Head of Finance (FTC - 18 Months) in Birmingham

Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer

Department: Finance

Location: Birmingham (Hybrid) - 2 days in the office

Role Purpose:

Responsible for Finance leadership for ERGO UK, including technical accounting, financial governance, financial controls, budgeting, forecasting and performance insight (FP&A). Actively contribute to the development of ERGO UK’s strategy and business planning and undertake best endeavours in their achievement. To establish and operate controls that enable ERGO UK and clients to treat customers fairly and keep the customers at the centre of ERGO’s and clients’ businesses. To demonstrate a high work ethic and possess core knowledge and skills to support strategic objectives. Determine the organisation’s financial operational requirements as an MGA (not an insurer) and therefore does not carry insurer prudential responsibilities such as liquidity/capital management; focus is on accurate reporting, effective controls and strong governance in line with capacity provider and regulatory expectations.

Maintain and continuously improve a robust financial control framework (including policies, delegated authorities, reconciliations and review controls) to safeguard assets, ensure integrity of reporting and support a well-governed operating model. Maintaining robust company financial procedures and controls in line with group (or as required), enabling appropriate, accurate and timely reporting of financial information to management.

Financial Accounting

Oversight of all financial accounting matters in the business, including ownership of the financial control environment, ensuring the development, documentation and maintenance of procedures.

Taxation

Keep up to date with VAT issues and developments. Ensure close link with Tax from a MR Group perspective. Monitor any changes in tax (e.g. Scandia case) and potential implications for the UK business. Approval of corporation tax returns and release of quarterly instalments. Responsible for the framework of responsibilities, policies, appropriate people, procedures and controls in place for managing tax compliance risk, as well as the systems and processes which put this framework in practice.

Technical Accounting

Oversight of all technical accounting matters in the business, ensuring the development and maintenance of all procedures and approving accounting postings in accordance with the documented process. Some day-to-day detailed management will continue to be done by the technical coordinator.

Company Secretary

Act as Company Secretary for EUSL, ensuring ongoing compliance with Companies House statutory filing obligations and maintenance of the company record.

Skills and Competencies

• Industry Experience: Minimum 8–10 years of progressive finance experience, ideally within the insurance sector, and at least 3–5 years in a senior finance leadership role. Experience working in a UK-based MGA, insurer, Lloyd’s syndicate, or broker is highly advantageous.
• Strategic Leadership and Communication: Demonstrated ability to partner with executive teams to support business growth, profitability analysis, and capital planning. Experience in mergers, acquisitions, or investment due diligence (if applicable to the MGA's growth model). Skilled at producing clear financial reports for both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Ability to present and justify financial decisions to boards, regulators, and investors.
• Regulatory & Reporting and Governance: Detailed knowledge of UK regulatory requirements, including financial conduct rules, tax, and statutory compliance in an insurance context. Proven experience of UK regulatory compliance and financial reporting in an insurance-intermediary environment (e.g., FCA reporting and expectations applicable to an MGA). Strong technical accounting knowledge (including IFRS and, where relevant to the MGA, IFRS 17 impacts on reporting to capacity providers and group) and experience producing statutory accounts and audit deliverables.
• Operational Finance: Experience overseeing core finance functions such as FP&A, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and audit. Track record of designing and implementing finance systems and controls suitable for a fast-growing MGA environment.
• Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of UK insurance accounting principles, premium income recognition, claims reserving, reinsurance accounting, and bordereaux reporting. Familiarity with MGA-specific operations, including delegated authority arrangements and coverholder responsibilities.
• Technology & Systems: Proficient in financial management systems (e.g. Sage, Xero, NetSuite) and insurance platforms (e.g. Actuaries, Open GI, or bespoke MGA systems). Strong Excel modelling skills; knowledge of data visualisation and dashboard tools (e.g. Power BI) is a plus.
• Analytical Skills: Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to interpret financial data in support of underwriting and strategic decision-making.

Attributes:

• Leadership: Inspirational team leader with the ability to build, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance team.
• Commercial Mindset: Business-oriented, with the ability to balance financial prudence with growth and profitability goals.
• Adaptability: Comfortable working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with evolving business needs.
• Attention to Detail: Precision-driven, ensuring accuracy and completeness in reporting and compliance matters.
• Collaborative: Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach to cross-functional teamwork (e.g. underwriting, operations, compliance).

What you’ll receive from us:

• A visible and strategic position in a growing, governance-critical function.
• The chance to help shape a new oversight capability with real influence.
• A supportive and collaborative team culture.
• Career development and exposure to senior decision-makers.

Our benefits are designed to support and add value, offering recognition for your work and fair reward. We offer a range of benefits including hybrid working, life insurance, private medical cover and volunteering days.

Why ERGO?

The ERGO brand is well-established in its target markets, supported throughout the year by Group A-rated securities and the strong economic ownership of ERGO Versicherung AG. ERGO UK Specialty continues to both secure profitable, sustainable business in the UK and Ireland and strengthen our capacity management and operational capabilities. This is leading to continued efficiencies through the drive for simplicity in products, processes and wordings. The client management of ERGO UK Specialty is focused on the acquisition of profitable business in close cooperation with its clients. ERGO UK Specialty is a leading expert in its chosen segments of its target markets through consistency, continuity and quality of capacity. We have been underwriting successful specialty business in the UK since 2001 and under ERGO ownership since 2013.