Accounts Lead

Accounts Lead (Broking)

Location: Borehamwood - In office role

Package: Negotiable + Benefits

The Accounts Lead (Broking) will lead our accounting function, overseeing the full spectrum of Insurance Broking Accounting (IBA) activities. The role will involve oversight of multiple broking systems, managing system improvement projects, and guiding and developing a team. This role is pivotal in ensuring the smooth running of daily accounting operations, compliance with regulatory requirements, and continuous improvement of systems and processes.

Responsibility and accountability:

IBA & accounting operations

• Oversee the full spectrum of Insurance Broking Accounting (IBA) activities, including:
• Daily and monthly bank reconciliations across statutory, non-statutory, and risk transfer accounts.
• Accurate processing of premiums, claims, commissions, return premiums, and fees.
• Management of bordereaux reporting and reconciliation, ensuring timely resolution of discrepancies.
• Maintenance of insurer and client ledger balances, ensuring aged items are investigated and cleared promptly.
• Monitoring of cash collection, settlement, and credit control to optimise working capital.
• Ensure strict adherence to CASS rules (Client Money regulations), including segregation and treatment of client funds.
• Manage risk transfer arrangements in line with binding authority and TOBA requirements.
• Oversee use of non-statutory trust accounts, ensuring they are operated in compliance with regulatory and contractual obligations.
• Ensure financial controls are applied consistently, minimising exposure to errors, fraud, or regulatory breaches.

Systems & process improvements

• Lead on accounting and finance system enhancements across multiple broking platforms.
• Define, document, and validate IT specifications for finance-related projects.
• Conduct and oversee User Acceptance Testing (UAT), ensuring robust implementation.
• Review and streamline processes to drive efficiency, accuracy, and control.

Leadership & team management

• Manage, coach, and develop the accounts team, setting clear objectives and expectations.
• Proactively address and resolve performance issues, supporting continuous improvement.
• Build a motivated, high-performing team culture with accountability and ownership.

Stakeholder management

• Act as the main point of contact for internal stakeholders, insurers, auditors, and regulators.
• Partner with senior management to provide accurate, timely reporting and financial insight.
• Work closely with IT, operations, and compliance teams to ensure aligned objectives.

HFIS people processes

• Daily line management of IBA Team. Where other teammates undertake similar work, to provide advice, guidance, and feedback directly to those teammates
• Attend all training and briefing sessions relevant to people management
• Conduct recruitment and onboarding practices in line with established Company procedures
• Make sure all teammates complete allocated mandatory learning within specified deadlines each year
• Make sure all teammates are appraised throughout the financial year in accordance with Company guidelines, identifying and providing areas for development or additional training in consultation with the People team where appropriate
• Make sure all absences and disciplinary issues are handled in accordance with Company guidelines; absences must be recorded on Company systems and return to work interviews conducted within laid down timescales
• Potential disciplinary issues should be raised and discussed with the People team with mutual agreement being reached as to the way forward. Should any disciplinary meetings (informal or formal) with teammates be necessary, full notes are to be taken, and the People team are to be kept informed
• Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and high performance within the team, aligned with Company values
• All the above are to be managed in accordance with the Company values and established HFIS procedures

Experience, knowledge and skills needed:

• Extensive experience in Insurance Broking Accounting (IBA).
• Strong knowledge of:
• CASS rules and Client Money handling.
• Risk transfer and non-statutory trust accounts.
• Bordereaux reporting, settlements, and reconciliations.
• Proven track record of working with multiple insurance broking systems (e.g., Acturis, OpenGI, or similar).
• Demonstrated success in system and IT improvement projects (writing specifications, testing, implementation).
• Excellent leadership and people management skills, with experience in performance management.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Highly organised, detail-oriented, and able to deliver under pressure.

Desirable qualifications:

• Professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, ACA) or qualified by experience.
• Experience within a Lloyd's broker or London Market environment.
• Knowledge of FCA regulations, compliance, and reporting requirements.