At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the UK CFO with executive tasks and manage a dynamic calendar.
- Company: Join Zurich, a leading global insurer with a strong community focus.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of diversity, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of finance, making impactful contributions in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience supporting C-suite executives and exceptional organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 ÂŁ per year.
Working hours: This role is available on a part-time, job-share or full-time basis.
Location: London â you will be expected to be in the office at least 3 days a week.
The opportunity:
Our UK Chief Financial Officer is seeking an Executive Assistant who demonstrates initiative, anticipates challenges, and delivers solutions with confidence. In this pivotal role, you will operate at the heart of a dynamic Finance function, supporting the UK CFO in a fastâpaced environment where priorities can shift rapidly. This opportunity requires not only firstâclass organisation and communication skills, but also the resilience and composure to manage competing demands while upholding the highest standards of integrity and confidentiality.
You will be the trusted partner to the UK CFO and need to be proactive, adaptable and can work both independently and collaboratively to produce high quality support. The ideal candidate will be a natural communicator and listener and someone that thrives in a dynamic workplace and is confident engaging at Câsuite level to effectively anticipate and deliver to the needs of the UK CFO and Finance Executive Team.
Many of our employees work flexibly in a variety of different ways, including partâtime, flexible hours, job share, an element of working from home or compressed hours. This is because we want the best people for our roles, and we recognise that sometimes those people aren't available fullâtime. Please talk to us at the interview about the flexibility you may need.
What will you be doing?
- Partner directly with the UK CFO, providing seamless executive support and acting as a trusted advisor in all areas of daily operations.
- Proactively manage a complex calendar, including strategic prioritisation of meetings, appointments, speaking engagements, and domestic/international travel. Coordinate closely around the Finance quarterly cycle, such as Board meetings, demonstrating sound judgement and discretion.
- Act as a key liaison between the UK CFO and the Finance Executive Team, as well as Group, EMEA, CEO Office, and external regulatory bodies. Ensuring efficient information flow, timely responses, and a positive Zurich experience for all stakeholders.
- Maintain excellent stakeholder relationships as the main point of contact for the CFO office, using strong interpersonal skills, diplomacy, and confidentiality to manage enquiries, resolve issues, and drive effective outcomes.
- Anticipate and manage a high volume of critical deadlines, ensuring the CFO is wellâbriefed, prepared, and able to focus on priority tasks.
- Collaborate closely with the Finance Strategic Execution Manager and the wider EA community to align on priorities and drive seamless execution.
- Take ownership of planning and executing key Finance events, including offâsites for up to 85 participants.
- Prepare highâquality documents, reports, presentations and correspondence, ensuring accuracy, attention to detail and timely distribution.
- Manage sensitive data and maintain strict confidentiality across all aspects of the role.
- Lead by example within the Finance PA/EA community. Sharing best practice, mentoring colleagues, and promoting a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Undertake a range of support duties as required, adapting to new responsibilities and adâhoc projects as the needs of the CFO and Finance function evolve.
What are we looking for?
- Located within a commutable distance to our London office (minimum three days per week), with flexibility to occasionally travel to Swindon and Whiteley offices as required.
- Significant experience supporting Câsuite executives in a fastâpaced, regulated environment.
- Demonstrable track record of operating independently, using sound judgement, discretion and a proactive approach to solving complex problems.
- Exceptional organisational, prioritisation and timeâmanagement skills with a relentless attention to detail.
- Outstanding communication and relationshipâbuilding skills â you are confident, approachable and able to influence at senior levels.
- Resilient, resourceful and comfortable navigating ambiguity; thrives under pressure and remains positive, composed and solutionsâfocused.
- A strong contributor to team culture, willing to share knowledge and support others across the wider EA community.
- Maintains the highest standards of confidentiality, integrity and professionalism at all times.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel), with excellent written communication, editing and proofreading skills.
- Energetic, curious and eager to contribute to Zurich's commitment to delivering a brighter future together.
As an inclusive employer we want to ensure that all candidates feel comfortable and are able to perform at their best during the interview. You'll have the opportunity to let us know of any reasonable adjustment or practical support needed when you apply.
What will you get in return?
Everyone's different. That's why at Zurich, we offer a wide range of employee benefits so our people can choose what fits them and their life. Our benefits provide real flexibility so our people can make considered choices and tailor their benefits throughout the year. Our benefits include 12% defined nonâcontributory pension scheme, annual company bonus, private medical insurance and the option to buy up to an additional 20 days or sell some of your holiday.
At Zurich we aspire to be one of the most responsible and impactful businesses in the world and the best global insurer. Together we're creating a brighter future for our customers, our people and our planet.
With over 55,000 employees in more than 170 countries, you'll feel the support of being part of a strong and stable company who are a longâstanding player in the insurance industry.
We've made a promise to each other and every employee; to focus on sustainable impact, to care about each other's wellbeing, to use our diverse expertise to be curious and optimistic and to develop the skills needed for our future.
If you're interested in working in a dynamic and challenging environment for a company that recognises and rewards your creativity, initiatives and contributions â then Zurich could be just the place for you. Be part of something great.
Our Culture:
At Zurich, our sense of community is strong and we're particularly passionate about diversity and inclusion, which we've won numerous awards for. We want our people to bring the whole of themselves to work and ensure everybody is made to feel welcome, regardless of their background, beliefs or culture. We want our employees to reflect the diversity of our customers, and so are committed to treating all of our applicants fairly and with respect, irrespective of their actual or assumed background, disability or any other protected characteristic.
We've an environment that places a real importance on our people's wellbeing from a physical, mental, social and financial perspective. We work with our wellbeing partners and industry experts to provide the best advice and access to a wealth of lifestyle support. We're also committed to continuous improvement, and we offer access to a comprehensive range of training and development opportunities.
We're passionate about supporting employees to help others by getting involved in volunteering, charitable and community activity. Our charitable arm, Zurich Community Trust, is one of the longestâestablished corporate trusts in the UK. In that time, we've awarded grants and volunteered time to deserving causes in the UK valued at over ÂŁ90 million.
We'd love it if you could submit your application online. If you require an alternative method of applying, please send an email to recruitment@uk.zurich.com.
So make a difference. Be challenged. Be inspired. Be supported, Love what you do. Work for us.
Executive Assistant to UK Chief Financial Officer in London employer: Zurich Insurance Group
Contact Detail:
Zurich Insurance Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Executive Assistant to UK Chief Financial Officer in London
â¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Zurich, especially those in finance or executive roles. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
â¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the CFO's recent projects or initiatives. Show us that you're not just another candidate; youâre genuinely interested in how you can contribute to their goals.
â¨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since this role requires engaging with C-suite executives, being articulate and confident is key. Try mock interviews with friends or use online resources to sharpen your delivery.
â¨Tip Number 4
Donât forget to apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us youâre serious about joining the team at Zurich.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Assistant to UK Chief Financial Officer in London
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience that aligns with the role of Executive Assistant. We want to see how your skills can directly support our UK CFO and the Finance team.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves liaising with senior executives, it's crucial to demonstrate your outstanding communication abilities. Use clear, concise language in your application to reflect your proficiency in this area.
Highlight Your Organisational Skills: This position requires exceptional organisational skills, so be sure to provide examples of how you've successfully managed complex schedules or projects in the past. We love seeing candidates who can juggle multiple priorities!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. Itâs the best way for us to receive your details and get you into the recruitment pipeline quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zurich Insurance Group
â¨Know Your CFO
Before the interview, do some research on the UK Chief Financial Officer. Understand their background, leadership style, and any recent initiatives they've been involved in. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in supporting them.
â¨Master the Calendar Game
As an Executive Assistant, managing a complex calendar is key. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise meetings and handle scheduling conflicts. You might even want to bring examples of how you've successfully managed competing demands in the past.
â¨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role requires outstanding communication, think of specific instances where you've effectively liaised with senior executives or managed stakeholder relationships. Practise articulating these experiences clearly, as theyâll demonstrate your ability to engage at the C-suite level.
â¨Emphasise Your Adaptability
In a fast-paced environment, adaptability is crucial. Prepare to share examples of how you've thrived under pressure and navigated ambiguity. Highlight your proactive approach to problem-solving and how you maintain composure while juggling multiple tasks.