Head of Finance in Hastings

At Advantage, we’re proud to be one of Gibraltar’s largest insurers, serving nearly 4 million customers across the UK. As part of the Hastings, and the larger Sampo Group, we are a digitally focused general insurer offering private motor and home insurance. We believe in creating an environment where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow. Whether it’s through our collaborative culture, professional development opportunities, or the chance to make a real impact, Advantage is a place where you can thrive and have some fun along the way!

About the role

The Financial Controller leads the financial control and reporting activities at Advantage Insurance. The role encompasses integrity of the balance sheet, robust financial controls, high‐quality statutory and regulatory reporting, and strong governance across financial processes. You would play a critical role in maintaining regulatory compliance (GFSC/Solvency UK), supporting audits, and continually strengthening the control environment in a complex insurance business with significant insurance liabilities, reinsurance arrangements and investments.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Control & Governance
  • Own and continually enhance the Company’s Financial Control Framework, ensuring it remains appropriate for the Company’s risk profile and regulatory environment.
  • Ensure robust accounting policies, procedures and controls are in place across the business, with clear ownership and documentation.
  • Maintain strong balance sheet discipline, including oversight of key reconciliations, judgements and estimates.
  • Act as a key interface between Finance, Risk, Compliance and Actuarial to ensure joined‐up financial governance.
• Statutory, Regulatory & Group Reporting
  • Lead the production of year‐end and interim statutory financial statements under IFRS, acting as primary contact for external auditors.
  • Oversee Solvency UK / Solvency II financial elements, including coordination with Actuarial and delivery of audited Solvency reporting.
  • Ensure timely and accurate submission of regulatory returns to the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (GFSC).
  • Support Group reporting requirements, including quarterly reporting, analytics and ad‐hoc requests.
• Insurance, Reinsurance & Technical Accounting
  • Oversee accounting for insurance and reinsurance arrangements, including quota share and excess of loss programmes.
  • Ensure accurate recognition and presentation of insurance balances, reinsurance recoverables and related disclosures.
  • Review and challenge key accounting judgements, working closely with the Actuarial function.
  • Act as a technical accounting SME for insurance‐specific matters.
• Systems, Process & Change
  • Own finance process documentation and control narratives for key processes (premiums, claims, reinsurance, investments, cash, close).
  • Lead or support finance system implementations, upgrades and process automation initiatives.
  • Embed a continuous improvement mindset across close, reporting and control activities.
• Leadership & Stakeholder Management
  • Manage, coach and develop members of the team.
  • Build strong working relationships with auditors, actuaries, advisors and regulators.
  • Provide clear, concise financial insight to senior management, committees and the Board.

What You Bring

• Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent).
• Strong financial control and reporting experience within insurance or regulated financial services.
• Solid understanding of IFRS and insurance accounting.
• Experience managing audits and interacting with regulators.
• Strong attention to detail with ability to see the wider commercial and regulatory picture.
• Proven ability to manage and improve control frameworks.

Nice to have

• Direct experience with Solvency II / Solvency UK reporting and audits.
• Experience in a Gibraltar‐regulated insurer or similar jurisdiction.
• Exposure to insurance and reinsurance accounting (motor, household or similar lines).
• Experience supporting finance transformation or system change initiatives.
• Workday experience.
• Data analysis and visualisation.

What We Offer

All our actions are based on our 4Cs way of doing things. We focus on getting it right for our colleagues, customers, company and community.

• Competitive salary, benefits package and bonus scheme.
• 4x your salary with our life assurance cover, income protection at no extra cost, and matched pension contributions up to 10%.
• 27 days annual leave + bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell up to 5. We also award 1 additional day in a special milestone anniversary service year (5 years and then every 5 years thereafter up to a maximum of 30 days per year).
• Flexible working including working from home up to 2 days per week if certain criteria is met.
• Professional development and training support.
• A friendly, inclusive culture with regular social and community events.
• Wellbeing initiatives and a colleague assistance programme app which is available 24/7.
• Opportunities to contribute to group-wide projects and strategic initiatives.

We understand some people may not apply for jobs unless they feel they tick every box. If you’re excited about joining us and think you have some of what we’re looking for, even if you’re not 100% sure we would love to hear from you.

Hastings Group is an equal opportunities employer which means we treat people fairly. We welcome applications from all suitably skilled persons regardless of their gender, age, race, disability, ethnic background, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or marital/family status. Please also note that we have a thorough referencing process, which includes credit and criminal record checks.

At Hastings Direct, we’re committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, we encourage you to be open with us. Our recruitment team is here to provide the support you need to ensure a fair and accessible experience for all.