STO Finance Lead

The STO Finance Lead at Pension Insurance Corporation holds a diverse set of responsibilities that revolve around financial planning and analysis for the change portfolio. This includes establishing standards for budget setting and tracking, ensuring that all financial assumptions align across various projects. The lead will also focus on managing benefits by quantifying them effectively, tracking any changes, and assessing realization post-project delivery. Another vital responsibility is producing high-quality cost estimates and articulating financial cases in collaboration with business owners. Furthermore, they will engage in reporting to turn project finances into actionable insights and lead one STO administrator.

To qualify for the STO Finance Lead position at Pension Insurance Corporation, candidates are ideally expected to be qualified accountants or have equivalent experience that showcases their proficiency in financial management. A strong background in change financial management, portfolio-level experience, and a solid understanding of financial services—specifically in insurance, pensions, or similar regulated environments—are essential. Candidates should also possess strong organizational and communication skills, along with a demonstrated ability to influence and manage resources effectively.

Pension Insurance Corporation is dedicated to supporting professional development for the STO Finance Lead through a variety of programs. This includes access to training sessions that enhance financial management skills, opportunities for mentorship from senior leaders, and participation in workshops focused on change governance and portfolio management methodologies. Additionally, the collaborative environment fosters knowledge sharing, allowing individuals to learn from cross-functional teams, ultimately positioning them for future advancement within the company.

As an STO Finance Lead at Pension Insurance Corporation, you will enjoy numerous benefits on top of a competitive salary. These include participation in an annual, performance-related bonus plan, private medical insurance, and generous annual leave of 28 days, aside from bank holidays. The company also offers an excellent pension scheme, fostering a secure financial future for its employees. Moreover, you will work in a supportive and innovative team environment, which can enhance your work-life balance and contribute to your personal well-being.

The skill sets most valued in the STO Finance Lead role at Pension Insurance Corporation include strong organizational skills, the ability to persuade and influence others, and expertise in financial planning and analysis. Candidates should also demonstrate an understanding of change governance and benefits management methodologies. Strong communication and leadership abilities are crucial, given the need to manage people and resources effectively and to collaborate with various stakeholders throughout the organization.

When answering this question, it’s essential to provide specific examples from your past roles where you managed financial planning and executed analyses within change portfolios. Highlight your approach to budget setting, tracking, and how you ensured alignment of financial assumptions across projects. Discussing measurable outcomes you've achieved will help demonstrate your capability in this area.

For this question, detail your strategies for quantifying and tracking the benefits of financial projects. Explain how you set standards for benefits management, the tools or methodologies you use to monitor changes, and how you measure realization once projects are complete. Providing a case study or metrics from previous roles can illustrate your competency effectively.

Discuss your methods for fostering collaborative relationships, such as regular check-ins, open communication, and active participation in cross-functional teams. Stress the importance of understanding stakeholders' needs and how you ensure their perspectives are integrated into financial decision-making processes.

To answer this, you might share your experience translating complex financial data into insightful reports. Highlight the metrics you focus on, the audience you tailor reports for, and how you’ve used reporting to facilitate better governance decisions in the past. Include any tools or software you are proficient with that support this process.

Explain your approach to prioritization and organization. You could detail specific frameworks or tools you use to keep track of deadlines, project milestones, and resource allocation. Sharing a personal example of a particularly busy period and how you navigated it can provide clarity on your time management skills.

Detail your familiarity with various financial management methodologies relevant to the role, such as Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid approaches. Provide examples of how you’ve applied these methodologies in past projects and how they contributed to successful financial outcomes.

Discuss how you support, guide, and develop your team members. Include strategies for mentoring, performance feedback, and fostering a positive work environment. Providing an example of a successful mentoring relationship can enhance your answer.

Share your approach to addressing objections, focusing on your communication skills and ability to provide data-driven responses that clarify the value of the proposed budget. Detail examples where you successfully navigated such situations to reach a consensus.

Pick a specific project to illustrate your analytical skills. Discuss the objectives, the challenges you faced, the steps you took to address them, and the ultimate outcomes. This can demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and your understanding of financial management.

Emphasize your commitment to continuous learning through resources such as industry publications, webinars, and professional associations. Mention any certifications you pursue that help keep you informed about the latest methodologies and best practices in financial management.