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- Tasks: Support expense planning and forecasting while providing actionable insights for cost management.
- Company: Join Canada Life UK, a modern and agile organisation focused on building better futures.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, private medical insurance, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by partnering with senior stakeholders to drive financial efficiency.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong analytical and communication skills; experience in finance is a plus.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements available to support your work-life balance.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Canada Life UK looks after the retirement, investment and protection needs of individuals, families and companies. We help to build better futures for our customers, our intermediaries and our employees by operating as a modern, agile and welcoming organisation. Part of our parent company Great‑West Lifeco, Canada Life UK has operated in the United Kingdom since 1903. We have hundreds of respected and supported employees committed to doing the right thing for our customers and colleagues. Canada Life UK is transforming to create a more customer‑focused business by providing our customers with expertise on financial and tax planning, offering home finance and annuities propositions, and providing collective fund solutions to third party customers.
Job Purpose
The Senior Accountant (Expense Finance Business Partner) reports to the Expense Budgeting & Forecasting Manager within the UK FP&A team, providing dedicated finance support to designated business functions. Responsibilities include expense planning, forecasting, and delivering actionable insight to support effective cost management. Experience in expense management is required; a financial services background is not essential. The successful candidate will partner credibly with senior stakeholders, ensure robust allocations and benefits tracking, and play a critical part in enabling the UK to meet long‑term expense targets and the Group's externally disclosed expense‑efficiency commitments. Strong relationship‑building and influencing skills are essential to embed cost discipline across supported functions.
Key Accountabilities
- Contribution to Board and Committee papers and presentations in respect of the Wealth and Asset Management entities.
- Contribute and assist in the preparation of the annual Business Plan and quarterly forecasts/reforecasts for the CLUK division across expenses.
- Provide timely and relevant insight and information to support the UK Division and key Business Lines in delivering their expense targets against Plan.
- Support with allocations owning the impacts for each function, document basis and facilitate discussions whilst working alongside the FP&A partnering team.
- Support ad hoc projects where possible, delivering timely stakeholder MI to assist decision making in the business.
- Be aware of potential changes to the forecast/budget and the impact on allocations, as well as working with the wider FP&A team to address issues.
- Further develop industry wide knowledge by working with the wider FP&A team.
- Attend meetings and join conversations to gain a more balanced and in‑depth view of business functions.
Desired Knowledge / Experience / Skills
- Wealth Management and/or Life Insurance Industry experience - desirable, but not essential.
- Qualified accountant.
- Strong ability to apply analytical skills to business problems.
- Excellent communication skills – able to address non‑technical and non‑technical audiences in formal and informal settings.
- Good attention to detail and strong interpersonal skills.
- Strong Microsoft Office experience and comfortable working with multiple systems for reporting and data manipulation.
Benefits of working at Canada Life
We believe in recognising and rewarding our people, so we offer a competitive salary and benefits package that’s regularly reviewed. As a Canada Life UK colleague, you’ll receive a competitive salary and comprehensive reward package including a generous pension and bonus scheme, along with income protection, private medical insurance and life assurance. We have a fantastic number of other benefits and support services as well as regular personal and professional development.
How we work at Canada Life
Our culture is unique and incredibly important to us. We care about doing the right thing for our people, customers and community and helping others to build better futures. Our blueprint behaviours shape and influence how we work, and are central to the relationships we have with others. Every day we are encouraged to be more curious, own the outcome, face in things together and find a way forward. We want colleagues to have rewarding careers with us so we invest in the development of our people, technology and workplaces. That’s why we offer a range of training, flexible working and opportunities to grow and develop.
Diversity and inclusion
Building an inclusive workplace with a diverse workforce where everyone can feel they belong and achieve their potential regardless of gender, ethnicity or any other characteristic is a key commitment for us. We are proud of the progress we’re making in DEI, and we continue for it to be a significant focus. “At Canada Life we believe in the power of great people from different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives coming together to build better futures. Emerging talent is crucial to our growth and creating an environment that continues to inspire us all.” – Nick Harding, Chief People Officer, Canada Life UK.
We appreciate that everyone has different work and life responsibilities. We’re happy to discuss flexible working arrangements, including part time, for any of our roles should this be a requirement for you.
Senior Accountant in Bristol employer: Canada Life
Contact Detail:
Canada Life Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Accountant in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Canada Life UK on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company culture and values. Canada Life UK is all about building better futures, so think about how your skills and experiences align with that mission. Show them you’re not just a fit on paper!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, but don’t sound rehearsed. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. This will help you articulate your experience clearly and effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview with a thank-you email. It’s a simple gesture that shows your appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Accountant in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Accountant role. Highlight your experience in expense management and any relevant skills that align with the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for Canada Life UK. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed expenses or built relationships with stakeholders.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires strong analytical skills, be sure to include examples of how you've applied these in previous roles. We love seeing how you tackle business problems and provide actionable insights!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it. Plus, we can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Canada Life
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. This shows you can provide actionable insights, which is crucial for the position.
✨Build Relationships
Since the role involves partnering with senior stakeholders, practice articulating how you've successfully built relationships in past positions. Think of examples where your interpersonal skills made a difference in achieving business goals. This will highlight your ability to influence and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific situations related to expense management and forecasting. Prepare by thinking through potential challenges and your approach to resolving them. This will showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving abilities.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
You'll need to communicate complex financial information to non-technical audiences. Practice explaining financial concepts in simple terms. This will demonstrate your ability to engage with diverse teams and ensure everyone is on the same page.
