Head of Expense Management

Head of Expense Management

Full-Time 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead expense management, ensuring cost efficiency and strategic alignment across the company.
  • Company: Join a collaborative and innovative company that empowers progress.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a dynamic work environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by driving financial transparency and performance improvement.
  • Qualifications: 7+ years in financial planning, with a professional accounting qualification.
  • Other info: Opportunity to build a high-performing team and enhance your career.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.

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 Possibilityâ„ .

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. Build and develop relationships with key stakeholders and assist with the provision of financial analysis, both historical and forward looking.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities
  • Expense Analysis and Reporting
    • 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.
  • Budgeting and Forecasting
    • 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.
  • Strategic Business Partnering
    • 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.
  • Performance Improvement
    • Lead cross‑functional initiatives to optimise the cost base, including process improvements, automation.
    • Help to identify structural cost issues and develop long‑term solutions to improve profitability and competitiveness.
  • Team Leadership and Development
    • 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.
  • Stakeholder Collaboration
    • 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.
  • Process Improvement
    • 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.
  • Compliance and Governance
    • 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.
  • Ad-Hoc Analysis
    • 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.
Technical Skills
  • 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.
Qualifications
  • 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.

Head of Expense Management employer: Arch Insurance

At Arch Europe Insurance Services Ltd, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to reach their full potential. As the Head of Expense Management, you will benefit from a supportive environment that prioritises professional growth, offers competitive compensation, and encourages continuous improvement through cross-functional initiatives. Located in a vibrant area, our company not only values analytical excellence but also promotes a healthy work-life balance, making it an exceptional place for meaningful and rewarding employment.
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Contact Detail:

Arch Insurance Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Expense Management

✨Tip Number 1

Networking is key! Reach out to current employees or connections in the industry. A friendly chat can give you insights into the company culture and maybe even a referral.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching common questions for senior finance roles. Practise your answers, focusing on how your experience aligns with the company's goals and values.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your analytical skills during interviews. Bring examples of how you've improved processes or saved costs in previous roles. Numbers speak louder than words!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll be part of our talent community for future opportunities.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Expense Management

Analytical Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Financial Modelling
Forecasting Techniques
Attention to Detail
Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Microsoft Excel
Financial Analysis Tools
Financial Planning Software
Accounting Systems
General Ledger Software
Team Leadership
Stakeholder Management
Process Improvement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Expense Management role. Highlight your analytical prowess and any relevant financial management experience to catch our eye!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about expense management and how you can contribute to our culture of collaboration and innovation.

Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. We love seeing how you've driven performance improvements or optimised costs!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates!

How to prepare for a job interview at Arch Insurance

✨Know Your Numbers

As the Head of Expense Management, you'll need to demonstrate a solid grasp of financial data. Brush up on your analytical skills and be ready to discuss how you've previously managed budgets, forecasts, and expense reports. Prepare specific examples that highlight your ability to drive cost transparency and performance improvement.

✨Build Relationships

This role requires collaboration with various stakeholders. Think about how you can showcase your interpersonal skills during the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you've built relationships in past roles and how you plan to engage with department heads to understand their financial needs.

✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset

The company is looking for someone who can influence senior stakeholders and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Prepare to talk about times when you've identified cost drivers or implemented process improvements. Highlight your strategic thinking and how it has led to enhanced operational efficiency.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

As a senior leader, you'll be expected to build and develop a high-performing team. Share your experiences in coaching and mentoring team members. Discuss how you've fostered a culture of accountability and analytical excellence in previous roles, and be ready to explain your approach to team development.

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