Banking & Balancing Analyst

• About Us

   

  At Allstate Northern Ireland, we believe it’s more than just a job.  We believe in allowing our people to choose the direction of their careers.  It’s about you, your future and where you want to get to.

   

  Opportunity is the hallmark of the Allstate career experience.  We invest heavily in our employees, offering long term career development, personal growth and investment in new technologies.  Every day is different, with new ideas, challenges, and rewards — no matter which team you join.

   

  We believe that inclusive diversity is crucial to creating a culture of mutual respect where the strengths and talents of each individual are recognised.  We like to leave things better than we found them and deliver results.  We do all of this while having fun and exploring personal passions.

   

  Join our team and you’ll find challenge and reward in a culture of innovation, support and balance.

   

   

   

  Location

   

  Belfast or Derry/Londonderry or Strabane

   

   

   

  Your role in the team

   

  The Banking and Balancing Team is responsible for the management and oversight of procedures and key controls that are designed to ensure that accurate Balance Sheet and Income Statement account balances are maintained in Maximis and the General Ledger (SAP).

  The Team ensures that custodial assets including cash and securities are reconciled to positions held in Allstate Investments’ bank accounts. Additionally, the Team ensures that Allstate Finance Company Agent Loans are reconciled between bank, Fizerv, and SAP.

  In Investments Finance, we work with talented individuals who come together as a team to provide accounting, planning and analysis, financial reporting, valuation, research and project management for the Allstate Investments organization. Allstate Investments has decades of experience pursuing strategies in a broad array of asset classes and geographies in both the public and private markets. No matter the investment, we remain steadfast in our commitment to deliver strong investment results for each client.

   

  Banking and Balancing Analyst is primarily responsible for daily and monthly balancing between Investment applications. This would include reconciling Allstate Investment trading systems, accounting systems (Maximis), data warehouse and the General Ledger (SAP). The Consultant is expected to research and investigate exceptions and follow up to ensure that they are corrected, including identification and implementation of prevention measures. They prepare and review the month end packages in support of financial statement close deadlines. Span of control also extends to source data into Maximis through the execution of Trade Management Systems interface balancing controls and reconciliations between the trade management systems, accounting system and custodial bank.

   

  • Review and clear daily and monthly reports to locate the out of balances between the investment accounting system, and the SAP general ledger.
  • Analyze and clear position exceptions between accounting system, trade management system and custodial bank.
  • Identification, research and investigation of out-of-balance conditions and follow up to ensure that they are cleared or explained.
  • Prepare journal entries.
  • Production of Monthly reports by the close deadlines.
  • Work with the internal and external customers and auditors to provide reports and answer questions.
  • Provide monthly, quarterly and annual reports to other departments within Allstate Insurance as assigned.
  • Assist with the quarterly account reconciliation spot checks.
  • Help oversee and participate in team projects, assignments and team responsibilities such as operational improvement, control strengthening, peer analysis and team education sessions.
  • Work effectively in a team environment
  • Provide status to Supervisor
  • Ability to work well with individuals of varying levels and departments to resolve exceptions and research issues.
  • Participate in cross-team knowledge and awareness

   

   

  So, what are the essential criteria to apply?

   

  • A degree in Finance, Economics, Accountancy, or similar discipline, OR
  • A non-finance degree supported by a post-graduate qualification in finance or accountancy, OR
  • 18 months of accounting or finance investment industry experience.
  • All candidates must evidence an existing right to work in the UK

   

   

  We also have some desirable criteria

   

   

  • Having a logical and analytical approach
  • Good problem-solving skills with an attention to detail
  • Strong organizational and time management skills
  • Previous experience with account reconciliations.
  • Ability to communicate well (Written & Verbal), build relationships and work as part of a remote team
  • Familiar with Microsoft Office and the ability to analyze, manipulate, and interpret large amounts of data
  • Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, Access, Outlook, Word, SAP or other general ledger applications and database querying tools
  • Oracle SQL knowledge is especially desirable
  • CPA/CPA eligible preferred
  • Demonstrate initiative, creativity and a high degree of self-motivation
  • Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and work assignments

   

   

  Hours of work

   

  • Standard hours Mon – Fri; however given this role is supporting US investments there will be a requirement to work US hours through workdays 1 to 5.
  • Flexibility to meet business needs as required in supporting exceptions and ad hoc queries;
  • Full time only.

   

   

  What we offer

   

  As Digital DNA’s Workplace of the Year 2020 winners, we offer a generous benefits package that includes flexible annual leave entitlement, dental and healthcare insurance, an attractive pension package and discounts on gym memberships, public transport and parking.

   

  Allstate invests heavily in your development, as an employee you will have access to multiple world-class learning platforms and courses from our award-winning in-house Learning & Development team.

   

  We pride ourselves in providing clear career paths and opportunities for internal mobility allowing you to further develop within the organisation.

   

  We encourage a better work life balance and you’ll have the opportunity to apply for various flexible working arrangements.

   

   

   

  Statement on Fair Employment and Equal Opportunities

   

  Allstate NI wishes to ensure equal opportunity is given to all job applicants.  This company will not discriminate on the grounds of race, gender (including gender reassignment status), sexual orientation, religious belief, political opinion, marital status, age or disability.

   

  We are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons. However, as women are currently under-represented in our workforce, we would particularly welcome applications from women. All appointments will be made on merit.

   

  Applicants should note Allstate NI complete AccessNI background checks on all candidates offered a position.

   

  Apply here: https://bit.ly/3cBJfHz 

   

  The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 18th June 2021