Head of Expense Management in London

With a company culture rooted in collaboration, expertise and innovation, we aim to promote progress and inspire our clients, employees, investors and communities to achieve their greatest potential. Our work is the catalyst that helps others achieve their goals. In short, We Enable Possibility℠.

Role Summary & Purpose

The Head of Expense Management ensures that the company’s cost base is well‑understood, efficiently managed and aligned with strategic and financial objectives. Responsibility for delivery of reporting, planning and analysis of operating expenses across the business. As a senior leader within the FP&A function, the role partners closely with managers and leaders throughout the business to drive cost transparency, discipline, and performance improvement.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Delivery and presentation of monthly, quarterly, and annual expense reports, highlighting key drivers, areas for improvement and recommending corrective actions.
• Responsible for the oversight and financial control of the company’s expense portfolio, ensuring accurate tracking, reporting, and analysis of all operational costs.
• Oversee expense allocation methodologies (e.g., cost centres, segments, entities) to ensure fairness, accuracy, and transparency.
• Deliver the annual expense budgeting process, working closely with operational teams to set realistic and achievable expense targets.
• Deliver high‑quality expense forecasts, scenario analyses, and insights to support decision‑making.
• Act as the primary point of contact for expense‑related matters across the organisation.
• Support business units in identifying cost drivers, evaluating investment proposals, and improving operational efficiency.
• Influence senior stakeholders through clear communication, data‑driven insights, and constructive challenge.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance expense processes, systems, and reporting capabilities.
• Lead cross‑functional initiatives to optimise the cost base, including process improvements and automation.
• Help to identify structural cost issues and develop long‑term solutions to improve profitability and competitiveness.
• Build and develop a high‑performing expense management team within FP&A.
• Foster a culture of analytical excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Coach and mentor team members to enhance capability and career development.
• Build and maintain relationships with departmental heads and other senior stakeholders, understand their financial needs and provide support in managing their budgets effectively.
• Collaborate with department heads to ensure accuracy and completeness of expense data.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of the expense management function.
• Implement best practices and new technologies to improve the efficiency and accuracy of expense tracking and management.
• Work with cross-functional teams to drive process improvements and implement changes effectively.
• Ensure all expense reporting and analysis comply with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Lead the development and maintenance of internal controls related to expense management.
• Lead the support to internal and external audit processes.
• Lead the response to ad hoc requests from senior management and other stakeholders.
• Lead and provide support to special projects and initiatives as required.
• Lead the provision of expense insights and recommendations as required to support business decision-making.

Role Requirements & Skills

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data.
• Deep understanding of financial modelling and forecasting techniques.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey financial information to non-financial stakeholders and build relationships across the organization.
• Proactive and self-motivated with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Advanced knowledge in Microsoft Excel and other financial analysis tools.
• Experience with financial planning software (e.g. Anaplan) is a plus.
• Familiarity with accounting systems and general ledger software.
• Professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) is essential.
• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a finance related discipline.

Experience

7+ years of post-qualified experience in financial planning and analysis, expense management, or a related role within the insurance industry.