At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial reporting and controls in a dynamic insurance environment.
- Company: A respected and growing insurance business in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, hybrid working, and career progression.
- Other info: Great opportunity for long-term career growth and exposure to senior leadership.
- Why this job: Join a collaborative team and make an impact in the finance sector.
- Qualifications: ACA, ACCA or equivalent; experience in finance or insurance preferred.
The predicted salary is between 58500 - 71500 £ per year.
A highly regarded and growing insurance business is looking to appoint a Senior Accountant into its London finance team. Operating across multiple insurance products and markets, the business has built a strong reputation within the sector and continues to invest in both its people and finance functions. This role offers excellent exposure to senior stakeholders, broad financial reporting responsibilities, and the opportunity to develop within a fast-paced, commercial environment.
Whether you're a newly qualified ACA looking to make your first move from a Top 20 accountancy practice or an industry-trained accountant with insurance sector experience, this position provides a fantastic platform for long-term career development.
Your new role
Reporting into senior finance leadership, you'll play a key role in supporting financial reporting, controls and business performance across the organisation. Responsibilities will include:
- Ownership of month-end and quarter-end reporting processes
- Preparing statutory and management accounts
- Delivering balance sheet reconciliations and maintaining a strong control environment
- Working closely with stakeholders across Finance and the wider business
- Supporting audit processes and liaising with external auditors
- Assisting with regulatory and group reporting requirements
- Identifying opportunities to improve processes, controls and reporting efficiencies
- Providing meaningful analysis and commentary to support decision-making
What you'll need to succeed
- ACA, ACCA or equivalent qualified accountant
- Either: qualified from a Top 20 accountancy practice seeking a first move into industry, or Previous insurance industry experience in a financial reporting, management accounting or finance role
- Strong technical accounting knowledge
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- A proactive and commercially minded approach
- Advanced Excel skills and a desire to drive continuous improvement
What you'll get in return
- Salary of 60,000-75,000
- Competitive bonus and benefits package
- Hybrid working model
- Exposure to senior leadership
- Clear opportunities for progression and development
- Collaborative and supportive team culture
- An excellent opportunity to build a long-term career within a well-established insurance business
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this opportunity, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or contact Alice Simpson at Hays for a confidential discussion.
Senior Accountant (Insurance) in London employer: Hays
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Accountant (Insurance) in London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Hays. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Accountant (Insurance) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Hays.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Hays's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Hays.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Hays will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Hays employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.