At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and operations, ensuring high-quality reporting and compliance.
- Company: Join the Chartered Insurance Institute, dedicated to professional standards and public trust in finance.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 30 days leave, healthcare plan, and a modern office with perks.
- Why this job: Shape financial strategies while fostering accountability in a supportive and innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified finance professional with leadership experience and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: This is a 12-month fixed-term contract with hybrid working options in London.
The predicted salary is between 64000 - 96000 £ per year.
12 Month Fixed Term Contract
Hybrid, London - City
Full time, Fixed Term
Salary: £80,000-£90,000 per annum
Our mission
The overarching purpose of the Chartered Insurance Institute (‘the Institute’) is to educate and support our members to deliver services to the highest professional standards and to advocate for the public good. By doing this the Institute builds and maintains public trust in the insurance, financial planning, and mortgage advice professions.
Our vision
Our vision is that CII and PFS professionals build a world which delivers ever greater financial resilience for individuals and societies more broadly.
Your role
As Head of Finance, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the financial strategy and operations of the CII Group. Reporting to the Executive Director, Resources & People, you will lead the delivery of high-quality financial reporting, forecasting, and business analysis, ensuring alignment with best practices and evolving industry standards. You will oversee the integrity of financial controls, manage treasury operations, and support compliance with finance-owned policies. Your leadership will drive the development of robust financial models, enhance business planning, and inform pricing strategies through detailed product profitability analysis. In this role, you will collaborate closely with Finance Business Partners and senior stakeholders to foster a culture of financial accountability. You will also monitor external financial developments, assess operational risks, and contribute to strategic decision-making through insightful analysis and process improvements.
You
You’re a qualified finance professional (ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with substantial post-qualification experience and a strong track record in senior finance leadership roles. You’ve led high-performing finance teams and cross-functional groups, bringing clarity, structure, and motivation to complex environments. You’re confident navigating board-level conversations and influencing senior stakeholders with credibility and insight. You bring deep technical expertise in accounting, taxation, and financial reporting, paired with a sharp analytical mindset and commercial awareness. You’ve successfully implemented or played a key role in finance systems transformation, and you’re comfortable leveraging technology to improve processes. You communicate with precision and purpose—whether presenting financial strategy, guiding teams, or engaging across the organisation.
Your benefits
- 10% non-contributory pension
- 30 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Healthcare cash plan
- Life assurance
- Modern office space located in 20 Fenchurch Street (Walkie-Talkie) with free Sky Garden access and discounts
Next steps
If you would like to explore this opportunity with us for the next step in your career, we look forward to receiving your application through the Apply feature at the top of this advert. If you have any queries or require assistance, please get in touch and we will endeavour to come back to you as soon as possible.
Head of Finance employer: Chartered Insurance Institute
Contact Detail:
Chartered Insurance Institute Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance
✨Tip Number 1
Research the Chartered Insurance Institute thoroughly. Understand their mission, vision, and values, as well as recent developments in the insurance and financial sectors. This knowledge will help you tailor your conversations and demonstrate your genuine interest in the organisation during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the CII or similar organisations. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations for the Head of Finance role, which can be beneficial when discussing your fit for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with finance systems transformation in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've leveraged technology to improve processes, as this is a key aspect of the role and will showcase your ability to drive change.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice articulating your leadership style and how you've motivated high-performing finance teams in the past. Highlighting your ability to foster a culture of financial accountability will resonate well with the interviewers and align with their expectations for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your qualifications and experience relevant to the Head of Finance role. Emphasise your leadership in finance teams, technical expertise, and any successful finance systems transformations you've led.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your motivation for applying and how your skills align with the CII's mission and vision. Mention specific examples of your achievements in financial strategy and operations.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications (ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) and substantial post-qualification experience. This will demonstrate your credibility and readiness for the senior finance leadership role.
Showcase Analytical Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've used your analytical mindset to inform strategic decision-making and improve processes. This is crucial for the role as it involves detailed product profitability analysis and risk assessment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartered Insurance Institute
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a candidate for the Head of Finance position, it's crucial to highlight your experience in leading high-performing finance teams. Prepare specific examples of how you've motivated and structured teams in complex environments, as this will demonstrate your capability to drive financial accountability.
✨Demonstrate Technical Expertise
Be ready to discuss your deep technical knowledge in accounting, taxation, and financial reporting. You should be able to articulate how your expertise has contributed to successful financial strategies and systems transformations in your previous roles.
✨Prepare for Board-Level Conversations
Since this role involves navigating board-level discussions, practice articulating your insights and analyses clearly and confidently. Think about how you can influence senior stakeholders with your financial strategies and ensure you can present your ideas succinctly.
✨Emphasise Your Analytical Mindset
The ability to analyse financial data and assess operational risks is key for this role. Prepare to discuss specific instances where your analytical skills have led to process improvements or informed strategic decision-making, showcasing your commercial awareness.