At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead investment accounting team and ensure accurate financial outputs.
- Company: Respected financial services organisation with a commitment to modernisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, bonus scheme, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with strong career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a transformative journey and make a real impact in finance.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in investment accounting and financial control.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 120000 £ per year.
Our client, a well-established, highly respected financial services organisation with a proud history spanning many decades in the UK market, is on a significant transformation journey – modernising their systems, expanding their product range and strengthening their finance function to support ambitious growth. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a business that genuinely invests in its people and takes pride in its culture.
The Role
Our client is looking for an experienced Investment Accounting Manager to lead their Investment Accounting team, taking full ownership of accurate, timely and well-controlled investment accounting outputs through to trial balance stage. You'll provide both technical and operational leadership, driving the quality of the financial close process while playing a key role in shaping how the function evolves.
What You'll Be Doing
- Leading end-to-end investment accounting production – journals, ledger postings, reconciliations, valuations, accruals and income recognition – through to trial balance, ensuring outputs are delivered on time and to a high standard.
- Owning the financial control environment for investment accounting, ensuring controls are performed, evidenced and reviewed, with any gaps or issues escalated and remediated sustainably.
- Leading analytical review of investment results, including period-on-period movement analysis and decomposition of key market drivers such as yields, credit spreads, FX, inflation and duration.
- Overseeing the valuation and pricing control process for complex, illiquid and judgemental assets, including governance of Python-based pricing models.
- Chairing the quarterly Asset Valuation Working Group.
- Leading the finance implementation of new investment products, asset classes and transactions – translating technical accounting conclusions into practical ledger, reconciliation and reporting requirements.
- Managing, coaching and developing a team of trainee and qualified accountants across monthly, quarterly and year-end reporting cycles.
- Overseeing an offshore service provider, developing and monitoring KPIs to ensure quality of delivery.
- Building strong relationships across Investment Operations, Actuarial, Risk, Internal and External Audit and senior finance stakeholders.
What We're Looking For
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with significant post-qualification experience in investment accounting, financial control or a related financial services environment.
- Insurance sector experience is essential – life insurance, retirement, annuity, with-profits or unit-linked business is highly desirable.
- Strong technical knowledge across life insurance investment portfolios – fixed income, derivatives, funds, mortgages, private credit, property, infrastructure and illiquid/alternative assets.
- Deep understanding of IFRS 9 and UK GAAP investment accounting, including classification, fair value, income recognition and related disclosures.
- Experience leading finance teams and managing close deliverables, ideally with trial balance ownership.
- Experience using Python, SQL or equivalent analytical tools in a finance, valuation or control context (Python preferred).
What's on Offer
A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package including a generous pension, bonus scheme, income protection, private medical insurance and life assurance, alongside a genuine commitment to flexible working, career development and an inclusive workplace culture.
Investment Accounting Manager in London employer: The CFO HQ
Brent Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises strategic financial leadership and offers a collaborative work culture focused on community impact. Employees benefit from professional growth opportunities, a commitment to long-term sustainability, and the chance to influence significant projects within the Neighbourhoods & Regeneration and Finance & Resources directorates. Working here means being part of a dedicated team that values technical excellence and commercial acumen in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Investment Accounting Manager 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 The CFO HQ. 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 Investment Accounting Manager 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 The CFO HQ.
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 The CFO HQ'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 The CFO HQ
✨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 The CFO HQ.
✨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 The CFO HQ 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 The CFO HQ 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.
