Banking Balance Analyst (hybrid)

• About Us

   

  The world isn’t standing still, and neither is Allstate. We’re moving quickly, looking across our businesses and brands and taking bold steps to better serve customers’ evolving needs. That’s why now is an exciting time to join our team. You’ll have opportunities to take risks, challenge the status quo and shape the future for the greater good.

   

  You’ll do all this in an environment of excellence and the highest ethical standards – a place where values such as integrity, inclusive diversity and accountability are paramount. We empower every employee to lead, drive change and give back where they work and live. Our people are our greatest strength, and we work as one team in service of our customers and communities.

   

  Allstate operate a very flexible hybrid working policy that will allow you to design your working week in collaboration with your manager with a blend of remote and office working for NI based employees as well as condensed working patterns (4 day week/9 day fortnight).

   

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

   

   

  Location

   

   

  Belfast/ Derry-Londonderry/ Strabane

   

   

  Your role in the team

   

  Allstate Investments manages approximately $100 Billion of assets. Our goal is to provide sustainable, competitive, risk-adjusted investment returns and investment related services for the benefit of The Allstate Corporation. Investment performance for our portfolios has consistently provided excess returns for our customers, and we attribute that success in large part to the quality of our people. The size of the investment group exceeds 300 individuals across a variety of investment disciplines including, fixed income, equities, private securities, commercial mortgages, and derivative asset classes, as well as finance and technology. We recognize that our employees are our ultimate advantage, and we seek to attract and retain highly qualified individuals with strong academic backgrounds, a deep interest in investments and a desire to be challenged.

   

  The Operations Department within Allstate Investments is a strong team and an innovative, energetic organization.

   

  The Entry Level Investment Accountant - 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.

   

   

  Responsibilities include (but aren't limited to):

  • 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 and Review journal entries.
  • Production and Review 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?

   

  • All candidates must evidence an existing right to work in the UK'
  • 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.

   

   

  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
  • Demonstrate initiative, creativity, and a high degree of self-motivation
  • Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and work assignments

   

  What we offer

   

  As Digital DNA’s Workplace of the Year 2020 & 2022 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.

   

   

  The closing date for receipt of applications is 29^th July 2022.