At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage payroll and corporate costs while providing financial insights to senior stakeholders.
- Company: Join a leading luxury retail business with a strong finance team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Mentor junior finance professionals and drive process improvements.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial performance in a dynamic retail environment.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with experience in commercial finance and budgeting.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 70000 £ per year.
Commercial Finance Manager – Payroll & Corporate Costs
Location
Central London
Salary
Up to £70,000 per annum
Contract
12-month Fixed-Term Contract
Working Model
Hybrid – 3 days in the office
The Opportunity
We’re partnering with a leading luxury retail business to recruit a Commercial Finance Manager on a 12-month fixed-term contract.
This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially minded, fully qualified finance professional to join a well-established Finance team, taking ownership of key corporate cost areas while partnering closely with senior stakeholders across the business.
The role will have a particular focus on head office payroll and corporate costs, providing financial insight, challenging expenditure and identifying opportunities to improve business performance.
You’ll play an integral role in budgeting, forecasting, management reporting and commercial decision-making, while also supporting and developing up to two Finance Analysts.
Key Responsibilities
- Take ownership of head office payroll and corporate cost budgets, monitoring expenditure and identifying risks and opportunities.
- Act as a trusted finance business partner to senior stakeholders, providing commercial insight and challenging costs where appropriate.
- Lead budgeting, forecasting and long-range financial planning activities.
- Deliver monthly management accounts, including detailed variance analysis and performance commentary.
- Develop financial models, business cases and investment appraisals to support commercial decisions.
- Identify opportunities to improve cost efficiency, productivity and profitability.
- Oversee balance sheet reconciliations, ensuring accuracy and robust financial controls.
- Build strong relationships across Finance and wider business functions, influencing stakeholders and driving accountability.
- Support process improvements, reporting efficiencies and the effective use of emerging technologies.
- Manage, mentor and develop up to two Finance Analysts, supporting their technical and professional growth.
What We're Looking For
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA)
- Strong experience within commercial finance, FP&A or finance business partnering.
- Experience managing budgets, forecasts, OPEX and significant cost centres.
- Confident partnering with senior stakeholders and constructively challenging financial decisions.
- Strong management accounting and financial reporting capabilities.
- Advanced Excel skills, with experience building and maintaining financial models.
- Experience managing, mentoring or developing junior finance professionals is highly desirable.
- Background within retail, FMCG, consumer or another fast-paced commercial environment would be advantageous.
- Exposure to payroll, headcount or corporate cost management would be beneficial.
Commercial Finance Manager in London employer: Agora Talent
Join a dynamic and innovative team at a fast-growing premium consumer brand, where you will have the opportunity to take ownership of your role and make a significant impact on the operational success of the business. With a strong focus on employee development, a collaborative work culture, and the chance to work cross-functionally, this position offers not just a job, but a pathway to meaningful career growth in a thriving environment. Enjoy competitive compensation and the unique advantage of being part of a brand that values creativity and efficiency in its operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Finance Manager in London
✨Get Involved in Financial Networks
Join local financial associations or forums where you can connect with professionals in financial-controlling. Networking events often lead to temporary positions, as companies look for quick hires when they need extra hands.
✨Showcase Your Skills on Temporary Job Boards
Focus on platforms that specifically cater to temporary roles in finance. Sites like Reed or Totaljobs often list short-term gigs that are perfect for getting your foot in the door, and you can apply directly through our website for roles at Agora Talent.
✨Leverage Your Uni's Career Services
If you're still in university, tap into your career services for internship or temporary job placements. They often have insider info on companies like Agora Talent looking for temporary financial support, and they might help you polish your pitch.
✨Flexible Availability is Key
For temporary positions in financial-controlling, your availability can make a huge difference. Highlight your willingness to start immediately or work irregular hours when speaking to employers. This flexibility can land you that sought-after role!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Finance Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Aces:In the financial controlling game, grades and relevant certifications can make a significant difference. Be sure to highlight your academic achievements, like finance-related coursework and any professional certifications you’ve got on your CV that show you’re clued up in this area. It’s all about demonstrating that you’re not just good at numbers but also know your stuff!
Quantify Your Achievements:When applying for a temporary role in financial controlling, make sure your CV reflects any previous experience with real, measurable outcomes. Use numbers to showcase your past successes, like percentage improvements in budgeting or cost savings you’ve achieved in previous roles. This not only gives us insights into your capabilities but also tells us you're results-driven.
Personalise Your Application:We love seeing applicants who take the time to tailor their applications! In your cover letter, mention why you’re particularly interested in the temporary role with Agora Talent and how your specific skills and experiences align with the job. Show us that you see this role as an opportunity to contribute, even if it's for a short stint!
Flexibility is Key:Since this is a temporary position, make sure to highlight your availability in your application. We’re interested in knowing how soon you can start and if you’re open to working flexible hours. This shows us your eagerness to jump right in and adapt to the dynamic needs of our team at Agora Talent.
How to prepare for a job interview at Agora Talent
✨Get Hands-On with Financial Tools
Being in financial controlling means you’ll likely be working with various software like Excel, Power BI, or even SAP. Make sure you brush up on these tools and prepare to discuss your experience using them. Being able to reference specific projects or analyses where you employed these programs will definitely give you an edge.
✨Prepare for Technical Financial Questions
Expect scenario-based questions where you might need to analyse financial statements or suggest budgetary strategies during the interview. Practising common financial concepts like variance analysis or cost control measures will not only boost your confidence but also prove your suitability for the role.
✨Show Your Flexibility and Adaptability
As this is a temporary position, the interviewers will want to see that you can hit the ground running. Be sure to highlight any previous short-term roles or projects where you successfully adapted to new environments quickly – this will showcase your readiness to tackle challenges head-on.
✨Highlight Your Commitment to Precision
In financial controlling, attention to detail is absolutely crucial. Be ready to provide examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to spot discrepancies and ensure accuracy in financial reporting. Your precision could be the factor that sets you apart in a temporary role like this one!
