Finance & Risk Director (The Idol)

The Idol is a successful financial technology business based on the edge of the stunning Lake District National Park in Cumbria. Our location offers the opportunity for an exceptional work-life balance, allowing you to enjoy the countryside, find inspiration and unwind.  We’ve been innovating in financial services since 1999 and are dedicated to transforming insurance technology to protect what matters.

As part of the Legal & General Group (since 2010), we proudly partner with household brands such as Go.Compare and ComparetheMarket. We are committed to early adoption of new technologies, progressive working practices and supporting everyone to be accountable to deliver their best quality work. You can find out more on the Idol website.

The role is a hybrid role that requires time in the Penrith office several times per month. 

We are looking for an experienced and commercially minded Finance and Risk Director to join The Idol’s Board and Senior Leadership Team. This is a broad and influential role with accountability for financial performance and stewardship, risk and compliance, contract management and corporate governance.

Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer and fellow directors, you will help shape and deliver the company’s strategy, balancing commercial growth and innovation with strong financial discipline, effective governance and positive outcomes for customers. You will lead the Finance, Risk and Compliance functions, alongside oversight of contract management, and create an environment in which colleagues can perform at their best. 

What you'll be doing:

• Shaping business strategy as a member of the Board and Senior Leadership Team, bringing financial insight, constructive challenge and risk-based thinking to support sustainable growth
• Leading financial planning, forecasting, budgeting and performance management, providing clear insight to support effective decision-making and long-term value creation
• Overseeing financial management, statutory reporting, treasury, tax, accounting operations and financial controls, ensuring regulatory and Group requirements are met
• Partnering with senior leaders to evaluate commercial opportunities, strategic investments, product initiatives and external partnerships
• Developing the risk and compliance framework, including the management of strategic, operational, conduct, regulatory, financial crime and data protection risks
• Embedding Consumer Duty, fair customer outcomes and the needs of vulnerable customers within governance, oversight and business decision-making
• Maintaining effective corporate and contractual governance, leading regulatory engagement and building trusted relationships with the Board, regulators, auditors, partners and shareholders
• Leading, developing and empowering colleagues across Finance, Risk and Compliance, and Contracts, strengthening capability, succession and a culture of accountability and collaboration

Who we're looking for:

• A qualified accountant, holding ACA, ACCA, CIMA or an equivalent professional qualification
• Significant experience leading a Finance function at senior leadership or Board level within a regulated environment
• Strong knowledge of financial management, corporate governance, risk management and regulatory compliance
• A sound understanding of FCA regulation, Consumer Duty, conduct risk and Board-level decision-making
• Experience influencing strategy and executive decisions through clear financial insight, commercial judgement and constructive challenge
• A track record of supporting growth, transformation and organisational change while maintaining robust governance and controls
• The ability to build trusted relationships and communicate complex financial, risk and regulatory matters clearly to Boards, regulators and a wide range of stakeholders
• An inclusive and empowering leadership style, with experience building capable, collaborative and high-performing teams

At L&G, we believe it's possible to generate positive returns today while helping to build a better future for all. 

If you join us, you’ll be part of a welcoming, inclusive culture, with opportunities to collaborate with people of diverse backgrounds, views, and experiences. Guided by leaders with integrity who care about your future and wellbeing. Empowered through initiatives which support people to develop their careers and excel.

We care passionately about outcomes rather than attendance and are therefore open to discussing all kinds of flexible working options including part-time and job shares. Although some roles have limited flexibility due to customer demand, we accommodate requests when we can. 

It doesn’t matter if you don’t meet every single criterion in this advert. Instead, think about what you excel at and what else you can bring in terms of strengths, potential and connection to our purpose.