About Argenta

Argenta Group is headquartered in London and has a presence in Australia, employing c.300 people globally. We are proud of our unique and rich history of trading in the Lloyd’s market, both as a Syndicate and Members’ Agency, and to be part of the Hannover Re Group. Our long-standing workforce are our greatest asset; the expertise and knowledge they bring has resulted in our successful track record and continues to shape our future growth strategy.

About the role

The role combines operational management of the Phinsys platform with strategic delivery and leadership on finance transformation initiatives. The operational side of the role supports day to day management of Phinsys, ensures efficient financial close activities and promotes effective use of Phinsys within Finance and the business generally. The strategic side is responsible for co-developing a finance transformation roadmap, leading finance transformation initiatives and aligning financial operations with business goals.

Key responsibilities

Finance Operations Manager

• Supports/manages financial close processes for data intensive deliverables using the Phinsys system and End User Computing solutions, including spreadsheets.
• Manages Active Directory user setup and ongoing control.
• Co-ordinates, drives and follows up on the timetable for Phinsys inputs from the key source data providers.
• Implements, monitors and maintains assigned processes that might support the use of the Phinsys system.
• Oversees system changes/enhancements and releases including documentation, testing, issue management and reconciliation activities.
• Audit liaison in relation to Phinsys and financial processes.
• Overseeing all data input and output processes within Phinsys to ensure they operate efficiently, accurately, and reliably.
• Supports the user community with training and day-to-day assistance.
• Supports the close process by ensuring the Phinsys system is ready, configured and processes are monitored.
• Provides specialist knowledge of business systems and processes where relevant.
• Collaborates with IT, Change Management and other departments to ensure all user needs are identified, included in system requirements and all technical aspects are properly documented and addressed.
• Works with stakeholders and Phinsys to ensure business requirements are captured and translated into deliverables and effective solutions.
• Work closely with other finance members to improve processes and procedures
• Creates and maintains system documentation, user manuals and training documents.
• Collaborates with IT to ensure all system administration for assigned business application including configuration management, system monitoring, and appropriate documentation of all activities is effective either through delegation or direct action, with responsibilities clearly understood.
• Supports changes relating to integration to other systems, as required.
• Assists the implementation team to deliver a successful go-live and support the Phase 2 work programme.
• Liaising with Phinsys, IT and stakeholders on small change
• Controlling service credits
• Assisting procurement in negotiations of Phinsys contracts
• Agreeing Phinsys support for quarter end
• Manage and monitors support tickets raised with Phinsys in combination with the Argenta Service Desk and manages support credits usage.

Finance Transformation

• Initiates and drives continuous improvement in financial reporting and associated systems, processes and policies.
• Work with the Finance leadership to develop a future state vision and roadmap for Finance transformation
• Direct and lead the development of finance transformation initiatives such as Phinsys Phase 3C, PowerBI, automation, artificial intelligence and other initiatives to ensure the achievement of operational and strategic objectives.
• Collaborate with cross functional teams (Change, Data, Reserving, RI, Underwriting) to enhance finance systems, processes and data
• Assess the impact of change initiatives on Finance and develop appropriate communication and training materials to facilitate smooth transitions.
• Drive finance adoption and provide leadership, training, and support to teams transitioning to new ways of working.

Skills and experience

• Significant relevant and progressive professional experience in accounting and finance operations finance systems and finance transformations, especially in the implementation, support and maintenance of quarter end reporting and Lloyd’s/insurance and UK GAAP reporting including Phinsys experience.
• A background working within financial reporting and transformation with experience of managing large volumes of data using a system either in a systems role or as part of a finance role where you have acted as the subject matter expert for the team.
• Degree educated with appropriate accounting professional qualifications.
• Optimisation of work processes with experience of knowing the most effective and efficient methods to get things done and with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation in a project-based setting.
• Proficient in Excel and some basic knowledge of SQL preferred
• Knowledge of APIs and systems connectivity
• Proficiency in modern reporting solutions (PowerBI, PowerPivot and PowerApps would be desirable)
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and/or confidential material strictly in accordance with company policy and legal requirements. Experience working with third parties.
• Exceptional organisational and analytical skills and a demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Knowledge of industry changes, legal updates, and technical developments related to applicable areas to proactively respond to a changing business environment.
• Flexibility and a willingness to learn.
• Attention to detail as standard.
• Ability to build and maintain successful and engaging relationships internally and externally.
• Sound analytical skills, as well as strong decision-making and problem-solving aptitude.
• Working for a regulated Company, you will be expected to perform your duties to the highest of standards, in accordance with the following Conduct Rules as specified by the FCA:

- You must act with integrity

- You must act with due care, skill and diligence

- You must be open and co-operative with the FCA, PRA and other regulators

- You must pay due regard to the interests of customers and treat them fairly

- You must observe proper standards of market conduct.

Behaviours

These five behaviours sit at the heart of how we work at Argenta:

Supporting each other

Treat each other with dignity and respect, valuing our differences, so we can all be ourselves and achieve our goals.

Generating creative solutions

We do not settle for things that are not right; we do not walk by, we seek creative solutions.

Owning the delivery

We set clear objectives and deadlines; we are accountable and own the delivery end to end, knowing others will too.

Being Committed

High performing professionals, recognising the importance of wellbeing and balance in our lives.

Building longstanding relationships

Collaboration with our clients and those we work with is key; we work as a team to ensure the best outcomes.