Manager, Strategic Business Finance and Planning APAC Europe

Dublin, Cologne or ParisThis role is part of the APAC EUROPE Strategic Business Finance team and will be responsible for managing and coordinating expense planning, analysis, and reporting for the APAC-Europe Business Unit, including XL ICSE legal entity. Your scope will extend beyond traditional financial analysis to include productivity assessments and reporting of transformation and cost savings initiatives. You will serve as a trusted advisor to regional leadership by providing insights, facilitating strategic decision-making, and ensuring alignment with broader corporate objectives. You will work closely with the Country Finance Heads, the Head of Business Finance to ensure that the region meets its expense, productivity, and transformation targets. Additionally, you will work in close partnership with the COO office to support strategic initiatives and ensure cohesive execution across functions.These deliverables represent the contribution of the APAC Europe BU to the AXA XL Division Plan, Budget and Forecast as well as the XL ICSE reporting to the regulator (i.e. CBI), in collaboration with the Closing Team.What You’ll Be DoingWhat will your essential responsibilities include?Establishing and nurturing a strong and trusted link with the local Finance teams in the APAC & Europe BU, understanding their local environment, respective strategic, operational and financial challenges and productivity drivers to:Monitor and analyse the expenses of the APAC Europe Business Unit.Manage the quarterly expense closing and accrual process, collaborating closely with local Financial Controllers.Manage and coordinate all budgeting and forecasting exercises, partnering with local finance and the APAC EU Leadership team.Consolidate and prepare quarterly analysis and commentary at the BU level for the CFO, Leadership Team, and Central Finance on performance against budget and forecasts.Conduct productivity analysis to identify efficiency gains and areas for operational improvement.Be an effective and trusted business partner to the APAC EU Leadership Team by providing quarterly view of their expenses, aiding in their understanding of expenses and supporting decision-making. Become primary point of contact and act as coordinator for the analysis of indirect expense allocation for and within the region, collaborating closely with the Allocation Team, Local Finance, and Finance Business Partners of other workstreams.Assist in monitoring and tracking the financial impacts of various projects, including Harmonisation and Growth Initiatives, in partnership with key stakeholders to enhance efficiency and streamline processes.Lead transformation and savings reporting, tracking progress against targets and identifying opportunities for cost optimization.Act as the central point of contact for all expense-related matters both within the BU and externally regarding APAC Europe.Collaborate with procurement, accounts payable, and local finance to update and maintain the COUPA/SAP approval matrix for the region, to ensure that all third-party invoices are processed promptly.Maintain and enhance the Cost Centre structure for the region, working with the central finance, expense planning team and functional leaders in the region.What You’ll BringWe’re looking for someone who has these abilities and skills:Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Accounting or Finance or equivalentStrong analytical and problem-solving skillsOrganized, methodical, able to deal effectively with multiple priorities Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environmentRobust project management skills with a demonstrated capability to handle competing priorities during compressed reporting timelinesAbility to navigate a complex global organization, understand constituencies served, and develop/leverage relationships necessary to bring matters to resolutionComfortable working directly with senior leaders in the region and to challenge their inputsStrong experience with planning/reporting systems (e.g. Anaplan) as well as advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel and PowerpointFluent in EnglishWho We AreAXA 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.comWhat We OfferInclusionAXA 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 enables business growth and is critical to our success. That’s why we have made a strategic commitment to attract, develop, advance and retain the most inclusive workforce possible, and create a culture where everyone can bring their full selves to work and 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 CharterLearn more at axaxl.com/about-us/inclusion-and-diversity. AXA XL is an Equal Opportunity Employer.Total RewardsAXA XL’s Reward program is designed to take care of what matters most to you, covering the full picture of your health, wellbeing, lifestyle and financial security. It provides competitive compensation and personalized, inclusive benefits that evolve as you do.We’re committed to rewarding your contribution for the long term, so you can be your best self today and look forward to the future with confidence.SustainabilityAt 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 PillarsValuing 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