Finance Head jobs in United Kingdom

At AXA, our Group Secretariat team plays a vital role in ensuring strong governance, regulatory compliance, and effective oversight across our pensions schemes and corporate structures. We support the AXA UK Pension Trustees and Management Board, providing expert advice and maintaining the highest standards of corporate governance to safeguard our reputation and meet statutory obligations.

As a Pensions Company Secretary, you'll support the Group Company Secretary and Deputy Company Secretary in delivering comprehensive company secretarial services for AXA UK's pension schemes and corporate entities. This is a high-profile, visible role involving close collaboration with senior management, trustees, external providers, and regulators. You'll ensure governance compliance, support strategic governance initiatives, and gain exposure to a wide range of corporate secretarial and pension-related activities.

At AXA we work smart, empowering our people to balance their time between home and the office in a way that works best for them, their team and our customers. You'll work at least two days a week (40%) away from home, moving to three days a week (60%) in the future. Away from home means either attendance at one of our office locations, visiting clients or attending industry events.

• Provide end-to-end company secretarial services to the AXA UK Pension Trustees Board, Pension Scheme Management Board, and other corporate entities, including governance reporting and advice
• Support pension scheme projects that require company secretarial input, ensuring governance standards are upheld throughout
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of governance, regulatory developments, and best practices related to pensions and corporate law
• Collaborate with trustees, senior management, external providers, and legal teams to ensure governance processes are effective and compliant
• Manage statutory records, including using Diligent Entities, and ensure timely filing of statutory returns with Companies House, maintaining consistency across AXA's corporate databases
• Support the year‑end statutory accounts process for pension schemes, liaising with finance and ensuring deadlines are met
• Assist the Deputy Company Secretary with wider governance tasks and projects, gaining exposure across the AXA UK business
• Provide coaching and mentorship to junior team members, helping strengthen the team's knowledge and capability in pensions governance

Due to the number of applications we expect to receive for this role, we reserve the right to close this advert earlier than the listed closing date to ensure we’re able to effectively manage interest. Therefore, if you’re interested in joining us at AXA, please don’t hesitate to apply.

• At least 5 years of direct company secretarial experience or senior support to pension trustees and schemes
• Strong understanding of pensions governance, regulatory requirements, and legal frameworks
• Excellent minute-taking skills with minimal supervision, producing high-quality, accurate records
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver work to tight deadlines
• Strong communication skills, confident in liaising with senior stakeholders at board level
• Technical expertise in company secretarial practices and governance standards
• High attention to detail, with a methodical and accurate approach to work
• Discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive information and maintaining confidentiality

At AXA UK, we’re appreciative of the people who work for us and our rewards package is reviewed regularly to reflect that. You can expect to receive:

• Competitive annual salary of up to £55,000
• Annual company & performance-based bonus
• Contributory pension scheme (up to 12% employer contributions)
• Life Assurance (up to 10 x annual salary)
• Private medical cover
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Opportunity to buy up to 5 extra days leave or sell up to 5 days leave
• Wellbeing services & resources
• AXA employee discounts

To apply, click on the 'apply for this job' button, you'll then need to log in or create a profile to submit your CV. We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer and don’t discriminate against employees or potential employees based on protected characteristics. If you have a long-term condition or disability and require adjustments during the application or interview process, we’re proud to offer access to the AXA Accessibility Concierge. For our support, please send an email to bayley.colbran@axa-uk.co.uk.

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AXA UK Support Functions power AXA's three customer-facing business units, providing the infrastructure, support and expertise to ensure our customers can always count on us. Whether you’ve got heaps of experience and qualifications behind you, or you’re just starting out, we’ll give you the support and opportunities to help you grow and develop with confidence.