Group Financial Planning Manager - UK & Lloyd's

Since Aspen was founded in 2002, we have become a leading, diversified specialty insurance and reinsurance company. We respond thoughtfully and creatively to find the best outcomes for our clients and business partners through carefully-tailored solutions.

We believe the way we work is just as important as the work we do, and we are guided by our core values of respect, honesty, trust and professionalism.

Aspen is a great place to develop your career offering an exciting and challenging environment where achievement is rewarded.

Role Purpose 

The primary objective of the role is the delivery of the annual financial plan and quarterly reforecast for the UK & Lloyds platform, including the Lloyds SBF. The role also has ownership for broader Group processes including the Group’s Balance Sheet and Internal Quaote Share projection. It will also require for the person to conduct forecasting, trend, and variance analysis and help drive forward-looking data driven decisions and make recommendations for optimization opportunities. Our Aspen Values are expected to be reflected in the delivery and performance of every role.

Key Results Areas

Strategy and Planning

• Prepare the three year annual plan and quarterly reforecasts for the UK and Lloyd’s platforms, including the Syndicate Business Forecast (“SBF”). Review and where necessary prepare inputs into the planning and reforecasting process, including but not limited to premiums, losses, expenses, outward reinsurance, commission, investment income, debt interest and intra-group transactions. 
• Contributes to, monitors and advises on the plan developments and changes in order to ensure relevancy, compliance and optimal delivery 
• Assists in the preparation and implementation of the operational team plans to ensure these are in line with wider business strategy and reflect key priorities.

Policy, Process and Procedures 

• Participate in annual budget forecasts, 3 year strategic and operating plans and monthly estimate outlook process.
• Proactively approach analysis and reporting with a laser focus to identify financial concerns and opportunities.
•  Compare annual operating budget in contrast to actual information to reconcile discrepancies.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with outside resources—including third-party vendors and researchers.

Technical Performance 

• Establish reporting and information requirements at the outset to develop a forward-looking, proactive financial model (the right analytics at the right time to make better strategic decisions).
• Prepare and deliver monthly reporting packages, dashboards, and critical operational and financial analysis.
• Provide management decision support through routine reporting and ad hoc analysis, highlighting risks and opportunities to cost centre results.
• Identify opportunities to streamline and automate existing processes to increase efficiency.

Knowledge 

• Strong knowledge of FP&A software or similar database
• Detailed knowledge of the industry’s best practice processes.
• Deep understanding of the managed service and consulting providers. 
• Sound knowledge of problem analysis and decision analysis.
• Strong understanding of underlying needs of the business and how own role contributes to these.
• Business and financial awareness of the impact of Service Levels and any associated failures.

Skills

• Strong level of numeracy and literacy skills
• Able to manage conflicting priorities to achieve deadlines.
• Able to plan effectively and efficiently.
• Strong customer orientation skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a team environment managing complex business practices and meeting tight deadlines.
• Strong analytical skills. 
• Ability to analyse data and use for decision-making.

Experience

• Specific professional qualifications at the level of degree or equivalent (e.g. computer science, management of information systems or similar).
• Qualified within own personal discipline, with extensive post-qualification work experience to include:

o    Significant experience with IT budgeting, operating expenses, and forecasting demonstrating a strong record of achievement and growth in past positions.
o    Evidence of supporting technical and operational strategy.

At Aspen we know that having a diverse and inclusive workforce is good for our people, good for our business and good for the environments in which we operate.  We therefore welcome applications from people which allows us to draw on diverse cultures, perspectives, skills and experiences.