Head of Strategic Finance & Solutions

AXIS Capital; New York (NY); On-site; USD 250,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plans for employees and family

Health and wellness programs

Retirement plans

Tuition reimbursement

Paid vacation

Job summary

AXIS Capital is seeking a CFO operating partner in New York, NY to oversee capital strategy, M&A, and financial valuation. The role demands strong experience in financial analysis and managing complex capital processes. You'll evaluate and lead initiatives that directly impact long-term economic value for the organization.

The position offers a competitive salary range of $250,000 to $300,000, along with an attractive benefits package including health, retirement, and tuition reimbursement.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in capital strategy and financial analysis.
• Expertise in valuation methodologies and market assessments.
• Proven ability in managing complex finance processes.

Responsibilities

• Partner with various teams to establish capital-allocation framework.
• Lead M&A activities and manage investment bank engagements.
• Own valuation for Level3 private assets.

Skills

Capital Strategy & Allocation

Valuation for complex assets

Finance process optimization

M&A coordination

Job description

Job Overview

Serve as the CFO’s operating partner to (i) run Capital Strategy & Allocation through a transparent framework that aligns regulatory and rating requirements with liquidity, risk appetite, and economic value considerations, producing clear recommendations for the CFO and Board; (ii) lead banker‑enabled M&A from sourcing through decision by testing feasibility, capacity/currency, and value versus alternatives; (iii) own valuation—including Level3 private asset valuation for reporting and arm’s‑length price guidance; and (iv) review, repair, and stabilize priority finance processes so they run reliably and efficiently. Beyond these areas, provide independent advice to the CFO on high‑stakes strategic and investment‑related matters.

Capital Strategy & Allocations

• Partner with Capital Management, FP&A, and Investments to establish a clear capital‑allocation framework that balances external requirements, holding‑company liquidity, risk appetite, and an economic value lens to guide dividends, buybacks, and investment choices.
• Create a single, consistent view of available capital and liquidity, leveraging the Capital Management and Treasury teams to improve processes and policies so that capital can be deployed more efficiently.
• Compare risk‑adjusted returns across underwriting, portfolio investments, and shareholder distributions; coordinate with Investments to test funding and portfolio impacts; recommend the mix that maximizes long‑term economic value.
• Evaluate expected investor and analyst response to capital actions and coordinate timing and messaging with the Head of IR to ensure clear, consistent communications.
• Prepare board‑ready recommendations that show the expected impact on returns and per‑share outcomes at a high level.

M&A

• Support the CFO and Head of IR in managing investment‑bank engagement by handling day‑to‑day coordination, maintaining an internal opportunity pipeline and market scans, and evaluating inbound banker and one‑on‑one pitches.
• Confirm real purchase capacity and funding mix so proposals are actionable; run cross‑functional assessments (Actuarial, Risk, Investments, Finance, Capital Management, Treasury, Tax, Legal) for feasibility, profitability, and integration needs.
• Coordinate the merger of capital models with Capital Management and FP&A to produce a single pro‑forma view of capital, liquidity, and earnings; quantify diversification benefits and expected value accretion; and translate results into pricing ranges and walk‑away points.
• Compare each deal to alternative uses of capital (e.g., organic initiatives, return of capital, portfolio investments) and bring concise, decision‑ready options to the CFO/Board.

Valuation

• Own valuation for complex/illiquid (Level3) assets used in financial reporting, including methodology oversight, model governance, and auditor interface.
• Provide valuation and price guidance for internal and external instruments/agreements to support sound, arm’s‑length decisions.
• Ensure valuation outputs feed the economic value lens used in capital decisions (e.g., long‑term economic value alongside accounting measures).

Finance Process Optimization

• Review priority processes to identify inefficiencies, manual work, and unclear ownership.
• Redesign with stakeholders to simplify flows, standardize key definitions, and set control objectives; apply automation/AI where appropriate to reduce manual steps, improve control quality, and drive expense efficiency.
• Transition improved processes back to functional managers with clear accountability and easy‑to‑use tools for ongoing management.

Compensation & Benefits

The base salary ranges from $250,000 to $300,000 (NY) and will be determined based on experience and location. You will also receive competitive target incentive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical plans for you and your family, health and wellness programs, retirement plans, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation, and additional perks.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, age, marital status, civil union status, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates taking part in the selection process.

Additional Information

This role is Exempt for FLSA purposes and is based in the United States of America.