The opportunity:

An opportunity has arisen within the Zurich International Finance Team for the position of Head of Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), reporting directly to the CFO. This role will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for general accounting operations, as well as internal and external financial reporting for the Business Unit.

A key focus will be balancing financial performance, compliance, customer satisfaction, and employee engagement, while driving a vision to modernise outdated financial processes. You will work closely with the business to strengthen operations and ensure we are fit for the future.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead and inspire: Manage our skilled FAR team, focusing on recruitment, development, and employee satisfaction.
• Drive accuracy and compliance: Oversee statutory, regulatory, and Solvency reporting, ensuring precision in all financial statements.
• Support the CFO: Be accountable for the accuracy of balance sheet, P&L, and statistical items—aligning with Group standards and policies.
• Enable business growth: Support statutory and regulatory matters, including capital management, M&A, and tax.
• Own the process: Manage end-to-end production, including activities performed by service centres.
• Champion best practice: Implement consistent, regional-aligned financial accounting and reporting standards.
• Promote strong controls: Work closely with Internal Controls and Risk Management to ensure robust control environments.
• Lead change: Drive FAR change projects, including coordination with external advisors.

Your skills and experience:

• Qualified Accountant with significant post-qualification experience.
• Proven ability to communicate at Executive Committee and Board level.
• Strong leadership skills, with a passion for motivating and developing teams.
• In-depth understanding of the insurance industry and business model.
• Excellent presentation and influencing skills, with a talent for resolving conflicts.
• Strong problem-solving skills, and a track record of driving change and stakeholder engagement.