At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance transformation projects for life insurance and annuity clients.
- Company: Join XPS Group, a leading consultancy in pensions and insurance.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, flexible holidays, and health perks.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace with a commitment to diversity and career growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance with cutting-edge technology and diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance transformation and knowledge of ERP systems required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 € per year.
About XPS Group
XPS Group is a prominent and growing UK consultancy and administration firm within the pensions and insurance sectors. As a FTSE 250 company with over 2000 employees, we leverage expertise alongside advanced technology to serve over 1,400 pension schemes and their sponsors. Our goal is to foster a workplace where diverse talents thrive.
Location: London
Employment Type: Permanent, Full Time
Grade: Associate Partner
Hybrid Work: Yes
Reference: REQ003610
About The Role
XPS Insurance Consulting services are strategically designed to help life and annuity insurance clients navigate market disruption, stay ahead of evolving regulations, and leverage cutting‑edge technology to drive operational efficiency and growth. The practice brings together specialists across Finance, Actuarial, Data & Analytics, and Reporting, forming a fully integrated consulting capability for insurers and bulk annuity providers. This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing insurance consulting practice at a pivotal moment in its development. The Finance Intelligence Lead will play a central role in shaping and delivering finance transformation engagements across XPS’s life and annuities client base, working alongside the Head of Insurance Consulting and a high‑calibre multidisciplinary team.
Key Offerings
- NextGen Analytics: XPS combines technical and technological expertise to design, develop, and deploy advanced analytics, workflows, and management reporting solutions that deliver new insights and operational efficiencies for insurers.
- Finance Transformation Management: XPS provides end‑to‑end management of transformation programmes, including business case development, cost‑benefit analysis, programme mobilisation, execution, and reporting on key performance indicators.
- Risk Settlement Services: The firm’s team brings proven expertise in structuring and pricing transactions, including data preparation, interpretation and cleansing, cashflow modelling, pricing, and residual risk analysis. XPS also manages the migration of Bulk Purchase Annuity portfolios to new administration platforms.
- Investment Portfolio and Asset Optimisation: XPS conducts strategic asset reviews, illiquid asset due diligence, matching adjustment portfolio optimisation, price discovery for optimal asset prices, and asset trade closing services.
- ESG and Sustainability‑Related Services: XPS assists insurers in harmonising their investment strategies with responsible investment goals, ensuring compliance and transparency. Through the ESG Ratings framework and proprietary XPS Sustainability/Impact investment fund labels, XPS offers ESG and sustainability solutions across a diverse array of funds and managers.
- Climate Risk Management: The dedicated Climate and Environment Solutions team blends investment, actuarial, and covenant insight to deliver a holistic approach to climate change management and related disclosures. XPS supports the implementation of climate strategies, including Net‑Zero targets, to complement broader strategic objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement comprehensive finance transformation strategies tailored to the specific needs of life insurance and bulk annuity clients.
- Oversee the integration of finance systems (e.g. ERP, EPM) and supporting data models into efficient finance processes within client environments.
- Develop solutions to achieve enhanced finance working‑day timetables and ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.
- Design and implement finance target operating models to enhance the overall cost efficiency and effectiveness of finance functions.
- Collaborate with cross‑functional teams — including Actuarial, Data & Analytics, and Reporting — to ensure the seamless integration of finance systems with other business processes.
- Ensure finance systems comply with regulatory requirements including Solvency II and IFRS 17.
- Monitor project performance and report on progress, outcomes and benefits realisation.
- Support business development activity including proposal development, client presentations, and thought leadership.
- Perform other related activities of a similar nature that fall within the job holder’s capabilities, as required.
Essential Your Profile:
- Significant experience in finance transformation within the life insurance, pensions, or general/specialty insurance sector.
- In‑depth knowledge of finance systems such as Oracle, SAP, Anaplan, or equivalent ERP/EPM platforms and their integration within insurance organisations.
- Expertise in finance processes and procedures, including financial reporting, financial close, and regulatory compliance.
- Familiarity with finance working‑day timetables and reporting requirements under Solvency II and/or IFRS 17.
- Strong experience in integrating finance systems with data models and ensuring data integrity.
- Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing finance target operating models.
- Proven ability to lead complex transformation programmes from mobilisation through to benefits realisation.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to present to C‑suite audiences.
Desirable
- Professional accounting qualification (ACA, CIMA, ACCA or equivalent) or experience working in accounting.
- Experience working within a consulting or professional services environment.
- Exposure to GenAI‑driven automation or data platform integration in a finance context.
- Familiarity with NextGen Analytics approaches and management reporting solutions for insurers.
What We Offer
Enjoy a competitive salary, annual discretionary bonus, and 25 days’ holiday with buy/sell flexibility. Benefits include pension matching, healthcare plans, life assurance, and retailer discounts. We support our team with a flexible benefits scheme, employee assistance, and digital GP service. Volunteering events are encouraged with paid volunteer days available. Referral bonuses are offered for introducing suitable candidates to XPS.
How To Apply
Interest candidates should submit applications via the ‘Apply Now’ option or contact recruitment@xpsplc.com for more information. Join XPS Group and contribute to a dynamic and inclusive workplace.
Equal Opportunities Statement
XPS Group is committed to diversity and equal opportunities. We welcome applications from all candidates, irrespective of sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or belief. As a Disability Confident employer, we ensure accessible and supportive work settings for all employees.
Eligibility
Any employment offer made will be conditional upon satisfying DBS Disclosure checks, employment or educational references, satisfactory credit checks and eligibility to work in the UK. XPS Group is not able to provide sponsorship to employees.
Who Are We
To find out more please visit: www.xpsgroup.com
Finance Solution Architect employer: XPS Group
XPS Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment in the heart of London. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide comprehensive benefits including competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional development within a collaborative team of experts. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking consultancy that values diversity and innovation while making a meaningful impact in the pensions and insurance sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Solution Architect
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and insurance sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching XPS Group thoroughly. Understand their services, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Finance Solution Architect. Highlight your skills in finance transformation and system integration, and don’t forget to showcase your communication prowess.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and serious about joining XPS Group. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Solution Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in finance transformation, especially within the life insurance or pensions sectors. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Expertise:Don’t hold back on detailing your knowledge of finance systems like Oracle or SAP. We’re keen to know how you’ve integrated these systems in past roles, so give us the juicy details!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences shine through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly via our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly. Plus, it shows us you're serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at XPS Group
✨Know Your Finance Transformation Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of finance transformation, especially within the life insurance and pensions sectors. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your expertise in integrating finance systems and enhancing operational efficiency.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Familiarise yourself with the finance systems mentioned in the job description, like Oracle or SAP. Be prepared to explain how you've used these tools in past roles, particularly in relation to regulatory compliance and financial reporting. This will show that you can hit the ground running.
✨Engage with Cross-Functional Teams
Highlight your experience working with multidisciplinary teams, especially in areas like Actuarial and Data & Analytics. Share examples of how you've collaborated to achieve seamless integration of finance processes, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Prepare for C-Suite Conversations
Since you'll be presenting to senior stakeholders, practice articulating complex finance concepts in a clear and concise manner. Think about how you can convey your ideas effectively to a non-financial audience, as strong communication skills are key to success in this position.
