Finance Graduate Trainee

As a leading provider of insurance and reinsurance with worldwide operations and employees in Bermuda, U.S., U.K., Continental Europe and Asia, we recognize that our success is derived directly from those who matter the most: our people. At Sompo International, our values of integrity, collaboration, agility, execution and excellence underpin our culture and our commitment to providing an employee experience that attracts and engages the best talent in the industry. As we continue to grow, we strive to find diverse, innovative and driven professionals to join our teams and offer a broad range of career and development opportunities at all levels, in multiple business areas, in each of our locations throughout the world. Our compensation and benefits programs are market driven and competitive, with excellent family friendly policies and flexible working provisions.

Graduate Trainee Programme – Finance

The Sompo Graduate Trainee Programme is a 24-month training programme designed to give participants the business and technical skills they need to build a successful career in a Finance role. Trainees work alongside the most experienced industry leaders to gain practical insight into the world of General Insurance, leveraging the latest technology and applying academic knowledge to perform insightful analysis and devise innovative solutions to complex business problems. This is a fantastic chance to develop your technical skills whilst working closely with qualified industry professionals who will support your growth.

Through on-the-job learning, workplace mentoring and directed self-study, Sompo Graduate Programme is a foundation for career advancement at Sompo and can lead to an exciting and accelerated career pathway in insurance.

What can I expect as a Graduate Trainee?

1. On-The-Job Learning

To have a successful career in Finance you will require a high degree of experience, expertise, and soft skills such as relationship building – something you can’t learn in the classroom. Sompo Finance trainees will be immersed in the day-to-day activities of the UK Finance function and will gain exposure to a number areas of Finance, taking ownership of a number of key tasks and understanding the full remit of the Finance function in supporting our business.

You will support the Finance function in ensuring delivery of accurate monthly and quarterly financial data as well as obtaining exposure to Credit Control, Treasury and Accounts Payable functions. Participation in the Graduate Trainee Programme will broaden your Finance understanding and knowledge and create a foundation for a career path as a Finance professional.

1. Directed Self-Study

Professional qualification is a key requisite for a career in Finance. Sompo supports employees pursuing continuing education opportunities by covering the cost of examinations and study material and providing appropriate study leave. As part of the Graduate Trainee programme, participants will study the Certified Public Accountants Association (CPA Level 3 Certificate).

1. Career Development Support

At Sompo we are committed to developing our people. We encourage employees to strengthen their skills and expand their understanding of the business. Sompo Graduate Trainees receive professional development training on topics such as communication/negotiation, self-awareness and sales and marketing to help them build successful careers.

1. Mentoring

As part of the development of each Graduate Trainee, a mentor will be assigned at the beginning of the scheme. This mentor will be from a different team to allow for additional networking opportunities and broader insight into Insurance, and they will be tasked with providing ad hoc guidance and support during regular 1:1’s throughout the programme. The mentor will also assist the line managers during the annual performance review cycle and review of progression during each stage of the programme.

1. The role of the Finance Graduate

Participants on the Finance Graduate Programme will typically support multiple Finance sub-teams on a rotational basis. There will also be an opportunity to engage with broader internal stakeholders, including those in Underwriting, Claims, Actuarial and Risk to name a few.

Some of the key tasks will include:

• Assisting with the preparation of technical and non-technical accounting calculations, entries and supporting reconciliations
• Supporting the preparation of intercompany reinsurance transactions and balances, along with the reinsurance bordereaux
• Supporting the credit control process, including premium debtor chasing and the allocation of cash receipts
• Supporting the business partners in the annual planning process, including the production of review packs to support management analysis and sign off
• Preparation of monthly/quarterly financial performance analysis, with explanations of the key variance drivers
• Assisting with the quarterly review of capital availability & regulatory reporting to the PRA

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

Sompo Finance professionals are some of the best and brightest in the industry. When recruiting the next generation, we consider all University degree disciplines, especially those with numerate degrees and with experience or interest in Insurance or Financial Services. Work ethic, intellectual curiosity, integrity and agility are key attributes that we look for in a participant.

Additional requirements include:

• Applicants must be studying towards a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• Critical thinking ability & analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with others.
• Integrity and reliability.
• Technical accuracy and software skills.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to work with a team-oriented approach.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong time management and ability to organise efficiently.
• Competent computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Outlook as a minimum.

Please only apply if you are available to come to our London office on the 15th of May for the in-person assessment day. Many thanks!

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS SUNDAY 6TH APRIL