Chief Financial Officer - AM Specialty UK
Location: London, United Kingdom
Reports to: CEO, AM Specialty UK
Functional Reporting: Group CFO, AM Specialty Insurance Group (US)
Overview:
AM Specialty UK, a wholly owned subsidiary of AM Specialty Insurance Group (a US-based A- (Excellent) rated specialty insurance carrier), is seeking a commercially minded and technically astute Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead its UK finance function. This individual will play a pivotal role in establishing and maintaining a robust UK finance operation, ensuring full regulatory compliance under UK GAAP and Solvency II, and aligning local operations with broader group strategic objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
Regulatory and Statutory Reporting
- Act as the SMF2 (Chief Finance Function) under the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SMCR), responsible for prudential and financial oversight.
- Oversee all aspects of financial reporting, including statutory accounts under UK GAAP, Solvency II quarterly and annual returns, and PRA/FCA regulatory submissions.
- Liaise directly with the PRA, FCA, and auditors on financial and prudential matters.
- Lead capital and liquidity monitoring in alignment with the Own Risk and Solvency Assessment (ORSA) framework and regulatory capital requirements.
Financial Strategy and Operations
- Set up and manage the UK financial control environment, including accounting systems, internal controls, and policy frameworks.
- Develop short and long-term financial plans, forecasts, and budgets in line with the 3-year business plan submitted to regulators.
- Maintain oversight of the investment policy and liaise with group investment managers to ensure appropriate governance over UK assets.
Group Financial Integration
- Serve as the conduit between AM Specialty UK and the Group CFO in the US to ensure consistency in financial policy, strategic planning, and financial performance reporting.
- Produce regular financial MI for the board and group stakeholders, including underwriting profitability, expense ratios, and cash flow projections.
- Support the UK CEO and board on strategic matters, including growth initiatives, cost optimisation, and capital management.
Governance and Risk Management
- Serve as a member of the UK Executive Committee and a regular attendee of the Audit Committee.
- Collaborate with the UK Chief Risk Officer (CRO) and Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) to ensure strong risk, audit, and financial crime controls.
- Support the development and implementation of business continuity, financial crime, outsourcing, and operational resilience policies.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Chartered Accountant (ACA, ACCA, or equivalent).
- At least 10 years' experience in insurance or reinsurance, preferably in a CFO, Head of Finance, or SMF2 role within a UK-regulated entity.
- Strong understanding of Solvency II, UK GAAP, and the regulatory framework for insurers (PRA/FCA).
- Experience in building finance functions in growth-stage of insurers is highly desirable.
- Prior experience with multinational insurance groups and group reporting is advantageous.
Skills & Attributes:
- Strategic mindset with strong commercial acumen.
- Hands-on leader capable of establishing efficient processes in a lean structure.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, particularly across geographies.
- Integrity, sound judgment, and commitment to regulatory excellence.
Remuneration & Benefits
A competitive base salary will be offered, commensurate with experience and aligned with market standards for senior finance roles within the UK insurance sector. The Chief Financial Officer will also be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, reflective of individual performance and the company's overall results.
AM Specialty UK offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Private Medical Insurance through Vitality
- Group Life Insurance (Death in Service Benefit)
- Group Income Protection Insurance
- Critical Illness Insurance
- Generous Pension Scheme