Financial Accountant - Controls

Job Introduction

When you join Saga we welcome you with open arms and we fuel your career possibilities. We support. We encourage. We champion you to reach your full potential.

This role is an important part of the Finance team who strive to facilitate, support, measure and review the financial performance of the business.

We have an exciting opportunity within Group Finance for the newly created role of Financial Accountant – Controls within our Financial Reporting & Control function. Reporting to the Head of Finance, you'll be responsible for improving, monitoring and operating the Financial Control and Governance aspects of the Saga Group of companies. You'll work across our different divisions, including our Insurance, Broking and Travel businesses. You'll bring the ability to improve and standardise financial controls.

In this role, you'll review the effectiveness of existing controls processes, recommending and implementing changes, and working alongside finance colleagues to ensure consistency of approach.

The role will suit a qualified or strong part-qualified accountant, whom has a keen interest to expand their experience within Financial Reporting & Controls.

And in return, you can look forward to all of the responsibility and involvement of an integral role, providing you with a rewarding and fast paced career with an excellent benefits package including life assurance, pension, high street and online discounts, and concessions for holidays and travel.

Role Responsibility

• Support the Head of Financial Reporting & Controls to implement a number of key control enhancements across the business – to include, minimum controls standards, Schedules of Delegated Authority (SoDA) and Segregation of Duties matrices
• Review and develop second-line of defence financial controls and ensure operational effectiveness of those controls in-line with the annual financial control framework
• Operate some key controls for the business, to ensure adequate and effective segregation of duties. Continually improving processes along the way
• Review outbound payments processes, recommending and implementing changes as required to ensure robust financial control
• Support with maintenance of the Risk Register, including obtaining inputs from finance stakeholders across a breadth of the organisation. Become the key finance contact for both Risk and Internal Audit functions
• Mentor and support the junior members of the team, providing detailed help and guidance, as required. Lead by example at all times, championing the “Saga Truths”
• Build excellent working relationships with finance staff across the group
• Support a “One Saga” team environment
• Ad-hoc projects and other data analysis as required

The Ideal Candidate

Capability, Knowledge and Experience:

• Excellent analytical skills and the ability to quickly digest detailed and complex information
• Able to quickly spot control risks within complex systems and companies, and design and implement processes to prevent or mitigate them
• Knowledge and competence in financial and management accounts reporting
• Able to manage and prioritise own workload without continuous oversight.

Education and Qualifications:

• ACCA, ACA or CIMA qualified or strong part-qualified with demonstrable experience within a medium or large organisation

Personal Characteristics:

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and through presentation of written data
• Motivated and passionate about delivering a quality product
• Flexible approach to work - a good team player who is also able to work independently

Package Description

The standard benefits when you join Saga include:

• Option to purchase a further 5 days annual leave per year
• Free private medical insurance after 1 years service
• Pension
• AXA Be Supported
• Apples Nursery (Folkestone only and on a waiting list basis)
• Free fruit
• Give as you earn
• Free eyetests
• Honeymoon benefit
• Sharebuy
• Salary finance
• Discounts on Saga holidays and insurance products
• A range of reductions and offers from leading retailers, travel groups and entertainment companies
• Long service awards

About the Company

When you join Saga you will see that we are committed to treating all employees fairly and to offering equal opportunities in all aspects of employment and advancement.

We value diversity not just because it is the right thing to do, but because diverse teams perform better. Creating a culture in which everyone feels welcome and offering equal opportunities in all aspects of employment and advancement is incredibly important to us. Fair consideration is given to applications from all applicants, including those with disabilities. If you need support at any point with your application please let us know as we will be happy to help.

Learn more about the Saga business by watching our Saga plc results for the financial year 2018/2019

To all recruitment agencies: Saga does not accept agency CVs unless specifically engaged on the role by the HR Recruitment Team. Please do not forward CVs to our recruiters, employees or any other company location. Saga is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited CVs.

Saga Group