some time to research Howden's culture and values. They emphasise collaboration and a no-limits mindset, so be prepared to discuss how you align with these principles and how you can contribute to their dynamic team.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
As a Financial Accountant, strong technical accounting skills are crucial. Be ready to discuss your experience with FRS 102 and IFRS, and provide examples of how you've successfully managed capital expenditure budgets or reconciled balances in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Abilities
The role requires excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage conflicting priorities. Prepare to share specific instances where you've effectively prioritised tasks under pressure, showcasing your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Prepare Questions for Your Interviewers
Having thoughtful questions ready shows your genuine interest in the role and the company. Ask about the team's dynamics, the month-end close process, or how they support career progression within the organisation. This will also help you assess if Howden is the right fit for you.
