Head of Financial Controlling

Head of Financial Controlling

Full-Time 60750 - 74250 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
A

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial controlling, oversee budgeting, and drive finance transformation.
  • Company: AXA, a global leader in insurance and financial services.
  • Benefits: Flexible work arrangements, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Join a fast-growing entity with excellent career advancement opportunities.
  • Why this job: Shape financial strategy and make a real impact in a dynamic international environment.
  • Qualifications: Extensive financial expertise and strong leadership skills required.

The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.

About AXA

AXA is a global leader in insurance and financial services, dedicated to helping customers protect what matters most to them.

As the sixth-largest insurance company in the world, we provide a wide range of services, including health, car, home, and business insurance.

We support millions of customers worldwide, helping them navigate life's uncertainties with confidence.

AXA Health International offers global healthcare support and protection to individuals and businesses in over 200 countries, backed by more than 55 years of experience through its international hubs.

Job overview

Join a dynamic, fast-growing entity within the AXA Group, managing international health insurance and MAXIS activities with €1.8bn GWP in 2026.

As Head of Financial Controlling, you’ll be a key driver in shaping the financial strategy and performance of AHI.

You’ll oversee financial planning, performance monitoring, and expense management, while leading the transformation of the finance function through process optimisation and technological advancement.

This role offers the opportunity to influence strategic decisions, work closely with senior stakeholders, and build a high-performing, future-ready finance team in a fast-paced, international environment.

AHI is a global business supported by two risk carriers—AXA Health Insurance and AXA Health Re—based in France, with a branch in the UK and several internal global Master General Agents (MGAs) in France, Spain, the UK and Singapore.

Other entities include operations in Ireland and Hong Kong, as well as MAXIS GBN, a joint venture with Met Life focusing on global employee benefits programmes for multinationals, based in the UK.

Although AHI became a risk carrier in January this year, the entity is still in its construction phase, undergoing significant transformation—particularly within support functions such as Finance.

Key responsibilities

  • Lead the financial controlling function, overseeing forecasting, budgeting, and planning processes, ensuring robust data collection and stakeholder communication.
  • Monitor and report on key financial KPIs monthly, providing insights and performance analysis to the Executive Committee and external stakeholders.
  • Manage expense targets and budgets, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and financial discipline.
  • Oversee the allocation of investment resources through a rigorous and transparent process.
  • Drive the transformation of the finance function by designing efficient processes, implementing cutting-edge tools, and organising teams for high performance.
  • Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders and group functions such as GPM, PBRC, and DCFG to ensure strategic alignment.
  • Support new project evaluations with thorough financial analysis and risk assessments.
  • Contribute to ad hoc initiatives to enhance financial performance and operational efficiency.

Work arrangements

At AXA we work smart, empowering our people to balance their time between home and the office in a way that works best for them, their team and our customers.

You'll work at least two days a week away from home, moving to three days a week from 1st December 2026.

Away from home means attending the office, visiting clients or attending industry events.

We know that some candidates may be discouraged from applying if they don't meet every requirement.

If you’re excited by this job and the prospect of working at AXA but you’re not sure you tick every box, we’d still encourage you to apply.

Your skills & experience

  • Extensive financial expertise, including IFRS, AXA non-GAAP measures, and actuarial concepts.
  • Deep understanding of insurance business operations and accounting standards.
  • Sound analytical skills with a focus on precision and detail.
  • Proven change management capabilities, especially in transforming functions and processes.
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.
  • Strategic thinker with a vision for innovation and process improvement.
  • Leadership experience with the ability to manage diverse teams in a multicultural environment.
  • Fluent in English, with flexibility, rigor, and organisational skills to navigate a fast-paced, evolving context.

As a precondition of employment for this role, you must be eligible and authorised to work in the United Kingdom.

Please be aware that this position is a Senior Management Function role under the SM&CR regime, which means the successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced level of background screening requirements.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Head of Financial Controlling employer: AXA Group

AXA XL in London is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation within the insurance sector. Employees benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities, competitive compensation, and a strong emphasis on work-life balance, making it an ideal environment for those looking to advance their careers in underwriting while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of London.

A

Contact Details:

AXA Group Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Financial Controlling

Tap into Campus Networks

If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.

Get Certified

Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.

Connect on Professional Platforms

Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.

Apply Directly and Be Proactive

Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like AXA Group. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Financial Controlling

Financial Expertise
IFRS Knowledge
AXA Non-GAAP Measures
Actuarial Concepts
Analytical Skills
Change Management
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to AXA Group.

Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.

Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on AXA Group's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!

How to prepare for a job interview at AXA Group

Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills

Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with AXA Group.

Prepare for Case Studies

Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.

Show Your Passion for Finance

Since this is a full-time position, employers at AXA Group will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.

Network with Industry Professionals

Before your interview, reach out to current or former AXA Group employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.