Assistant Manager - Retail Financial Control and Reporting

Opportunity Review: Assistant Manager - Retail Financial Control and Reporting (12-Month FTC/Secondment)

This 12-month fixed-term contract or secondment opportunity for an Assistant Manager in Retail Financial Control and Reporting presents a compelling chance for a finance professional to gain valuable experience within a leading financial institution. Based in either Halifax or Leeds, this role offers a competitive salary range of £43,803 - £48,670 and embraces a hybrid working model, demonstrating a commitment to flexibility for its employees.

Advantages for Candidates:

• Career Development in a Large, Established Organisation: Joining Lloyds Banking Group provides exposure to the complexities of financial control and reporting within a significant entity. This role is situated within Group Finance Support (GFS), a large team of approximately 350 colleagues, offering a breadth of learning opportunities. You'll be involved with the financial oversight of key Retail products, including Savings, Current Accounts, and Private Banking.
• Focus on Continuous Improvement and Innovation: The description highlights a strong emphasis on a "growth mindset" and proactively identifying improvements to processes, systems, and procedures. Candidates with a passion for efficiency and a desire to explore automation and AI tools will find this role particularly rewarding. You'll be encouraged to challenge current practices and contribute to enhancing the control environment.
• Exposure to Diverse Stakeholders: This role requires close collaboration with a wide array of internal teams, including Retail Finance and other GFS teams, as well as external auditors and third parties. This cross-functional interaction is invaluable for developing strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Commitment to Flexible Working: Lloyds Banking Group actively supports flexible working, including options for flexibility in hours, hybrid working, job sharing, and reduced hours. This allows candidates to better balance their professional and personal lives.
• Inclusive Culture and Comprehensive Benefits: The organization champions diversity and inclusion, fostering an environment where all employees feel they belong. Beyond the core role, candidates can expect a generous benefits package, including a significant pension contribution, annual performance-related bonuses, share schemes, and a range of wellbeing initiatives.
• Impactful Work: The opportunity to "do amazing work, that is interesting and makes a difference to millions of people" is a significant draw. Contributing to the financial health of a major banking group allows for tangible impact.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Fixed-Term/Secondment Nature: This is a 12-month position. Candidates should be seeking a role with this duration, whether as a fixed-term contract or a secondment opportunity from their current employer.
• Hybrid Working Requirement: The role mandates spending at least two days per week, or 40% of your time, in either the Halifax or Leeds office. Candidates should be comfortable with this hybrid arrangement.
• Strong Excel and Financial Systems Proficiency: A prerequisite for success is strong Excel skills and experience with financial systems. A "curious mindset" is essential for driving process improvements.
• Accounting Foundation: While a formal accountancy qualification is advantageous, the role is also open to those who are part-qualified or qualified by experience. Demonstrating a passion for financial control is key.
• Risk and Control Understanding: Knowledge of risk and control frameworks, specifically LBG RSCA and SOX, is considered advantageous. Candidates with this background will be well-positioned.
• Proactive and Self-Starting Attitude: The emphasis on positive challenge and continuous improvement means that candidates who are proactive, take initiative, and are comfortable with taking responsibility (such as running debrief meetings) will thrive.

In summary, this Assistant Manager role is an excellent platform for finance professionals looking to deepen their expertise in financial control and reporting within the retail banking sector. The emphasis on continuous improvement, stakeholder engagement, and flexible working, combined with the backing of a reputable financial institution, makes this a highly attractive opportunity for ambitious individuals seeking to make a tangible impact.