Accountant
Description
ABOUTHOWDEN
Howden is a leading global insurance intermediary group, built on employee ownership. Founded in 1994, it delivers insurance, reinsurance and underwriting services for clients ranging from private individuals to the world's largest multinationals.
The Group operates in 57 countries across Europe, the USA and Latin America, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Africa, with 25,000 people managing over $54billion in premiums for clients.
Further information is available at www.howdengroup.com and www.howdengroupholdings.com.
THE ROLE:
The role will support the Asia Pacific Finance function and be responsible for managing the full spectrum of general accounting, financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and insurance accounting activities. The role supports the timely and accurate preparation of financial statements, management reports, statutory filings, audits, and internal controls while ensuring compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Financial/Statutory Reporting
§ Handle all general accounting and AP matters including all bank reconciliations (both client money and house cash accounts)
§ Responsible for the Group’s financial reporting and management reporting, ensuring that a timely and accurate month-end close
§ Keeping abreast of changes in financial reporting standards
§ Prepare annual audit including, but not limited to gathering all information and schedules for auditors, reply to auditors’ queries, liaison with auditors, etc.
§ Other ad hoc projects or assignments as required
Tax Reporting
§ Timely annual income tax filing and settlement of tax liability
Internal Controls and Compliances
§ Ensure compliance to all applicable regulatory and governmental requirements (e.g. MAS) at all times
§ Review internal processes and controls and recommend enhancements where necessary to ensure compliances especially on those non-negotiable controls as required by Group’s Internal Audit Department
§ Assist in Internal Audit process
Insurance Accounting
§ Ensure the process of settlement to/collection from underwriters are processed smoothly and in a timely manner
§ Review and authorize all payments (both trade and non-trade)
§ Review journal entries in Unit 4 to ensure accurate data transfer from Global to accounting systems (Unit 4, Onestream) at month end
§ Provide guidelines and directions to Credit Control team in resolving accounting entries in Global
Budgeting and CashFlow Management
§ Assist Department Head on annual budget exercise
§ Monitor cash inflow and outflow for each office
Other Responsibilities
§ Any other assignments and ad hoc duties as required by the Company
KNOWLEDGEAND EXPERIENCE
Qualifications& Experience
§ University graduate in Finance or Accounting with Professional Accounting Qualification
§ Minimum 4years’ working experience preferably within insurance/financial services with finance/ accountancy function
§ Experience supporting multi-country financial reporting and compliance requirements will be an advantage.
§ Familiarity with Unit4, OneStream, or similar ERP and financial reporting systems is advantageous.
§ Sound understanding of accounting standards, financial reporting, and internal control frameworks.
Skills& Competencies
§ Strong knowledge of financial accounting, statutory reporting, audit, tax, and regulatory compliance.
§ Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly MS Excel.
§ Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and reconciliation skills.
§ Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accuracy under pressure.
§ Excellent written and verbal communication skills
§ Strong interpersonal skills with a customer-focused mindset.
§ Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
§ Strong organizational and prioritization skills with the ability to meet tight deadlines.
§ A good team player and able to lead and inspire team members
