Finance Apprentice - Level 4 Apprenticeship

at  XL Catlin

FINANCE APPRENTICE – LEVEL 4 APPRENTICESHIP

London, UK
AXA XL is looking for 3 Apprentices to join our finance team in London.
Candidates must make sure they are available for an assessment day the week commencing 8th April 2024, with a planned start date of early September 2024.
Finance is a key function focused on quantifying, analysing and reporting AXA XL’s performance in order to provide insightful and accurate information to a number of internal and external stakeholders. The work performed by Finance is used for a variety of purposes such as the development of business strategy, managing risk and controls, compliance with regulatory requirements in the UK, and specific Lloyd’s insurance market reporting. Another important part of the Finance function is partnering with other functions, for example underwriters and providing insight into financial performance and assist with business planning and forecasting.
At AXA XL, we value different career pathways, and we have designed the Finance apprenticeship route as an alternative to University, or to support a career change. As a Finance apprentice you will have the opportunity of learning from experienced colleagues, whilst being paid a competitive salary. You will experience rotations with different Finance teams to understand all that we do to support and add value to the wider AXA XL business operations. With a broad knowledge of the finance universe, our key stakeholders and the business context within which we work, you can be assured and excited by a truly bespoke career path.
In order to reach your potential you will take part in extensive training programs, where you will develop your softer and technical skills by working with our expert tutors. Finally, we will provide you with study leave and the full support you need to complete your professional accounting qualification, whether that is ACCA or CIMA using our recognised apprenticeship provider. The initial study will be a Level 4 Apprenticeship over 18 to 20 months to gain a Diploma or Certificate in Business Accounting. Further study beyond this will also be encouraged.
DISCOVER your opportunity
What will your essential responsibilities include?
You will play an important role alongside your training, supporting various teams ultimately managed by the Chief Financial Officer for the UK & Lloyd’s business unit.
Your responsibilities will vary across teams, but wherever you go, your managers will work with you directly to establish clear objectives and maximise your development opportunities.

Some examples of your potential responsibilities are highlighted below:

• Reviewing the financial performance of the company against the plan or prior year results, and providing commentaries to “tell the story” and provide information to aide decision making;
• Assist in the production of the future business plans and forecasts of the entities in the UK & Lloyd’s business unit, such as the various Lloyd’s Syndicates, Managing Agents, and any non-Lloyd’s company platforms.
• Maintenance of accounting ledgers including posting journals, reconciling accounts, reviewing work prepared offshore, and providing evidence and support to assist the internal and external auditors of AXA XL.
• Taking part in various Change Management projects and assisting with the implementation of new systems and process improvements;

SHARE YOUR TALENT

To be successful in Finance, we’re looking for these abilities and skills:

• Excellent numeracy, with an enjoyment of manipulating data.
• As a member of the finance team it is vital to be able to communicate effectively. This applies to interactions within finance and with other functions such as underwriting, risk management, actuarial and with external auditors.
• Organisation skills including effective scheduling, prioritisation and time management skills, completing tasks to tight deadlines.
• Quality driven with attention to detail.
• A natural ability to be curious, asking questions to solve problems and think in a logical way.
• An ability to build effective working relationships (internally/externally), establishing credibility amongst a wide and demanding group of AXA XL colleagues around the globe.
• Be prepared to continue learning and dedicate 20% of working hours to complete all that is required as part of the formal qualification you choose.
• Academic requirements: Must have or expect to achieve a minimum of BBC grades in your top 3 A-levels (excluding General Studies) or equivalent; minimum grade 6 in GCSE (or equivalent) English and Mathematics.

• Reviewing the financial performance of the company against the plan or prior year results, and providing commentaries to “tell the story” and provide information to aide decision making;
• Assist in the production of the future business plans and forecasts of the entities in the UK & Lloyd’s business unit, such as the various Lloyd’s Syndicates, Managing Agents, and any non-Lloyd’s company platforms.
• Maintenance of accounting ledgers including posting journals, reconciling accounts, reviewing work prepared offshore, and providing evidence and support to assist the internal and external auditors of AXA XL.
• Taking part in various Change Management projects and assisting with the implementation of new systems and process improvements