Head of Cost Accounting and Payables

Head of Cost Accounting & Payables

Investec are seeking an experienced leader to join our team as the Head of Cost Accounting & Payables. As the Head of Cost Accounting & Payables, you will lead a diverse team of 17 professionals across London, Mumbai, and South Africa. The Cost Accounting team is collectively responsible for the budgeting, reporting and accounting activities for Technology, Operations, Risk, Finance, HR, Marketing and all other business enablement functions. The Accounts Payable team based in South Africa fulfills our obligations to vendors/suppliers through timely onboarding, invoice processing and arranging settlements, in compliance with internal policies. In addition, the team also facilitates the reimbursement of staff expenses and manages the corporate credit card scheme. The Head of Cost Accounting & Payables will lead the Cost Accounting team and oversee the delivery of the accounts payable activities offshored to Investec Ltd in South Africa.

What you will be doing

• Team Leadership: Develop and inspire a high-performing team, fostering a culture of enthusiasm, commitment, and collaboration.
• Strategic Alignment: Ensure all team members understand the UK growth strategy and their role in contributing to its success.
• Financial Integrity: Maintain the accuracy and integrity of cost accounting in accordance with relevant accounting standards and tax laws.
• Cost Allocation Oversight: Manage the cost allocation methodology and associated processes to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
• Reporting & Analysis: Deliver regular financial reporting, strategic reviews, and create compelling financial narratives on costs.
• Executive Influence: Provide strategic-level finance support to Executive Committee members, influencing decisions across all business enablement areas.
• Operational Partnership: Act as a financial partner to identify opportunities for cost optimisation and drive operational efficiencies.
• Process Transformation: Collaborate with Technology to transform existing processes, leveraging modern technologies such as Power platforms and AI.
• Market Insight: Stay informed on market dynamics and industry trends affecting business support areas.

What We're Looking For

• Experience: Demonstrable knowledge of cost drivers and banking products and processes.
• Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint, with knowledge of data visualisation best practices.
• Analytical Acumen: Exceptional analytical skills with a strong operational finance understanding.
• Leadership Qualities: Proven leadership and coaching abilities, with a focus on team development and stakeholder management.
• Business Insight: Strong business and commercial acumen, with great attention to detail and effective business partnering skills.

Senior Level & Employment Type

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Finance

Benefits

• Wellbeing Subsidy
• Corporate Gym Membership
• Virtual GP
• Peppy Health App (Fertility, Menopause and Early Parenthood)
• Optional Private Medical & Dental Insurance
• Monetary Non-contributory Pension & Discretionary Bonus
• Life & Income Protection
• Life Assurance
• Critical Illness & Income Protection
• Travel Season Ticket
• Loan & Electric Vehicle Scheme

Work Arrangement

As part of our collaborative & agile culture, our working week is 4 days in the office and one day remote.

Company Culture

Embedded in our culture is a sense of belonging and inclusion. This creates an environment in which everyone is free to be themselves which helps to drive innovation, creativity and ultimately business performance. At Investec we want everyone to find it easy to be themselves, and to feel they belong. It's a responsibility we all share and is integral to our purpose and values as an organisation.