Executive Financial Controlling Lead

AXA Global Business Services is a subsidiary of AXA Group, one of the leading insurance brands in the world. We embody the essence of a diverse, global team, uniting talents from around the world to create a seamless, supportive network for all AXA entities. Our story is one of collaboration and growth, deeply rooted in our mission and vision, guiding every step we take. 

Our Mission: Together with entities, we deliver advanced services and shape solutions that drive operational  excellence.
In the heart of AXA, our role is multi-layered. From insurance operations to corporate functions, we leverage data, technology, and diverse capabilities to enhance our partners' performance in a streamlined, efficient manner. 

Our Vision: Building on unique capabilities and expertise, our teams dare to open new doors for AXA. We are not just about today; we are shaping tomorrow. Our vision is to continuously develop new skills and solutions, opening doors to fresh opportunities. This means committing to the highest service and quality levels, embracing continuous improvement, and fostering courage and boldness within our team.

For over 25 years, our operations have spanned across five delivery centres in India and Morocco, serving more than 35 AXA entities. Our 3,800+ strong workforce is the heartbeat of our organisation, moving forward in a culture of trust, empowerment, and care. Driven by our values, we are a cohesive global team, quick to adapt to market dynamics, united by the desire to excel. Our Centres of Excellence (COEs) offer advanced services, shaping tailor-made solutions for our partners in the Tech, Security, Data, Insurance Ops and Corporate function Ops domain. 

The AXAllence strategic plan for 2024-26 charts our future course, focusing on operational efficiency, employee retention and skill enhancement, and delivering unparalleled value to our partners. These pillars, supported by our vision and mission, are the foundation of our commitment to AXA.
In essence, while our heritage lies in delivering value in BPO services, our innovative spirit thrives in the IT domain, all in support of the overarching AXA Group strategy. At AXA Global Business Services, we are not just preparing for the future; we are actively creating it.

POSITION PURPOSE :

The purpose of the Executive Financial Controlling Lead role is to provide strategic financial leadership and direction to support AXA GBS large-scale transformation objectives. The role involves managing a dispersed team across different locations and overseeing the financial controlling function.
The Executive Lead of AXA GBS Controlling is a trustful partner for the business, clients and top management, providing key insights into the activity and meaningful advice to help steer the business.

The direct reporting line for this position is structured as follows: 

• Insurance Operations Services Controlling
• Corporate Function Services Controlling
• Technology and Security Services & Data, AI and Analytics Services Controlling
• Enabling Functions Controlling
• Business Cases Controlling
• The size of the team in the incumbent’s remit is 25 staff split between India and Morocco

Overall, the purpose of the role is to drive financial performance, manage financial risks, and provide strategic financial leadership to support the successful execution of AXA GBS transformation objectives during a period of significant change and technological evolution.

ROLE AND RESPONSABILITIES 
As a member of the AXA GBS Finance Leadership team, the Executive Lead of Finance Controlling: 

• Brings fast business insights to key decision makers in the AXA GBS organization,
• Tracks, assesses and reports on the performance of the AXA GBS organization,
• Contributes to solid operations and accounting foundations,
• Enables day-to-day operations by monitoring budgets and costs through standard workflow processes,
• Is the financial business partner of multiple and various stakeholders. Creates a trustful relationship by providing timely, transparent, and adapted information,
• Builds AXA GBS strategic transversal business cases with the support of Business teams.

Given the context of the large-scale transformation, specific responsibilities include:

1. Strategic Financial Management: Providing strategic financial guidance to support the transformation goals and ensure financial sustainability throughout the transition from traditional BPO services to more
technology-driven offerings such as Tech, Security, Data, AI, and Analytics.
2. Financial Reporting: Managing the timely and accurate preparation of financial statements, monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, and other relevant financial information for the Group.
3. Implementation of new tools and processes: Rolling out new tools within the scope of responsibilities and managing the change within the team and across the divisions.
4. Team Leadership and Management: Overseeing and leading a team of 25 headcounts spread across locations and ensuring the effective performance of the financial controlling function.
5. Compliance and Risk Management: Ensuring compliance with financial regulations and standards in the context of the changing service portfolio and managing financial risks associated with the 
transformation.
6. Process Standardization and Improvement: Developing and implementing standardized financial controlling processes and procedures across AXA GBS to drive efficiency, consistency, and best practices 
in financial operations.
7. Decision Support: Providing financial insights and analysis to support decision-making related to the shift in services and collaborating with the leadership team to develop financial strategies aligned with 
the transformation goals.
8. Collaboration and Communication: Collaborating with the leadership team to develop financial strategies aligned with the transformation goals, effectively communicating financial information to 
stakeholders, and working with other leaders to assess the financial impact of AI and Automation on BPO services.

Overall, the Executive Lead Financial Controlling plays a critical role in ensuring financial transparency, regulatory compliance, and effective financial operations across multiple countries within AXA GBS, contributing to the financial health and performance of the Group.

QUALIFICATIONS : 
Educational and Professional Background : A master’s degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field is required. 

• Extensive Experience: A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive experience in financial management, controlling, and leadership roles within the insurance, financial services, or related industries.
• Strategic Financial Leadership: Proven track record of providing strategic financial guidance, driving financial performance, and managing financial risks in line with organizational objectives.
• Business Transformation: Demonstrated experience in leading financial operations preferably within a shared services environment, with exposure to managing teams across multiple locations and 
  overseeing large-scale transformations.
• Change Management: Experience in leading teams through significant transformations, including managing the impact of technology-driven shifts such as the adoption of Tech, Security, Data, AI, and 
  Analytics services and facilitating employee upskilling and reskilling initiatives.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Strong communication, negotiation, and influencing skills to effectively engage with internal and external stakeholders, including senior leadership, regulatory authorities, and 
  cross-functional teams.

Technical skills

• Financial Expertise: Advanced knowledge of financial planning, analysis, reporting, and control, with a deep understanding of financial regulations and standards
   Strategic Financial Management: Ability to develop and execute financial strategies aligned with the transformation objectives, including budgeting and forecasting for the shift from BPO to Tech, Security, 
  Data, AI, and Analytics services.
• Data and Analytics Skills: Proficiency in leveraging data and analytics to drive financial insights and support decision-making in the context of the transformation.
  Leadership and behavioral skills
• Team Management: Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a dispersed team across locations, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Change Management: Proven experience in leading teams through large-scale transformations, including managing the impact of AI and Automation on BPO services and guiding employees through upskilling and reskilling initiatives
• Stakeholder Engagement: Strong communication and influencing skills to effectively engage with internal and external stakeholders, including the leadership team and employees impacted by the transformation.
• Strategic Vision: Ability to think strategically and provide forward-looking financial leadership to support the long-term objectives of the shared services center.
• Adaptability: Willingness and ability to adapt to a fast-evolving technological landscape and lead teams through change and uncertainty.
• Resilience: Demonstrated resilience in navigating complex challenges and maintaining composure in high-pressure situations during the transformation process.
• Professional certifications
• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA): The CFA certification signifies a strong understanding of investment management and financial analysis, which can be advantageous for providing strategic financial leadership and decision support.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA): This certification demonstrates expertise in accounting, auditing, and financial management, which can be valuable for overseeing the financial aspects of a shared services center's operations.
• Certified Management Accountant (CMA): This certification is focused on management accounting and financial strategy, aligning well with the responsibilities of a senior financial executive overseeing a transformation and leading a team.

AXA is becoming a sustainable tech-led company and at AXA Group Operations we are one of the major catalysts for this transformation. 

We set the tone by triggering and empowering the evolution of our insurance business model through technology and innovation, driving its concrete implementation globally at speed, with a high quality of advisory and execution.

We are present across 17 countries with committed, highly qualified teams. We leverage technology, data, sourcing, security and investment allocation in a global way, but also achieve economies of scale and synergies when necessary.

At AXA Group Operations, we want to be recognized in three fields of action:

• State-of-the-art Data Technology to drive customer experience
• State-of-the-art Procurement & Sourcing to drive efficiency and better manage risks
• High-Performing Global Team for stronger partnerships with AXA entities 

We bring together the expertise, cultural diversity and creativity of over 8,000 employees worldwide and we’re committed to equal opportunities in all aspects of employment (gender, LGBT+, disabled persons, or people of different origins) and to promoting Diversity & Inclusion by creating a work environment where all employees are treated with dignity and respect, and where individual differences are valued.