Lead Expense Analyst

With a company culture rooted in collaboration, expertise and innovation, we aim to promote progress and inspire our clients, employees, investors and communities to achieve their greatest potential. Our work is the catalyst that helps others achieve their goals. In short, We Enable Possibility℠.

Role Summary and Purpose 

• Lead Expense Analyst with a focus on reporting, forecasting and analysis of expenses. 

• Working as a senior member of the FP&A team to provide detailed analysis of expense trends and variances, providing actionable insights to senior management.

• Provide technical support and coaching to the Expense Analyst.

• Build and develop relationships with key stakeholders and assist with the provision of financial analysis, both historical and forward looking.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

Expense Analysis and Reporting

• Oversight and financial control of the company’s expense portfolio, ensuring accurate tracking, reporting, and analysis of all operational costs.

• Lead the delivery and presentation of monthly, quarterly, and annual expense reports, highlighting key drivers, areas for improvement and recommending corrective actions.

• Lead and develop the expense allocation process.

Budgeting and Forecasting

• Lead the annual expense budgeting process, working closely with operational teams to set realistic and achievable expense targets.

• Develop and maintain detailed expense budgets and re-forecasts, providing insight into expense trends and identifying areas for cost savings and efficiency improvements.

Strategic Business Partnering

• Act as a strategic partner to business units with a focus on expenses, providing financial insight and support to enable operational and strategic decision making.

• Support the development and implementation of strategic plans, ensuring financial feasibility and alignment with business goals.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance expense processes, systems, and reporting capabilities.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead and mentor a team of financial analysts, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and professional growth.

• Provide regular feedback, coaching, and development opportunities to team members to enhance their skills and performance.

• Ensure adequate training and resources are available to support the team’s objectives and deliverables.

• Recruit and onboard new team members, ensuring a smooth transition and integration into the team.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Build and maintain relationships with departmental heads and other senior stakeholders, understand their financial needs and provide support in managing their budgets effectively.

• Collaborate with department heads to ensure accuracy and completeness of expense data.

Process Improvement

• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of the expense management function.

• Implement best practices and new technologies to improve the efficiency and accuracy of expense tracking and management.

• Work with cross-functional teams to drive process improvements and implement changes effectively.

Compliance and Governance

• Ensure all expense reporting and analysis comply with company policies and regulatory requirements.

• Lead the development and maintenance of internal controls related to expense management.

• Lead the support to internal and external audit processes.

Ad-Hoc Analysis

• Lead the response to ad hoc requests for expense analysis and reporting from senior management and other stakeholders.

• Lead and provide support to special projects and initiatives as required.

• Lead the provision of expense insights and recommendations as required to support business decision-making.

Role Requirements & Skills

Skills / Competencies

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data.

• Deep understanding of financial modelling and forecasting techniques.

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey financial information to non-financial stakeholders and build relationships across the organization.

• Proactive and self-motivated with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Technical Skills

• Advanced knowledge in Microsoft Excel and other financial analysis tools.

• Experience with financial planning software (e.g. Anaplan) is a plus.

• Familiarity with accounting systems and general ledger software.

Qualifications

• Professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) is essential.

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a finance related discipline.

Experience

• Minimum of 6 years of post-qualified experience in financial planning and analysis, expense management, or a related role within the insurance industry.

Do you like solving complex business problems, working with talented colleagues and have an innovative mindset? Arch may be a great fit for you. If this job isn’t the right fit but you’re interested in working for Arch, create a job alert! Simply create an account and opt in to receive emails when we have job openings that meet your criteria. Join our talent community to share your preferences directly with Arch’s Talent Acquisition team.

14100 ARCH UK ACCOUNT SET - TO BE USED FOR Q1 PAYROLL ONLY - Arch Europe Insurance Services Ltd