Executive Assistant to UK Chief Financial Officer
Working hours: This role is available on a part‑time, job‑share or full‑time basis
Location: London – you will be expected to be in the office at least 3 days a week
The opportunity: Our UK Chief Financial Officer is seeking an Executive Assistant who demonstrates initiative, anticipates challenges, and delivers solutions with confidence. In this pivotal role, you will operate at the heart of a dynamic Finance function, supporting the UK CFO in a fast‑paced environment where priorities can shift rapidly. This opportunity requires not only first‑class organisation and communication skills, but also the resilience and composure to manage competing demands while upholding the highest standards of integrity and confidentiality.
You will be the trusted partner to the UK CFO and need to be proactive, adaptable and can work both independently and collaboratively to produce high quality support. The ideal candidate will be a natural communicator and listener and someone that thrives in a dynamic workplace and is confident engaging at C‑suite level to effectively anticipate and deliver to the needs of the UK CFO and Finance Executive Team.
Many of our employees work flexibly in a variety of different ways, including part‑time, flexible hours, job‑share, an element of working from home or compressed hours. This is because we want the best people for our roles, and we recognise that sometimes those people aren’t available full‑time. Please talk to us at the interview about the flexibility you may need.
What will you be doing?
- Partner directly with the UK CFO, providing seamless executive support and acting as a trusted advisor in all areas of daily operations.
- Proactively manage a complex calendar, including strategic prioritisation of meetings, appointments, speaking engagements, and domestic/international travel. Coordinate closely around the Finance quarterly cycle, such as Board meetings, demonstrating sound judgement and discretion.
- Act as a key liaison between the UK CFO and the Finance Executive Team, as well as Group, EMEA, CEO Office, and external regulatory bodies. Ensuring efficient information flow, timely responses, and a positive Zurich experience for all stakeholders.
- Maintain excellent stakeholder relationships as the main point of contact for the CFO office, using strong interpersonal skills, diplomacy, and confidentiality to manage enquiries, resolve issues, and drive effective outcomes.
- Anticipate and manage a high volume of critical deadlines, ensuring the CFO is well‑briefed, prepared, and able to focus on priority tasks.
- Collaborate closely with the Finance Strategic Execution Manager and the wider EA community to align on priorities and drive seamless execution.
- Take ownership of planning and executing key Finance events, including off‑sites for up to 85 participants.
- Prepare high‑quality documents, reports and presentations and correspondence, ensuring accuracy, attention to detail and timely distribution.
- Manage sensitive data and maintain strict confidentiality across all aspects of the role.
- Lead by example within the Finance PA/EA community. Sharing best practice, mentoring colleagues, and promoting a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Undertake a range of support duties as required, adapting to new responsibilities and ad‑hoc projects as the needs of the CFO and Finance function evolve.
What are we looking for?
- Located within a commutable distance to our London office (minimum three days per week), with flexibility to occasionally travel to Swindon and Whiteley offices as required.
- Significant experience supporting C‑suite executives in a fast‑paced, regulated environment.
- Demonstrable track record of operating independently, using sound judgement, discretion and a proactive approach to solving complex problems.
- Exceptional organisational, prioritisation and time management skills with a relentless attention to detail.
- Outstanding communication and relationship‑building skills – you are confident, approachable and able to influence at senior levels.
- Resilient, resourceful and comfortable navigating ambiguity; thrives under pressure and remains positive, composed and solutions‑focused.
- A strong contributor to team culture, willing to share knowledge and support others across the wider EA community.
- Maintains the highest standards of confidentiality, integrity and professionalism at all times.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel), with excellent written communication, editing and proofreading skills.
- Energetic, curious and eager to contribute to Zurich’s commitment to delivering a brighter future together.
What will you get in return?
Everyone’s different. Zurich offers a wide range of employee benefits to suit individual needs. Our benefits provide real flexibility so our people can make considered choices and tailor their benefits throughout the year. Key benefits include a 12% defined non‑contributory pension scheme, annual company bonus, private medical insurance and the option to buy up to an additional 20 days or sell some of your holiday.
Our Culture
Zurich is committed to diversity and inclusion and has received multiple awards for our efforts. We want our people to bring their whole selves to work and ensure everyone feels welcome, regardless of background, beliefs or culture.
We support wellbeing across physical, mental, social and financial dimensions and work with partners and experts to give the best advice and support. We offer comprehensive training and development opportunities and encourage volunteering and charitable work through the Zurich Community Trust.
The financials
- 12% defined non‑contributory pension scheme.
- Annual company bonus.
- Income protection.
- Life cover – four times your salary.
Time away
- 28 days holiday a year plus bank holidays.
- Option to swap UK bank holidays for days off that have cultural or religious significance.
- Option to buy up to an additional 20 days or sell some of your holiday.
- Three days paid volunteering.
- Up to 16 weeks full pay for maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
Your health is important to us
- Access to private medical insurance.
- Virtual GP appointments.
- Discounted gym membership.
- Free flu jab.
- Access to a wealth of support from our wellbeing partners.
We’re making a difference
- Creating a brighter, more sustainable future underpins everything we do – we were the first insurer to sign the ‘UN Business Ambition for 1.5°C’ pledge.
- Our charitable arm, Zurich Community Trust, has awarded grants and volunteered time to deserving causes in the UK valued at over £90 million.
We’re making a difference in the world. If you’re interested in working in a dynamic and challenging environment, Zurich could be just the place for you. Be part of something great.
We would love it if you could submit your application online. If you require an alternative method of applying, please send an email to recruitment@uk.zurich.com.
So make a difference. Be challenged. Be inspired. Be supported, love what you do. Work for us. #LI-Hybrid
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