At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse expenses and provide insights to drive cost efficiency and support decision-making.
- Company: Join AXA, a global leader in insurance and financial services.
- Benefits: Flexible work arrangements, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on continuous improvement and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial strategies and help shape the future of our business.
- Qualifications: Experience in cost management and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ 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 UK Support Functions look after our three customer-facing business units, providing the infrastructure and expertise to make sure we can be there for our customers.
Job overview
At AXA, we’re committed to delivering sustainable growth while ensuring cost efficiency and operational excellence. Our Finance team plays a crucial role in supporting strategic decision-making, managing costs, and driving value across our fast-moving health, retail, and commercial functions. We believe that strong financial partnerships and insightful analysis are the backbone of our success. As an Expense Analyst, you’ll be at the heart of our business, working closely with senior leaders and finance directors to deliver impactful cost management insights. You’ll influence decision-making, support budget and forecast targets, and help embed a cost-conscious culture across key functions. This is a strategic role where your ability to turn data into compelling stories and influence at all levels will drive material improvements in our cost base and business outcomes.
Key responsibilities
- Build and maintain strong relationships with Finance Directors and senior leaders, providing expert expense partnering support that directly impacts growth, profitability, and customer service.
- Influence leadership to embed a cost-conscious mindset, supplementing standard reports with ad-hoc insights and detailed analysis of the cost base.
- Oversee monthly cost forums, presenting performance against budget, risks, opportunities, and key decision points for fast-moving functions.
- Drive budget and forecast accuracy by leading reviews, challenging assumptions, and providing clear financial insights to support accountability.
- Collaborate with teams to agree cost allocation drivers and ensure transparent, fair distribution of costs across channels, products, and activities.
- Support change portfolio governance by tracking project costs, benefits, and delivery, providing early warning of underperforming initiatives and supporting course correction.
- Lead reforecasting and reprioritisation efforts, ensuring agility in response to changing business needs and strategic priorities.
- Manage approval forums for budget adjustments, investment funding, and cost-saving initiatives, ensuring alignment with business goals.
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 (40%) away from home, moving to three days a week (60%) in the future. Away from home means attending the office, visiting clients or attending industry events.
Your skills & experience
- Proven experience in cost management, budgeting, and forecasting within financial services or insurance.
- Strong relationship builder with excellent negotiation, influencing, and presentation skills, capable of engaging senior leaders confidently.
- Analytical mindset with the ability to turn complex data into clear, compelling insights that drive decision-making.
- Business acumen and commercial awareness, with a proactive, solution-oriented attitude.
- Ability to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and manage multiple priorities effectively.
- Integrity and discretion in handling sensitive financial data.
- Experience working across functions and engaging with diverse stakeholders, including finance leaders and operational managers.
- Proactive, energetic, and versatile approach with a focus on continuous improvement and value delivery.
As a precondition of employment for this role, you must be eligible and authorised to work in the United Kingdom. We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer and don’t discriminate against employees or potential employees based on protected characteristics.
Expense Analyst in Ipswich employer: AXA Group
At AXA, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our supportive environment, where you can develop your skills while contributing to meaningful financial insights that drive our business forward. With flexible working arrangements and a focus on work-life balance, AXA provides a unique opportunity to thrive in the heart of the insurance industry, making a real impact on our customers' lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Expense Analyst in Ipswich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at AXA on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the company culture and what they really look for in an Expense Analyst.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your financial analysis skills. Be ready to discuss how you've turned complex data into actionable insights before. We want to see you shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your relationship-building skills! Think of examples where you've influenced decision-making or collaborated with senior leaders. This role is all about partnerships, so let’s highlight that.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Expense Analyst in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Expense Analyst role. Highlight your experience in cost management, budgeting, and forecasting, and don’t forget to showcase those strong relationship-building skills we’re after!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for AXA. Share specific examples of how you've influenced decision-making and driven cost efficiency in previous roles. Make it personal and engaging!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:We love candidates who can turn complex data into clear insights. In your application, include examples of how you've used data analysis to support budget targets or improve financial outcomes. Let your analytical mindset shine!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at AXA.
How to prepare for a job interview at AXA Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Expense Analyst, you'll be dealing with a lot of data. Make sure you brush up on key financial metrics and cost management principles before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to influence decision-making in your previous roles.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Since this role involves working closely with senior leaders, practice building rapport during your interview. Show your interpersonal skills by engaging with the interviewers, asking insightful questions, and demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your analytical mindset and problem-solving abilities. Think of examples where you've successfully managed budgets or provided insights that led to cost savings. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
AXA values agility in response to changing business needs. Be prepared to discuss times when you've had to adapt quickly to new information or shifting priorities. Highlight your proactive approach and how it has led to successful outcomes in your past experiences.