Description

This highly successful global financial services group is an established market leader and blue chip brand name with an excellent reputation for developing the careers of their finance staff. Their operations in London are recruiting for a fully-qualified (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) finance professional to join as a Front Office Compensation Manager within their EMEA Finance team.

Our client is looking for a fully-qualified (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) finance professional with team leading/management experience (this role would manage a small team of management accountants) with the ability to clearly demonstrate process change and automation, while being confident dealing with front office and senior stakeholders. Lastly, candidates should possess good balance sheet substantiation and financial control experience.

Profile Criteria:

1. 1. Fully Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with significant post-qualification experience with a proven track record within the financial services sector within a trading or capital markets environment.
   2. In-depth knowledge of control frameworks and balance sheet substantiation.
   3. Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to manage, mentor, and develop high-performing teams.
   4. Direct experience in broker compensation or variable pay accounting. Familiarity with compensation deferrals, equity schemes, and related regulatory requirements.
   5. Advanced proficiency in Excel and financial applications such as Oracle, SmartView/ASO, Hubble, or OneStream.

Responsibilities and tasks:

Team Leadership & Oversight

• • Manage and supervise the EMEA Front Office Compensation team, including setting performance objectives, providing coaching and training, and delivering regular reporting.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the team.

Front Office Compensation Management

• • Oversee the end-to-end Front Office Compensation process across all brands and asset classes.
  • Calculate and account for variable front office bonuses in line with contractual agreements.
  • Manage distribution of compensation statements to Front Office and Payroll in accordance with payment cycles.
  • Calculate and record front office equity deferrals, ensuring compliance with relevant policies.

Process Improvement & Automation

• • Lead the Front Office Compensation automation project to enhance efficiency, strengthen controls, and reduce risk.
  • Collaborate with Finance, IT, and Business stakeholders to design and implement sustainable solutions.
  • Ensure all processes are clearly documented, regularly reviewed, and continuously optimised.

Financial Control & Reporting

• • Coordinate preparation and review of balance sheet reconciliations, ensuring full substantiation of the general ledger.
  • Reconcile balances to underlying calculations and supporting documentation.
  • Provide analysis and insights on Front Office Compensation by business line and entity, supporting senior stakeholders with actionable intelligence.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• • Contribute to the preparation of annual budgets and forecasts for P&L and balance sheet.
  • Analyse key changes in front office compensation and provide clear commentary to Finance and the Business.

Risk & Compliance

• • Ensure an effective risk and control framework is embedded within processes.
  • Maintain adherence to Group Accounting Policies and the Expenditure Control Framework.
  • Support the year-end audit process, ensuring timely provision of high-quality documentation and explanations.

Stakeholder Engagement

• • Build strong working relationships across Finance, Front Office, IT, and other business stakeholders.
  • Act as a trusted partner, providing clear communication and expert guidance on compensation-related matters.