Head of Accounting Policy

TN United Kingdom; London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as the Head of Group Accounting and Regulatory Policy, where you will lead the development of accounting policies and support a dynamic finance team. This role is pivotal in shaping the future of financial control capabilities within the organization, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements while fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. If you thrive in a collaborative environment and are passionate about influencing accounting practices, this opportunity is perfect for you. Experience a unique culture that values diversity and encourages creative problem-solving.

Qualifications

• 8+ years PQE with excellent IFRS knowledge, especially in insurance.
• Proven leadership skills and experience managing a team.

Responsibilities

• Develop group-wide accounting policies and maintain the accounting manual.
• Provide technical accounting support to finance teams and evaluate new IFRS requirements.

Skills

IFRS Technical Knowledge

Leadership Skills

Communication Skills

Accounting Policy Development

Regulatory Knowledge

Education

Qualified Accountant

Job description

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Head of Group Accounting and Regulatory Policy

Reporting to the Group Financial Controller

London / Colchester / York / Lisbon – Hybrid working

Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment and enjoy solving problems? We are looking for a Head of Group Accounting and Regulatory Policy who strives to improve everything they do and has the courage to challenge the status quo. This will be of the upmost importance as the Group evolves under a new leadership team with a focus on improving and accelerating financial control capabilities.

This is an exciting time to join the team and be part of shaping the future to ensure Hiscox Group Finance is set up to help deliver the next phase of growth in the business. We take a lot of pride in what we do at Hiscox and our sights are always set on achieving the best. If you are the same, this role could be a good match. You will focus on servicing the Group accounting and regulatory policy requirements and form close working relationships with the wider Finance team, as well as the Finance Directors and Controllers across the Hiscox business units.

Key Responsibilities:

• Development of group-wide accounting policies, communication of these and the maintenance of a Group accounting manual.
• Provide technical accounting support to business unit finance teams
• Provide advice to the business and other functions, such as Risk, Treasury and Tax, on accounting policy matters.
• Evaluate new IFRS and regulatory reporting requirements and oversee their implementation.
• Produce Board and Audit Committee papers to support the business and advise on accounting and regulatory developments.
• Engage effectively with the auditors on accounting issues and audit matters.
• Monitor developments and advise management on other regulatory matters that impact the Group Annual Report & Accounts (eg listing rules).
• Inform and advise the firm’s Finance community on emerging accounting and regulatory developments and lead the finance technical training agenda.
• Undertake technical review of the Group’s financial statements prior to issuance to ensure compliance with internal policies and external requirements.

Skills/ Qualifications/ Experience require:

• Qualified accountant with 8 years + PQE. Those with less PQE but the right level of knowledge will naturally be considered.
• Excellent IFRS technical knowledge and regulatory requirements – specifically within the insurance sector.
• Substantial post-qualification experience in a similar role in a large financial services organisation or accounting firm.
• Excellent understanding of the best practices used in developing and applying accounting policy and practice
• Proven ability to successfully influence and challenge
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong leadership skills, with experience of managing a team of experienced professionals, both directly and indirectly and an ability to work both individually and as a team.

Reporting Relationships/ Interactions:

• Reports to the Group Financial Controller.
• Maintain constructive and supportive professional relationships with all senior members of the business unit finance teams and members of the Finance Leadership Team.
• Line management of the accounting and regulatory policy team.

About Hiscox

As an international specialist insurer we are far removed from the world of mass market insurance products. Instead we are selective and focus on our key areas of expertise and strength - all of which is underpinned by a culture that encourages us to challenge convention and always look for a better way of doing things.

We insure the unique and the interesting. And we search for the same when it comes to talented people. Hiscox is full of smart, reliable human beings that look out for customers and each other. We believe in doing the right thing, making good and rebuilding when things go wrong. Everyone is encouraged to think creatively, challenge the status quo and look for solutions.

Scratch beneath the surface and you will find a business that is solid, but slightly contrary. We like to do things differently and constantly seek to evolve. We might have been around for a long time (our roots go back to 1901), but we are young in many ways, ambitious and going places.

Some people might say insurance is dull, but life at Hiscox is anything but. If that sounds good to you, get in touch.

Diversity and Hybrid working

At Hiscox we care about our people. We hire the best people for the job and we’re committed to diversity and creating a truly inclusive culture, which we believe drives success.

We have also learned over the past few years that working life doesn’t always have to be in the office, and now it is safe to do so we have introduced hybrid working to encourage a healthy work life balance.

This hybrid working model is set by the team rather than the business to enable you to manage your own personal work-life balance. We see it as the best of both worlds; structure and sociability on one hand, and independence and flexibility on the other.

Apply now for further information

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Work with amazing people and be part of a unique culture