AdresseFinance 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;
Three critical areas of focus:
1. Management analytics – Help to look at the business through an analytical lens.
2. Financial control, quarterly close activity and reporting.
3. Variance analysis and communication.
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.
FIND your future
AXA XL, the P&C and specialty risk division of AXA, is known for solving complex risks. For mid-sized companies, multinationals and even some inspirational individuals we don’t just provide re/insurance, we reinvent it.
How? By combining a comprehensive and efficient capital platform, data-driven insights, leading technology, and the best talent in an agile and inclusive workspace, empowered to deliver top client service across all our lines of business − property, casualty, professional, financial lines and specialty.
With an innovative and flexible approach to risk solutions, we partner with those who move the world forward.
Learn more at axaxl.com
Inclusion & Diversity
AXA XL is committed to equal employment opportunity and will consider applicants regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity and origins, marital status, religion, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
At AXA XL, we know that an inclusive culture and a diverse workforce enable business growth and are critical to our success. That’s why we have made a strategic commitment to attract, develop, advance and retain the most diverse workforce possible, and create an inclusive culture where everyone can bring their full selves to work and can reach their highest potential. It’s about helping one another — and our business — to move forward and succeed.
- Five Business Resource Groups focused on gender, LGBTQ+, ethnicity and origins, disability and inclusion with 20 Chapters around the globe
- Robust support for Flexible Working Arrangements
- Enhanced family friendly leave benefits
- Named to the Diversity Best Practices Index
- Signatory to the UK Women in Finance Charter
Learn more at axaxl.com/about-us/inclusion-and-diversity. AXA XL is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Sustainability
At AXA XL, Sustainability is integral to our business strategy. In an ever-changing world, AXA XL protects what matters most for our clients and communities. We know that sustainability is at the root of a more resilient future. Our 2023-26 Sustainability strategy, called “Roots of resilience”, focuses on protecting natural ecosystems, addressing climate change, and embedding sustainable practices across our operations.
Our Pillars:
- Valuing nature: How we impact nature affects how nature impacts us. Resilient ecosystems - the foundation of a sustainable planet and society – are essential to our future. We’re committed to protecting and restoring nature – from mangrove forests to the bees in our backyard – by increasing biodiversity awareness and inspiring clients and colleagues to put nature at the heart of their plans.
- Addressing climate change: The effects of a changing climate are far reaching and significant. Unpredictable weather, increasing temperatures, and rising sea levels cause both social inequalities and environmental disruption. We're building a net zero strategy, developing insurance products and services, and mobilizing to advance thought leadership and investment in societal-led solutions.
- Integrating ESG: All companies have a role to play in building a more resilient future. Incorporating ESG considerations into our internal processes and practices builds resilience from the roots of our business. We’re training our colleagues, engaging our external partners, and evolving our sustainability governance and reporting.
- AXA Hearts in Action: We have established volunteering and charitable giving programs to help colleagues support causes that matter most to them, known as AXA XL’s “Hearts in Action” programs. These include our Matching Gifts program, Volunteering Leave, and our annual volunteering day – the Global Day of Giving.
For more information, please see axaxl.com/sustainability.
