Who are we?

Howden is a collective – a group of talented and passionate people all around the world. Together, we have pushed the boundaries of insurance. We are united by a shared passion and no-limits mind-set, and our strength lies in our ability to collaborate as a powerful international team comprised of 15,000 employees spanning over 100 countries.

Our people are our biggest asset as well as our largest shareholder group and are everything that makes us unique; our inclusive culture, the quality service we offer our clients, and our continued growth, all come from our people-first approach. There’s no such thing as individual success. We all need to play our part, contributing our skills and experience to make a true difference. That’s Howden.

Why work at Howden?

We have always been employee-owned and driven by entrepreneurial spirit. Right from the beginning, we've focused on employing talented individuals and empowering them to make a real difference to the company, whilst building successful and fulfilling careers at the same time. Simply put, we hire talented specialists and give them what they need to make a difference for clients. Always have, always will.

People join Howden for many different reasons, but they stay for the same one: our culture. It’s what sets us apart, and the reason our employees have been turning down disappointed head-hunters for years. Whatever your priorities – work/life balance, career progression, sustainability, volunteering – you’ll find like-minded people driving change at Howden.

From day one, our mission has been to create an independent business with a unique culture - one that is controlled by the people who work for it. Finding the most talented and entrepreneurial people has always been key to our success.

People come to Howden for lots of different reasons, but they stay for the same one: our culture. That's what sets us apart, and why we nurture and retain the best talent in the market. Whatever your priorities - work/life balance, career progression, sustainability, volunteering - you'll find like-minded people driving change at Howden.

The Role
The Management Accountant will deliver accounting services for both Business Unit and Operating Entity reporting purposes, and analysis to assist with business planning processes.

This individual is responsible for ensuring that their activities align with Group policy in order to achieve targets, meet monthly, quarterly and annual reporting deadlines, ensure the development of the business and deliver a comprehensive service.

(This role is currently in Bedford, however the office will be moving to Milton Keynes at the end of this year. 3 days a week in the office)

Key Responsibilities

• Production of monthly management accounting and reporting information to a strict timetable for business units within the Group.

• Production of general ledgers journals, including international payrolls.

• Monthly revenue reporting, to include posting and reconciliation of technical ledgers.

• Preparation of month end journals, including intercompany and recurring charges.

• Ownership and preparation of balance sheet account reconciliations, including investigation and resolution of identified issues/concerns.

• Assist with the production of information and data for VAT and tax returns, including those for any overseas companies and branches.

• Continual development of reporting solutions.

• Ad-hoc management reporting and financial analysis.

• Keep updated with all regulatory and legal changes.

• Ensure that records are maintained at all times on the Company systems.

• Respond appropriately and accurately to urgent issues as they arise.

• Create new processes and procedures documents relevant to job role to ensure documents are current and accurate.

Skills & Attributes

• Flexible and able to quickly adapt to change.

• Motivated and resilient.

• Accuracy and attention to detail.

• Good organisational skills and communication skills (written and verbal).

• Able to work in a high pressure environment.

• MS Office Literate (advanced Excel – nested vlookups, data manipulation, pivot tables etc).

• Previous experience of operating as an Accountant is critical, and within a Financial Services environment desirable.

• An understanding of payroll and previous experience/exposure to payroll reports and postings desirable not but essential.

• Technical knowledge of financial reporting under UK accounting standards.