Job Description

You will lead a cross-platform team, establishing best practice cost financial control and management processes including key controls, preparation of accurate financial data and analytics for business decisions. It will develop a deep understanding of the cost base, drivers of cost and opportunities for cost efficiencies. This role acts as the local liaison with the Global Accounts Payable Operations team and support the Procurement function in financial analysis and reporting. The team supports both internal and external financial reporting through ownership of key reconciliation controls including but not limited to sub-ledger to ledger reconciliations, ledger maintenance and associated controls.

What will you do?

• To manage and develop a high performing team of 3 - 5 financial accountants with responsibility for controlling non-interest expenses across legal entity and business line dimensions.
• Define and implement best practice financial controls and cost management processes consistently and in line with local and global policies.
• Document and understand the end to end cost base by business platform including data flows, accountabilities and controls.
• Understand the process and principles behind the global cost recharges across business lines and align with transfer pricing processes including contributing to transfer pricing policy governance.
• Develop appropriate MI to support financial control and influence behavior change with respect to the cost base - regular and ad-hoc including trend and variance analysis.
• Manage the preparation of cost base financial and statistical data in line with financial reporting timelines including data validation, accruals/prepayments and other cost adjustments.
• Actively engage in Tax processes including VAT, PSA and Corporate Tax returns.
• Manage the Accounts Receivable and Fixed Asset processes, including WIP accounting.
• Manage the Premises accounting processes and ensure these align to enterprise and industry standards; this includes associated project accounting for moves/other facilities related activities.
• Monitor delivery of the service from Global Accounts Payable Operations against agreed metrics and address locally escalated issues.
• Ensure local accounts payable activities are executed and where possible operationalized upstream.
• Responsibility for Key reconciliations and control MIS.
• Responsibility for maintenance of the ledger.
• Responsible for preparing key control documentation.
• To develop and deliver a continuous improvement cycle within the team, identifying and leveraging best practice opportunities including systems from across the enterprise.
• Enhancing business process through team synergies and tactical IT solutions to ensure efficient use of resources.

What is in it for you?

We thrive on the challenge to be our best - progressive thinking to keep growing and working together to deliver trusted advice to help our clients thrive and communities prosper. We care about each other, reaching our potential, making a difference to our communities, and achieving success that is mutual.

• A comprehensive Total Rewards Program including bonuses, flexible benefits and competitive compensation
• Leaders who support your development through coaching and managing opportunities
• Opportunities to work with the best in the field
• Ability to make a difference and lasting impact
• Work in a dynamic, collaborative, progressive, and high-performing team
• A world-class training program in financial services
• Flexible working options fully supported.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Degree educated or equivalent
• Qualified Accountant
• Extensive financial control and cost management reporting experience
• Experience of managing in a matrix environment
• Experience of accounting operations within Cost Control
• Flexible working style with ability to deal with ambiguity and time pressures
• Strategic mindset — role requires forward thinking and ability to be innovative both in terms of processes and opportunities within the cost base.
• Financial control transformation and improvement experience.