At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive commercial decisions and support strategic planning in a dynamic retail environment.
- Company: Join a well-established fashion and lifestyle brand in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to influence key business decisions.
- Other info: Work closely with senior stakeholders and manage one direct report.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of finance in a fast-paced, multi-channel retail business.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong commercial finance experience and advanced Excel skills.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Do you enjoy being at the centre of commercial decision-making in a fast-paced, multi-channel retail business? We’re partnering with a well-established fashion and lifestyle brand to appoint a Commercial Finance Manager into its London head office team. This is a highly visible business partnering role, working closely with senior stakeholders across retail, ecommerce, property, and operations to drive performance, challenge thinking, and support strategic decision-making.
Reporting into the Head of Commercial Finance and managing one direct report, you’ll play a key role in trade reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and board‑level analysis, while acting as a trusted finance partner to non‑finance leaders across the business.
What will you be doing?
- Partnering with head office departments to review, forecast, and control overhead spend
- Leading monthly budget reviews with senior stakeholders and agreeing clear action plans
- Delivering insightful analysis to support and challenge commercial and operational decisions
- Overseeing weekly trade reporting across sales, margin, and stock, with detailed variance analysis
- Supporting property decisions including new store proposals, rent reviews, and Capex spend
- Owning commercial input into month‑end P&L and balance sheet reviews
- Producing channel, store, territory, and KPI reporting with clear commentary
- Supporting the preparation of the monthly Board pack
- Taking ownership of budgeting, forecasting, and longer‑term planning cycles
- Managing and developing one direct report
What would we love to see from you?
- Qualified accountant (CIMA / ACA / ACCA / CA)
- Strong commercial finance and business partnering experience
- Experience working in a multi‑site or multi‑channel environment
- Confidence working with senior stakeholders and influencing decision‑making
- Solid experience across budgeting, forecasting, and management accounts
- Advanced Excel skills with strong analytical capability
- Background in retail, fashion, or consumer‑led businesses
- Exposure to trade reporting, store economics, or property decisions
- Experience operating within a larger group structure
Location: Central London (3 days in office)
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Finance, Analyst, and Accounting/Auditing
Industries: Retail, Retail Apparel and Fashion, and Retail Luxury Goods and Jewelry
Commercial Finance Manager employer: Agora Talent
Join a dynamic and innovative scale-up in London, where you'll be empowered to lead operations and drive transformative change in a fast-paced environment. With a competitive salary, substantial equity package, and a culture that celebrates bold thinking and problem-solving, this company offers unparalleled growth opportunities for those ready to make a significant impact. Embrace the excitement of hypergrowth while collaborating with high-performing teams dedicated to excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Finance Manager
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Agora Talent. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Finance Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Agora Talent.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Agora Talent's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Agora Talent
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Agora Talent.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Agora Talent will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Agora Talent employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
