At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning and analysis, driving business performance and strategic decision-making.
- Company: Join Unum, a specialist employee benefits provider committed to healthy workplaces.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, private medical insurance, and career development support.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth and a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by influencing senior leaders and shaping strategic priorities.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant or Actuary with strong finance business partnering experience.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
Who are we? We’re a specialist employee benefits provider, striving to create healthy, happy workplaces. As part of the international Unum Group, we’re on a collective mission to help the working world thrive.
The role
What will you be doing?
- Act as the key Finance Business Partner to the COO and senior Operations leadership team, providing strategic insight, robust challenge and commercial support to drive business performance and informed decision making.
- Lead the financial planning, forecasting and analysis of claims performance across Unum's product portfolio, translating complex data into meaningful insights that influence operational and financial outcomes.
- Develop and maintain cost and resource models that improve financial transparency, support planning decisions and identify opportunities to enhance efficiency across Operations.
- Partner with stakeholders across Finance, Actuarial and Operations to evaluate investment and transformation initiatives, building compelling business cases and measuring the impact of change.
- Act as the central point of coordination for claims forecasting, working closely with actuarial experts to ensure key assumptions and financial inputs are robust and aligned.
- Oversee the production and continuous enhancement of claims management information, identifying trends, risks and opportunities that support better business decisions.
- Drive improvements in forecasting methodologies, reporting capabilities and analytics, helping the business leverage data and technology more effectively.
- Lead, coach and develop a high-performing team, creating an environment focused on accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement and career development.
- Build strong relationships across the wider business, influencing senior stakeholders and helping shape strategic priorities through trusted financial partnership.
- Play an active role in embedding strong governance, risk management and regulatory compliance, including Consumer Duty, Treating Customers Fairly, Conduct Risk and Solvency II requirements.
What will you bring?
- Qualified Accountant or Actuary with significant post-qualified experience within a complex financial environment.
- Strong Finance Business Partnering experience with the ability to influence senior leaders and challenge constructively.
- Deep understanding of FP&A, forecasting and business performance management within a large or complex organisation.
- Experience developing financial models, claims forecasts, resource plans and business cases to support strategic decision making.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to turn data into actionable business insights.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with experience building credibility across Finance and operational leadership teams.
- A proven track record of leading, developing and coaching high-performing teams through periods of change and transformation.
- Strong commercial awareness and the ability to balance operational objectives with financial performance and control.
- Interest in finance systems, technology and continuous improvement, with a mindset focused on driving efficiency and innovation.
- Experience within financial services, insurance, group risk or group income protection would be advantageous.
Location: Hybrid working. 3 days in office, 2 days from home. From office locations in Dorking, London or Basingstoke.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary and annual bonus
- Generous pension scheme
- Income Protection, Life Assurance and Critical Illness cover
- Private Medical Insurance
- Employee wellbeing and mental health support
- Generous holiday allowance with the option to buy and sell leave
- Electric vehicle scheme and other flexible lifestyle benefits
- Career development opportunities and professional qualification support
Why join us?
At Unum, we’ve created a workplace where people feel supported to progress and grow, and can see their ambitions coming to life. As a part of our commitment to creating an inclusive workplace, we actively encourage applications from those with disabilities and those with long-term health conditions. If you meet the essential criteria for the role and choose to opt in to the scheme during your application, you will be offered an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to careers@unum.co.uk. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer.
Senior Finance Manager, Operations and Claims in Surrey employer: Unum Group
At Unum UK, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. As a Customer Engagement Executive in our Dorking office, you'll enjoy competitive salaries, generous benefits, and the opportunity to collaborate with experienced marketing professionals while contributing to innovative campaigns that make a real impact. Join us to accelerate your career in a dynamic environment where your ideas are valued and your development is nurtured.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Manager, Operations and Claims in Surrey
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Unum Group. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Unum Group.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Unum Group. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Manager, Operations and Claims in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Unum Group and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Unum Group how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Unum Group
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Unum Group.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Unum Group's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
