Utmost is hiring a Cost Controller primarily based in either our Dublin or Navan office location for a 14-month contract. You will be responsible for cost control and cost reporting for Utmost Pan Europe Dac and Utmost Services Ireland Limited with overview responsibility for the accounts payable function. You will be responsible for all expense reporting and strategic plans to meet the requirements of the Boards, Executive teams, the Utmost Group and other key stakeholders in conjunction with the Head of Finance Corporate Reporting, Planning & Business Partnering, and support the HOF on all other requirements to meet the needs of the wider Finance team, the business areas and other key stakeholders, suppliers, regulators, Boards, committees, etc.
Key Responsibilities
Expense Management and Reporting
* Responsible for the delivery of comprehensive monthly management information (MI) and expense reports in order to meet the requirements of the board, management team, Executive Committee the Utmost Group and regulatory bodies in conjunction with the wider Finance and Actuarial teams.
* Ensure all monthly expense reports are prepared in accordance with the service level agreements and internal reporting timetable.
* Work closely with the Financial Planning & Analysis Manager, Financial Controller’s, and Corporate reporting manager to ensure all expense MI is updated accurately to reflect any reforecast and strategic initiatives.
* Engage with Tax team on a regular basis to ensure VAT and tax reporting is up to date and in line with current legislation.
* Work closely with the Change/Project team to assist with project cost reporting requirements.
* Review and manage all costs for the Irish Group with a view to identifying synergies across the business and as a result the control and reduction of general expenses across the group.
* Engage with Finance colleagues in the Isle of Man, Guernsey, UK, and Group in relation to all expense recharges across the group.
Detailed Expense Budgeting Process
* Responsible for the planning and delivery of the annual expense budget and the quarterly forecast reporting in conjunction with the Head of Finance, Corporate Reporting, FP&A.
* Ensures complete and accurate loading of plan and forecasting information into SAP.
* Engage with Finance colleagues in the Isle of Man, Guernsey, UK, and Group in relation to all expense recharge budgets across the group.
* Act as business partner and work closely with senior managers to improve financial awareness, budgeting, and cost controlling, identifying areas of concern and recommending remedial action where necessary.
Overview of the Accounts Payable (AP) Team
* Overview of the accounts payable function and general support to the Accounts Payable lead.
* Take ownership of the timeline for monthly accounts payable close, i.e., produce timeline with all inputs into accounts payable – bank reconciliations, VAT close, purchase orders, accruals.
* Work with the AP function to ensure all information is available and posted to the General ledger in a timely manner to facilitate prompt expense reporting.
Finance System and Process Improvements, Control Environment
* Proactive involvement in the implementation of new systems and finance improvement initiatives, and assist in other ad-hoc projects as required.
* Work in conjunction with Risk to ensure that all necessary controls are documented and continue to be effective each quarter.
Relationship Management
* Develop, foster, and maintain strong working relationships with all key stakeholders across Finance, the Business, support functions, Internal and external audit, key suppliers, and all other inputters/users of the expense business plan.
* Support the various business teams when new business opportunities are identified and ensure financial impacts are built into planning & forecasting cycles.
Key Requirements
* Qualifications - Qualified accountant with relevant cost control/reporting experience.
* Strong Controls Focus - Proven track record in implementing a control-focused environment to minimise the risk of misstatement in Financial Statements.
* Initiative - Ability to work on own initiative and take ownership for all assignments and bring to conclusion.
* Quality Standards - Must possess an ability to understand and concisely document financial processes, ensuring quality in every aspect of reporting.
* Relationship Building - Develop working relationships with Executive committee (‘ExCo’) members.
* Team Work - Must contribute as a member of a small team where there is considerable overlap of responsibilities and be able to assist colleagues when required.
* Communication - Strong communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written.
* Systems - Ideally, experience working with financial systems, including SAP (highly desirable).
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