Executive Assistant to UK Chief Financial Officer

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 offsites for up to 85 participants
• Prepare high-quality documents, reports, 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

As an inclusive employer we want to ensure that all candidates feel comfortable and are able to perform at their best during the interview. You’ll have the opportunity to let us know of any reasonable adjustment or practical support needed when you apply.

What will you get in return?

Everyone’s different. That’s why at Zurich, we offer a wide range of employee benefits so our people can choose what fits them and their life. Our benefits provide real flexibility so our people can make considered choices and tailor their benefits throughout the year. Our benefits include 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.

Follow the link for more information about our benefits - Employee benefits | Working at Zurich Insurance UK

Who we are:

At Zurich we aspire to be one of the most responsible and impactful businesses in the world and the best global insurer. Together we’re creating a brighter future for our customers, our people and our planet.

With over 55,000 employees in more than 170 countries, you’ll feel the support of being part of a strong and stable company who are a long-standing player in the insurance industry.

We’ve made a promise to each other and every employee; to focus on sustainable impact, to care about each other’s wellbeing, to use our diverse expertise to be curious and optimistic and to develop the skills needed for our future.

If you're interested in working in a dynamic and challenging environment for a company that recognises and rewards your creativity, initiatives and contributions - then Zurich could be just the place for you. Be part of something great.

Our Culture:

At Zurich, our sense of community is strong and we’re particularly passionate about diversity and inclusion, which we’ve won numerous awards for. We want our people to bring the whole of themselves to work and ensure everybody is made to feel welcome, regardless of their background, beliefs or culture. We want our employees to reflect the diversity of our customers, and so are committed to treating all of our applicants fairly and with respect, irrespective of their actual or assumed background, disability or any other protected characteristic.

We’ve an environment that places a real importance on our people’s wellbeing from a physical, mental, social and financial perspective. We work with our wellbeing partners and industry experts to provide the best advice and access to a wealth of lifestyle support. We’re also committed to continuous improvement, and we offer access to a comprehensive range of training and development opportunities.

We’re passionate about supporting employees to help others by getting involved in volunteering, charitable and community activity. Our charitable arm, Zurich Community Trust, is one of the longest-established corporate trusts in the UK. In that time, we’ve awarded grants and volunteered time to deserving causes in the UK valued at over £90 million.

We’d 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