Head of Finance Strategy

We’re seeking an accomplished finance and strategy leader to take on the role of Head of Finance Strategy, a pivotal position at the heart of AXA’s enterprise strategy, financial performance and executive decision-making. Reporting directly to our Chief Financial Officer, you will act as a trusted strategic partner to the CFO, CEO and Executive Committee. You’ll connect enterprise strategy, financial planning and executive decision-making, bringing clear insight, constructive challenge and sound judgement to the choices that shape the business. You’ll provide informed challenge and strategic advice across key governance forums, helping ensure decisions align with AXA’s strategy, risk appetite, customer commitments and regulatory expectations. This is an opportunity to make a visible impact at executive level, helping AXA deliver sustainable growth, disciplined investment and long-term value through credible financial and strategic leadership. This role requires a leader who is as comfortable shaping discussion at senior level as they are working through detailed financial analysis. You’ll translate complexity into clear choices, influence senior stakeholders with confidence, and build a high-performing and inclusive team. What you’ll be doing: Act as a trusted adviser to the CFO, providing financially grounded insight and constructive challenges on strategic choices. Produce concise, decision-ready reporting and strategic papers for AXA Group, the Board and Executive Committee. Lead and execute strategic initiatives and special projects to drive continuous improvement, support organisational objectives, and foster innovation across the team. Own the financial evaluation of strategic initiatives, including business cases, scenario modelling, investment appraisal and cost-benefit analysis. Oversee delivery, costs, benefits and performance across the strategic portfolio, identifying emerging issues and recommending timely action to protect value. Build, engage and develop a high-performing and inclusive team through clear direction, coaching, constructive feedback and meaningful development opportunities. Create a strong sense of belonging, actively seek different perspectives and build a culture of collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement. Embed a customer-first perspective in financial and strategic decision-making, using insight and data to balance commercial ambition, investment discipline, risk and customer outcomes. Strengthen financial governance, risk management and conduct oversight, meeting Central Bank of Ireland requirements and providing clear reporting to the Board. As a senior leader in a regulated business, you’ll strengthen financial governance, risk management and conduct oversight. Provide strategic oversight and informed challenge across key governance forums, ensuring decisions on investment, capital, customer outcomes, outsourcing and portfolio priorities align with AXA’s strategy, risk appetite and regulatory expectations. What we’re looking for: Significant leadership experience across finance, strategy, corporate development, consulting or a comparable role in a complex, regulated organisation. Strong knowledge of insurance or financial services and the regulatory, customer, risk and operational context in which strategic decisions are made. A relevant qualification (actuarial or accounting related beneficial but not a requirement) supported by equivalent senior finance and strategy experience. A strong record of advising CFOs, CEOs, Boards and executive teams, with the credibility to influence, challenge constructively and build alignment at Board and Executive level. Deep expertise across financial planning, forecasting, management information, investment appraisal, business cases and key performance drivers. Proven success leading complex, cross-functional strategic work from ambiguity through to clear recommendations, implementation and measurable outcomes. Excellent analytical judgement and communication skills, with the ability to turn complex information into concise and compelling recommendations for senior audiences. A collaborative, adaptable and accountable leadership style, with the discretion and personal ownership to deliver high-quality outcomes at pace. This is a rare opportunity to take on a highly visible, high-impact leadership role, shaping AXA’s strategic choices, investment discipline and long-term financial performance. This is an allocated CF1 role under the Fitness & Probity Regime. The successful candidate will therefore be subject to enhanced background screening. More information is available at axa.ie/careers. As a condition of employment, you must be eligible and authorised to work in Ireland and/or the United Kingdom.