The aim of this role is to lead the development and execution of a robust and effective control environment across all P&L and Balance Sheet Finance processes and data, including the continuous improvement and automation of existing balance sheet reconciliation processes, and other financial controls where appropriate.

The role encompasses oversight over the full end to end finance process to ensure control and financial misstatement risk within the P&L and Balance Sheet meets an acceptable low level which aligns to regulatory, and Group risk requirements and delivers strategic goals for the Group's franchise.

You will also partner with Finance leaders in the development of strategies & tools to optimize the Group's balance sheet build around internal processes.

Primary Responsibilities

• Strategy & Planning
  • Lead the overall development and execution of balance sheet tools and process to deliver both Divisional and Group strategy.
  • Responsibility for ensuring Balance Sheet misstatement risk and control risk are at an acceptable low level.
• Environmental Awareness / Customer Focus
  • Maintain personal contact within the function to transfer knowledge, increase understanding and promote best practice.
  • Ensure through advice and monitoring that processes/procedures are implemented consistently and in line with expected standards.

• Develop and maintain excellent working relationships with key stakeholders in Financial Operations, Financial Reporting, Internal Control and with Internal and External Audit
• Technical Performance
  • Drive the development and deployment of tools to continually improve performance and effectiveness.
  • Anticipate and keep up to date with technical, regulatory or business led developments and drive forward continuous improvement to ensure the business is ahead of its competitors and in line with best practice.
  • Actively undertake personal development to ensure up to date knowledge and Engage funding and bank markets to ensure access and up to date product knowledge.
• Policy, Process and Procedures
  • Evaluate the current set of in-scope reconciliations and controls, recommending ways to optimise existing processes and improve the control environment including through automation and robust challenge
  • Ensure all policy, procedures and audit requirements are strictly adhered to in order to ensure that these are in line with best practice, support internal reporting mechanisms and relevant compliance/regulatory requirements.
  • Drive the monthly close process alongside the financial reporting team
• People Management
  • Communicate effectively to the wider Finance teams, to ensure a sound understanding of the control environment and key controls around the P&L and Balance Sheet processes
  • Act as a role model by demonstrating essential behaviors, ensuring these are recognized and valued throughout the team.
  • Lead, motivate, develop and focus the team so as to ensure the required standards of performance and support the continuing personal and professional development of all team members

Preferred Competencies/Skills

• Pro-active and self-starting with proven ability lead and close activities in a structured manner to a high quality. Collaborative team player with excellent interpersonal/communications Relationship management and influencing
• Excellent Planning and organization skills with ability to multi-task, plan and prioritise work schedule for self and team and work within agreed timescales
• Analytical and decision-making
• Strong data analytics
• Independent & analytical
• Strategic