Head of Finance - Global Insurer in London

Woodland Partners are working with this high profile global Insurance Group in the search for their new Head of Finance. Reporting into the UK CFO, the role will lead the Financial Accounting & Reporting function with full responsibility for delivering accurate, timely and compliant financial results across statutory, management, and group reporting. This role will shape and execute a forward-thinking financial control and reporting strategy that positions the business as a leading, well-governed insurer in the London Market.

Responsibilities

• Lead the production of monthly management accounts, providing analysis of actual performance against budget, and explaining drivers of key variances.
• Present monthly financial results to the Finance and Executive Committees.
• Control financial ledgers and monthly close.
• Oversee all aspects of insurance and reinsurance accounting, with full ownership of balance sheet reconciliations.
• Lead the preparation and completion of statutory financial statements under FRS 102 and FRS 103.
• Lead the external audit process as the key contact for the external audit team, setting and agreeing timelines, overseeing the timely provision of information by the finance team, and responding and resolving external audit queries.
• Lead the preparation of quarterly results on an IFRS 17 basis for reporting to the Head Office for inclusion in the consolidated group result. Respond to queries and maintain a strong working relationship with the Head Office finance function.
• Convert business plans and reforecasts to an IFRS 17 basis for submission to the head office, ensuring alignment with group reporting requirements and consistency with quarterly head office reporting.
• Contribute to reforecasting and budgeting processes, working closely with Head of FP&A and other departments.
• Collaborate with the actuarial team on quarterly reserving and provision of financial data for the calculation of IBNR reserves and Solvency UK Technical Provisions.
• Ensure the integrity and delivery of financial data required for the actuarial calculation of IBNR reserves and Solvency UK Technical Provisions.
• Member of the Reserving Committee for review and approval of quarterly IBNR reserves and Solvency UK Technical Provisions.
• Calculate reserves on an IFRS 17 basis and present them at the Reserving Committee.
• Responsible for the production and submission of Solvency UK financial regulatory returns.
• Manage and submit regulatory returns for international regulators including NAIC.
• Maintain internal control framework and complete quarterly controls attestations, confirming the design and operational effectiveness of key controls, ensuring that financial and operational risks are reduced to an acceptable level.
• Monitor currency exposures relative to risk appetite and ensure any surplus or deficit positions are addressed.
• Work with other departments to improve upstream data processing and data quality.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Qualified accountant (or international equivalent).
• Experience working in a London Market or general insurance environment (essential).
• Proven expertise in financial reporting across statutory, management and group reporting under FRS 103 and IFRS 17.
• Strong understanding of Solvency UK regulatory returns and prudential reporting requirements.
• Experience collaborating with actuarial teams on reserving, technical provisions, and data integrity.
• Demonstrated capability in financial control, internal controls, and risk-aligned governance.
• Skilled in finance systems, process improvement and supporting transformation initiatives.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial results, variances and performance drivers.
• Effective communicator able to present complex financial information to senior committees and stakeholders.
• Proven ability to lead and develop finance teams, fostering technical excellence and continuous improvement.