Project Accountant - Customer Remediation in Redhill

Santander Consumer Finance UK (SCUK) is based in Redhill, Surrey and provides motor finance to a network of car dealerships throughout the United Kingdom. We are now looking for a Project Accountant - Customer Remediation to join the team on an initial 12-month contract. This is a new role in light of the FCA commissions redress scheme and the role holder will report into the Head of Financial Accounting. The role is varied and will include financial management & reporting, including the production of accurate and timely financial reports relating to redress calculations, payments, provisions and project spend.

We are mid-way through the build of a consumer remediation portal (CRP), the role holder will ensure that the new system is tested, and controls are in place to ensure that any remediation claims are dealt with on a timely basis. Our aim with the portal is to deliver a digital first solution, which will communicate with our retail system to summarise complaints. Robust controls need to be in place to prevent duplicate complaints from being processed and to verify the accuracy of customer payment details before any redress is issued. Statutory interest linked to the redress must be calculated correctly, following the relevant FCA guidance for calculation of interest payments.

Please note this role is a hybrid role with at least 3 days a week in the Redhill office. Remote workers will not be considered.

Responsibilities will include:

• Assist the compliance team with providing financial data relating to the FCA consumer redress scheme
• Ensure that the project maintains strong financial controls to ensure the integrity of redress calculations and payments
• Review quarterly CT61 calculations provided by other finance team members and ensure that the returns are complete and correct, submitted on time with the correct amounts of withheld tax being paid
• Meet regularly with external audit to provide updates and evidence to support the preparation of the financial statements
• Monthly reporting of provision utilisation and expenditure split by redress payments and running costs such as legal, operations and general overheads
• Acting as a role model, the role holder will be the subject matter expert for finance for everything linked to the consumer redress scheme
• Ensures robust controls are in place to reconcile CRP data to retail data and provide weekly summaries of commission redress payments
• Provides a useful, high-quality service to the business by listening effectively and establishing clear channels of communication with the customer around mutual expectations
• Works with the business stakeholders to proactively seek for efficiency opportunities
• Identifies, assesses, manages, and reports risks, taking proactive personal responsibility for ‘doing the right thing’ in compliance with regulatory requirements and our frameworks and policies
• Assist our two JV partners with the reporting of CRP
• Adhering to our commitment to Consumer Duty ensuring we put our customers’ needs first and set higher and clearer standards of consumer protection

What we’re looking for:

• Previous experience in working in specialist roles ideally with hands on system accounting experience
• Previous experience in working on a finance project and the challenges it presents
• Demonstrates awareness and understanding of the historical commission schemes and commercial practices
• Problem solving, organisational and process improvement skills
• Ability to manage multiple conflicting interests and deadlines, challenging others
• Ability to look beyond the immediate situations / issues
• Experience on updating, presenting insight, and discussing cost and / or income performance
• Understands the need to use different leadership styles to manage or influence colleagues

We have a range of benefits available which include:

• Competitive salary of £64 – 66,000 dependent on experience
• Annual bonus based on personal and company performance
• Private medical cover
• Employee assistance programme
• Gym passes at a reduced rate for 3,000 gyms, leisure centres etc

Inclusion

At Santander we’re creating a thriving workplace where all colleagues feel they belong and are supported to succeed. We all help to make Santander a workplace that celebrates diversity and attracts, retains and develops the most talented and committed people through living our values of Simple, Personal, and Fair. At Santander Consumer Finance we have a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination, bullying, harassment (including sexual) or victimisation of any kind.

Should you want to be considered for part time hours, please let us know and we can assess your requirements.

What are the next steps:

If you are interested in this role and believe you have the skills, experience, and knowledge then we’d love to hear from you. Please go ahead and click apply which will take you through some questions and allow you to submit your CV and covering letter.