Head of Cost Analysis- LGRI

Securing pensions over the long term can be a challenge for many businesses. Our ambition at Legal & General Retirement Institutional (LGRI) is to help companies and pension scheme trustees honour their defined benefit pension promises to their employees. We’re helping companies settle their pension liabilities so they can focus on growing their businesses, as well as helping to support their members’ financial security in retirement. And we’re investing for the long term to back our pension promises. In the last 30 years we’ve written more UK business than any other insurer, and we currently look after more than half a million pension policyholders. We're the UK’s longest-serving active bulk annuity provider, and a market-leading, multi-award-winning business.   

Recruiter: Craig Cooper Internal Closing Date: 28/5/24

Your role at a glance

We are recruiting for a Head of Cost Analysis within our Legal and General Retirement Institutional (LGRI) division who will provide strategic leadership to the LGRI expense management function and take ownership of the delivery of a robust and proactive management accounting service to relevant areas of the business. Support the Head of Finance Business Partnering in achieving LGRI’s Financial objectives, aligned with the role and responsibilities.

What you’ll be doing

• You will be liaising with key stakeholders, finance, the business and group, to understand the Management Information requirements and ensure that the team deliver this information in the most efficient and effective manner.
• You will oversee the production of regular MI reports and comprehensive financial analysis for relevant business areas, evaluating key metrics supporting senior management, which will assist the business in achieving its performance targets.
• You will lead the reporting and financial analysis of the expense performance on a monthly, quarterly, and yearly basis.
• You will take ownership of communicating to senior management what challenges are in place regarding expense matters and ensure that appropriate controls are in place to eliminate excessive, wasteful or inappropriate spending by the business. Support the business areas in arriving at accurate and fair allocation of all relevant cost centres.
• Oversee the BU cost allocation process and support the business areas in arriving at accurate and fair allocation of all relevant cost centres.
• Manage production of unit cost analysis for IFRS17 and SII reserve calculations and support production of the annual long term expense assumption paper
• You will train and develop the wider expense management team and provide mentoring and leadership to the wider financial control team.  Also support their accountancy training and career development to help them progress in their role at a steady pace.
• You will work independently and take the initiative to develop relationships and work with managers and directors to help them understand financial perspectives, enabling the business to adopt a proactive and innovative role in financial and commercial matters, establishing a firm base for the successful future development and growth.

Budgeting, Forecasting and Planning.

•            Oversee the process and liaise with business partnering / group to ensure deadlines are met

•            Ensure that the team take ownership of the relevant BU expense forecast, play a leading role in the annual expense plan and provide input to the medium- and long-term financial strategy.

•            Develop financial based scenario / forecast planning models that enable understanding of the impact on all financial metrics. Challenge the Senior Management to meet the expectations set.

• You will manage the overall Business Units forecast, ensuring the Business Units plans and intentions are fully understood and presented. 
• You will support the senior management team by undertaking ad-hoc analysis and projects, as required, to further develop the success of the divisions and own personal profile within the division.
• You will ensure that the appropriate Finance MI, processes and systems are in place to ensure the team meet their financial control objectives.

Who we are looking for

• Qualified Accountant. Significant post qualified experience in a similar role
• Good knowledge of the Financial Services industry and the performance metrics used within the industry.
• Understanding of LGR key financial and operational metrics.
• Understanding of and ability to interpret and apply L&G Group Policy and Procedures, as well as L&G’s risk management philosophy and ability to support business in delivery and monitoring of the risk control environment.
• Understanding of L&G approach to cost allocation and profit measurement (Value Added Management), planning and forecasting cycle, financial approval procedures/processes and monthly expenditure reporting and analysis processes, and alternative cross-charging methodologies and behavioural implications.
• Advanced knowledge in the use of spreadsheets, databases and analysis tools.
• Ability to design, develop and maintain complex financial models.
• Ability to develop and maintain strong relationship skills with individuals at all levels of an organisation.
• Ability to influence others and operate in a complex matrix structure.
• Ability to create and deliver clear and concise written or verbal reports.
• Using logical argument and data, challenge peers and Directors.
• Experience of managing FTE

Who we are looking for

• Qualified Accountant. Significant post qualified experience in a similar role
• Good knowledge of the Financial Services industry and the performance metrics used within the industry.
• Understanding of LGR key financial and operational metrics.
• Understanding of and ability to interpret and apply L&G Group Policy and Procedures, as well as L&G’s risk management philosophy and ability to support business in delivery and monitoring of the risk control environment.
• Understanding of L&G approach to cost allocation and profit measurement (Value Added Management), planning and forecasting cycle, financial approval procedures/processes and monthly expenditure reporting and analysis processes, and alternative cross-charging methodologies and behavioural implications.
• Advanced knowledge in the use of spreadsheets, databases and analysis tools.
• Ability to design, develop and maintain complex financial models.
• Ability to develop and maintain strong relationship skills with individuals at all levels of an organisation.
• Ability to influence others and operate in a complex matrix structure.
• Ability to create and deliver clear and concise written or verbal reports.
• Using logical argument and data, challenge peers and Directors.
• Experience of managing FTE

Whatever your role, we reward performance and behaviour with a package that looks after all the things that are important to you. Here are some of the benefits we offer: 

• The opportunity to participate in our annual, performance-related bonus plan and valuable share schemes  
• 12% Car allowance
• Generous pension contribution  
• Life assurance   
• Private medical insurance (permanent employees only) 
• At least 30 days holiday, plus public holidays, 31 days after 2 years’ service. There’s also the option to buy and sell holiday 
• Competitive family leave 
• Participate in our electric car scheme, which offers employees the option to hire a brand-new electric car through tax efficient salary sacrifice 
• There are the many discounts we offer – both for our own products and at a range of high street stores and online   
• In 2023, some of our workspaces were redesigned. Our offices are great spaces to connect and collaborate and have your wellbeing at the heart

Legal & General is a leading financial services organisation, named Britain’s Most Admired Company in 2023, for the second year running. Rated top in our sector and top for inspirational leadership, we have a strong heritage and an exciting future.  

We’re one of the world's largest asset managers, homebuilders, pension providers and insurers. Connecting to form a unique business model which drives value for our customers and society. And enabling our people to create impact through work that is meaningful and valued.  

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 strive to be open, mindful, and inclusive, so are always willing to discussing flexible working arrangements and reasonable accommodations for candidates with specific needs. 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. 

If you’re open to find out more, we'd love to hear from you.