Head of Operations & Technology Finance, Planning & Analysis - XL Group

Head of O&T Finance, Planning & Analysis

US – Stamford, France – Paris, UK – London

We invent the new to help the world move forward. Combining powerful analytics and deeper insights with bigger ideas and innovative solutions, we free up our clients’ potential, thereby fulfilling our own. Take it seriously. Make it fun. Know it matters.

DISCOVER your opportunity

What will youressential responsibilities include?

• Lead the Operations & Technology Finance Planning & Analysis (O&T FP&A) team, managing the Finance Business Partners and a team of Financial Analysts supporting Operations & Technology (O&T) under the remit of the Chief Operating Officer.  O&T functions include Global Technology, Innovation, Data & Analytics, Security, Global Middle Office, Enterprise Shared Services/Insurance Operations, Global Sourcing and Workplace,  Transformation & Change Delivery and the AXA XL Project Portfolio including business projects and Project Fusion.
• Have expert understanding of the O&T cost base and expense drivers with specific focus on IT/Technology Finance, procurement practices and commercial finance, project accounting and financial management, and headcount and staffing analysis.
• Manage multi-national team who undertakes detailed, in-depth analysis of function-specific costs, headcounts/resources, third-party contracts, project accounting, and allocations.  Team prepares all internal variance reports and written analysis to support O&T management in understanding their cost base. 
• Lead the operating expense and headcount budgeting, quarterly financial close, and quarterly forecasting processes.  Support strategic planning, project business cases, and O&T Staffing Committee.  Work closely with O&T function leads and your staff of Finance Business Partners to ensure accurate and complete results and have full awareness of financial and headcount variances and their drivers across all O&T functions.
• Drive the allocation process for O&T costs out to the business; determine and build metrics to justify / explain costs to the Business, focus on cost drivers, develop reporting and analytics to track and quantify chargebacks and allocations, and ensure alignment with the AXA XL’s procedures and expense framework.
• Owner of IT project capitalization internal financial control.
• Expert ability to prepare management reporting and analysis to support the COO in financial matters, strategic projects, and ongoing planning efforts.
• Imbed Continuous Improvement mindset within our daily Operations & Technology  Finance processes and operations in order to drive efficiencies and savings for our team and for O&T as a whole.
• Develop and maintain excellent working relationships and become the strategic advisor and partner to the COO and their Leadership Team, to Corporate Finance leadership, and colleagues throughout O&T, Finance, AXA GO, AXA Group, Risk/Audit, and the business/regions.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues across a multi-national environment.  Ability to network and communicate across functions, across countries, and across divisions.
• Have an understanding of the functional and operational responsibilities of the O&T functions supported such that the financial support provided is considering the unique needs and requirements of the teams we support.

You will report to the Global Head of Strategy, Planning & Execution - Ops & Tech. 

SHARE your talent

We’re looking for someone who has these abilities and skills:

• University degree or recognized general management qualification in Finance or Accounting (e.g., US undergraduate degree, UK graduate, etc.).  Advanced degree is preferred (e.g., US MBA).
• ACCA/CIMA or CPA (or equivalent) qualified and/or actively studying towards this qualification is a plus.
• International management experience; both personnel and cost base.  Proven track record of effectively managing a team of similar size/dynamics, particularly in a remote working environment.
• Extensive experience in expense reporting and analysis, budgeting and planning as a manager or senior analyst level position.  IT/Technology Finance experience a must.  Insurance or a Financial Services environment a plus.
• Track record of analyzing problems, identifying and evaluating options, deploying sound analytical skills, first class customer service to internal customers.
• Demonstrable evidence of interpreting and manipulating data clearly and accurately with the ability to extract and clearly articulate key points to executive leadership.
• Expert writing and presentation skills, ability to develop and present ideas and reasoned arguments clearly and concisely to various audiences both written and verbal. 
• Demonstrates solid communication skills, an assured articulate presenter to internal audiences, exercising appropriate discretion in dealing with people from all levels of the enterprise.
• Ability to build effective working relationships, establishing credibility amongst client group.
• Excellent attention to detail and a meticulous eye for identifying inconsistencies or inaccuracies in data entry or outputs.
• Able to work independently with little supervision/direction, to organize self (e.g., effective scheduling, prioritization and time management skills) and to complete tasks within tight deadlines.
• Must take ownership for own work.
• Displays a resilient and adaptable style, track record of remaining calm in demanding circumstances, adjusting comfortably to changing conditions / priorities.
• The role would suit highly driven self-starters, with a compelling desire to challenge and deliver; demonstrates a ‘can do’ attitude.
• Advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs; Excel (including Pivot Tables), PowerPoint, Outlook, Word, Power BI; excellent general ledger skills, preferably SAP, Anaplan, PeopleSoft.
• Highly proficient in conversational and written English is a must.

FIND your future

AXA XL, the P&C and specialty risk division of AXA, is known for solving complex risks. For mid-sized companies, multinationals and even some inspirational individuals we don’t just provide re/insurance, we reinvent it.

How? By combining a comprehensive and efficient capital platform, data-driven insights, leading technology, and the best talent in an agile and inclusive workspace, empowered to deliver top client service across all our lines of business − property, casualty, professional, financial lines and specialty.

With an innovative and flexible approach to risk solutions, we partner with those who move the world forward.

Learn more ataxaxl.com

Inclusion & Diversity

AXA XL is committed to equal employment opportunity and will consider applicants regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity and origins, marital status, religion, disability, or any other protected characteristic. 

At AXA XL, we know that an inclusive culture and a diverse workforce enable business growth and are critical to our success. That’s why we have made a strategic commitment to attract, develop, advance and retain the most diverse workforce possible, and create an inclusive culture where everyone can bring their full selves to work and can reach their highest potential. It’s about helping one another — and our business — to move forward and succeed.

• Five Business Resource Groups focused on gender, LGBTQ+, ethnicity and origins, disability and inclusion with 20 Chapters around the globe
• Robust support for Flexible Working Arrangements
• Enhanced family friendly leave benefits
• Named to the Diversity Best Practices Index
• Signatory to the UK Women in Finance Charter

Learn more ataxaxl.com/about-us/inclusion-and-diversity. AXA XL is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Sustainability 

At AXA XL, Sustainability is integral to our business strategy.In an ever-changing world, AXA XL protects what matters most for our clients and communities. We know that sustainability is at the root of a more resilient future.Our 2023-26 Sustainability strategy, called “Roots of resilience”, focuses on protecting natural ecosystems, addressing climate change, and embedding sustainable practices across our operations. 

Our Pillars:

• Valuing nature:How we impact nature affects how nature impacts us. Resilient ecosystems - the foundation of a sustainable planet and society – are essential to our future. We’re committed to protecting and restoring nature – from mangrove forests to the bees in our backyard – by increasing biodiversity awareness and inspiring clients and colleagues to put nature at the heart of their plans.
• Addressing climate change:The effects of a changing climate are far reaching and significant. Unpredictable weather, increasing temperatures, and rising sea levels cause both social inequalities and environmental disruption. We're building a net zero strategy, developing insurance products and services, and mobilizing to advance thought leadership and investment in societal-led solutions.
• Integrating ESG:All companies have a role to play in building a more resilient future. Incorporating ESG considerations into our internal processes and practices builds resilience from the roots of our business. We’re training our colleagues, engaging our external partners, and evolving our sustainability governance and reporting.
• AXA Hearts in Action:  We have established volunteering and charitable giving programs to help colleagues support causes that matter most to them, known as AXA XL’s “Hearts in Action” programs. These include our Matching Gifts program, Volunteering Leave, and our annual volunteering day – the Global Day of Giving.

For more information, please see axaxl.com/sustainability

The U.S. base salary range for this position is $200,000 to $240,000 USD.

AXA XL is a global Company.  The salary range noted above is applicable only for US applicants.  Actual pay will be determined based upon the individual’s skills, experience and location. We strive for market alignment and internal equity with our colleagues’ pay.