About the Role
Our client is seeking an experienced Assistant Vice President (AVP), Finance Operations to lead key finance operations activities, including financial reporting, balance sheet governance, finance transformation initiatives, system enhancements, and operational controls. This role will work closely with Finance, Technology, Distribution, Product Development, and Operations teams to drive process excellence, operational efficiency, and strong financial governance within a dynamic insurance environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the monthly financial close process in accordance with Group financial reporting and local regulatory reporting timelines, with primary coverage across distribution, health, and fixed asset-related activities.
- Oversee balance sheet substantiation and reconciliation processes for insurance-related accounts, including ageing analysis, exception management, and timely resolution of reconciling items.
- Serve as the primary Finance Operations point of contact for Business Analysts, IT, and Technology stakeholders on system interfaces, exception management, Day 2 change requests, new product implementation, and process/control enhancements.
- Support management in defining project scope, developing implementation plans, and achieving key milestones for finance and technology initiatives.
- Drive operational readiness and automation opportunities in partnership with Technology and Operations teams.
- Develop detailed execution and migration plans, ensuring successful delivery through structured project governance and reporting.
- Act as the Finance Subject Matter Expert (SME) for product development initiatives and system enhancement projects.
- Collaborate with Distribution Support Services (DSS) and Distribution Performance Management (DPM) teams to ensure accurate and timely booking of transactions to the appropriate production period and insurance fund.
- Manage End User Computing (EUC) controls and governance within Finance Operations.
- Oversee balance sheet substantiation and reconciliation activities for commission and distribution-related accounts.
- Support the maintenance, enhancement, and continuous improvement of finance operational controls.
- Identify and implement process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, scalability, and control effectiveness.
Requirements
Experience
- 4-5 years of experience in Finance Operations, preferably within the life insurance industry.
- Proven experience in finance transformation initiatives, project management, and the implementation of technology-enabled finance processes or control enhancement projects.
- Experience in life insurance commission accounting and distribution cost booking will be a strong advantage.
- Strong understanding of financial reporting, balance sheet reconciliations, financial controls, and operational governance.
- Familiarity with general ledger (GL) systems, policy administration systems, and finance operations processes.
- Exposure to process automation and digital tools such as Alteryx, PowerBuilder, AI solutions, or similar technologies will be an advantage.
- Strong stakeholder management, communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.
- Fully qualified professional accounting certification (e.g., ACCA, CPA, CA, CIMA, or equivalent) is preferred.
Preferred Attributes
- Strong leadership and project coordination capabilities.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results within tight timelines.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
- Proactive mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- Ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
