At AXA, we’re committed to delivering sustainable growth while ensuring cost efficiency and operational excellence. Our Finance team plays a crucial role in supporting strategic decision-making, managing costs, and driving value across our fast-moving health, retail, and commercial functions. We believe that strong financial partnerships and insightful analysis are the backbone of our success.

As Expense Partner, you’ll be at the heart of our business, working closely with senior leaders and finance directors to deliver impactful cost management insights. You’ll influence decision-making, support budget and forecast targets, and help embed a cost-conscious culture across key functions. This is a strategic role where your ability to turn data into compelling stories and influence at all levels will drive material improvements in our cost base and business outcomes.

At AXA we work smart, empowering our people to balance their time between home and the office in a way that works best for them, their team and our customers. You'll work at least two days a week (40%) away from home, moving to three days a week (60%) in the future. Away from home means either attendance at one of our office locations, visiting clients or attending industry events.

What you’ll be doing:

Build and maintain strong relationships with Finance Directors and senior leaders, providing expert expense partnering support that directly impacts growth, profitability, and customer service
Influence leadership to embed a cost-conscious mindset, supplementing standard reports with ad-hoc insights and detailed analysis of the cost base
Oversee monthly cost forums, presenting performance against budget, risks, opportunities, and key decision points for fast-moving functions
Drive budget and forecast accuracy by leading reviews, challenging assumptions, and providing clear financial insights to support accountability
Collaborate with teams to agree cost allocation drivers and ensure transparent, fair distribution of costs across channels, products, and activities
Support change portfolio governance by tracking project costs, benefits, and delivery, providing early warning of underperforming initiatives and supporting course correction
Lead reforecasting and reprioritisation efforts, ensuring agility in response to changing business needs and strategic priorities
Manage approval forums for budget adjustments, investment funding, and cost-saving initiatives, ensuring alignment with business goals

Due to the number of applications we expect to receive for this role, we reserve the right to close this advert earlier than the listed closing date to ensure we’re able to effectively manage interest. Therefore, if you’re interested in joining us at AXA, please don’t hesitate to apply.

What you’ll bring:

Fully qualified accountant (ACA, CIMA, or ACCA) with proven experience in cost management, budgeting, and forecasting within financial services or insurance
Strong relationship builder with excellent negotiation, influencing, and presentation skills, capable of engaging senior leaders confidently
Analytical mindset with the ability to turn complex data into clear, compelling insights that drive decision-making
Business acumen and commercial awareness, with a proactive, solution-oriented attitude
Ability to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and manage multiple priorities effectively
Integrity and discretion in handling sensitive financial data
Experience working across functions and engaging with diverse stakeholders, including finance leaders and operational managers
Proactive, energetic, and versatile approach with a focus on continuous improvement and value delivery

As a precondition of employment for this role, you must be eligible and authorised to work in the United Kingdom.

What we offer:

At AXA UK, we’re appreciative of the people who work for us and our rewards package is reviewed regularly to reflect that. You can expect to receive:

Competitive annual salary
Annual company & performance-based bonus
Contributory pension scheme (up to 12% employer contributions)
Life Assurance (up to 10 x annual salary)
Private medical cover
28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
Opportunity to buy up to 5 extra days leave or sell up to 5 days leave
Wellbeing services & resources
AXA employee discounts

To apply, click on the ‘apply for this job’ button, you’ll then need to log in or create a profile to submit your CV. We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer and don’t discriminate against employees or potential employees based on protected characteristics. If you have a long-term condition or disability and require adjustments during the application or interview process, we’re proud to offer access to the AXA Accessibility Concierge. For our support, please send an email to bayley.colbran@axa-uk.co.uk.

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Who we are:

AXA UK Support Functions power AXA’s three customer-facing business units, providing the infrastructure, support and expertise to ensure our customers can always count on us. Whether you’ve got heaps of experience and qualifications behind you, or you’re just starting out, we’ll give you the support and opportunities to help you grow and develop with confidence.

Cost Management jobs

Expense Partner