Role Purpose

The purpose of the role is to work with the CFO and the senior Finance Leadership team to ensure that the Finance team is meeting its short and long term goals. This will include contributing to the development of the Finance Strategy and ensuring that Finance is meetings its Control and Client Service / Business Partnering objectives in an effective, efficient and scalable manner.

The role will also involve interaction with the Finance team based in the US to ensure that the Global Finance team works together effectively.

The Finance team is part of the firm’s broader Shared Services organisation, including Human Resources (HR), Information Technology (IT) Legal, Risk, Compliance and Company Secretariat (LRCS) and Internal Audit.

The Finance COO will also work with the other Shared Services COOs to develop the overall Shared Services brand and strategy.

Main Accountabilities

Drive the development of the Finance team Vision and Strategy

Align objectives across the Finance team to achieve the above Vision

Drive a culture of development and progression for Finance associates

Implement a training programme to ensure that Finance associates have the appropriate skills to perform their roles effectively.

Monitor and track the Finance headcount and resources internationally. Ensure that the team is appropriately resourced and operating within budget.

Develop KPIs to monitor the performance of each team with Finance – support teams in developing KPIs and develop a monitoring dashboard

Finance Accounting & Modernisation Excellence (FAME) is a global Finance transformation project, with two key workstreams:

• Technology Modernisation – implement Oracle GL, associated modules and Close and Consolidation system globally
• Global Finance Service Centre (GFSC) – outsourcing activities to Deloitte in India
• The COO will be responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of the GFSC, and for driving efficiency improvements in the GFSC

Control – maintain oversight of Internal audit points, KPMG management letter points and other areas for improvement.

Ensure that the areas responsible are actively addressing any perceived control weaknesses

Investments – work closely with other Finance teams

• Develop investment tracking pack including performance metrics
• Co-ordinate Finance due diligence and review of investment proposals

Drive end to end process development and continuous improvement across the International Finance team

Develop metrics which effectively measure the performance of the Finance team, in terms of control and efficiency

Support the continuous improvement of the Finance team profile and perception with Lockton International though the quality of advice, control and service delivered

Competencies

Ability to work across organisational boundaries, e.g. managing / co-managing initiatives across multiple business lines and functions

Executive presence and confidence to drive and influence the development implementation of Finance strategy, including Finance’s IT requirements and other development plans

Be excited about the difference that good processes and technology can make to an organisation

Have successfully operated at management or senior consultancy level

Have excellent presentation and interpersonal skills

Have a proven ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels

Be able to demonstrate an ability to build productive working relationships

Qualifications

Bachelor’s / Masters degree

Likely to be a qualified accountant, but not necessary if other experience is relevant

Experience

Working with senior stakeholders

Experience of driving change, ideally in a Finance organisation – beneficial not mandatory

Skills and Knowledge

Knowledge of organisational change, technology implementation, Finance operations and analytics / KPIs

Knowledge of financial service markets

Skill in change management

Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations

Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritising

Skill in facilitating meetings

Skill in directing and assigning work to others

Skill in communicating orally and in writing, particularly with business leaders and the Finance community

Skill in adopting an innovative approach to learning solutions

The International Finance COO is a new role established to work closely with the International CFO and senior Finance Leadership team, to drive the performance of the Finance team.