External Audit Relationship and Planning Partner

About Us:

At Direct Line Group, insurance is just the start. Combining decades of industry experience with talented people in every field from data, technology, customer care and auto repair, to HR, finance and procurement , we’re a customer-obsessed market powerhouse. And we all work together to be brilliant for customers, every single day.

The Role

Reporting to our Head of Finance Operations, you'll be responsible for the end-to-end management of the external auditor; managing and driving deliverables to resolution.

You'll lead a coordinated effort across DLG to enhance processes and outcomes, ensuring seamless interaction between our business units and the audit team and driving the delivery of relevant Audit Committee, Board, and other technical accounting papers.

You'll have ownership of the master reporting timetable, coordinating planning activity, raising, and resolving issues and ensuring that internal and external stakeholder/deliverables are aligned.

What else you'll be doing

• Chairing interface meetings between the business and the audit team, ensuring timely resolution of issues and escalation of unresolved matters.
• Responsible for effective execution of Auditor engagement strategy.
• Working directly with our CFO and leadership network to lead the required delivery of the finance Audit Committee papers; ensuring the scope and requirements of the papers are understood.
• Providing technical and advisory support to the Technical Accounting team during non-reporting cycles, particularly in drafting technical accounting papers for core policies and business initiatives.
• Collaborating on the development of the finance timetable for external financial reporting cycles (HY, FY, trading statements, Capital reporting) and ensuring effective milestone planning across finance and actuarial functions.

What we're looking for

We’re looking for a qualified accountant with experience in leading and managing External Audit relationships, ensuring collaboration and delivery of audit objectives.

You’ll need an in-depth understanding of finance processes, systems, and the financial control environment, with the ability to identify and address financial and control-related issues.

You’ll also have experience writing Technical Board Papers, demonstrating strong communication and presentation skills and be able to influence at Board and Executive level.

Ways of Working

Our hybrid model way of working offers a 'best of both worlds' approach combining the best parts of home and office-working, offering flexibility for everyone. When you'll be in the office depends on your role, but most colleagues are in 2 days a week, and we'll consider the flexible working options that work best for you.

Read our flexible working approach here

Benefits

We recognise we wouldn't be where we are today without our colleagues, that's why we offer excellent benefits designed to suit your lifestyle:

• 9% employer contribution pension
• Eligibility for annual performance bonus of up to 20%
• 30 days of annual leave (excluding bank holidays)
• 50% off home, motor and pet insurance
• Free travel insurance and Green Flag breakdown cover
• Electric Vehicle car scheme which allows all colleagues to lease a brand new electric or plug-in hybrid car in a tax efficient way
• Free private medical cover for you!
• Buy-as-you-earn share scheme
• Employee discounts and cashback

Being yourself

Direct Line Group is an equal opportunity employer, and we think diversity of background and thinking is a big strength in our people. We're delighted to feature as one of the UK's Top 50 Inclusive Employers and are committed to making our business an inclusive place to work, where everyone can be themselves and succeed in their careers.

We know you're more than a CV, and the things that make you, you, are what bring potential to our business. We recognise and embrace people that work in different ways so if you need any adjustments to our recruitment process, please speak to the recruitment team who will be happy to support you.

#LI-Hybrid #LI-AC1