At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive financial performance and provide strategic insights to boost retail growth.
- Company: Respected UK retailer with a strong national presence and loyal customers.
- Benefits: Up to 30% bonus, private medical, hybrid working, and enhanced pension.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth and collaboration across various teams.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make impactful financial decisions in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified finance leader with 5+ years of experience and advanced Excel skills.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for an ambitious individual to join a highly respected commercial finance function in a national retailer. If you’re an agile and commercial qualified finance leader, this could be a fantastic role for you.
About the Company
- UK retailer with a strong national footprint and a loyal customer base
- Strong future operating model in a sharper, more agile environment
- Backed by significant investment in digital, stores and governance to support long-term commercial strength
The Role
As a Senior Commercial Finance Manager, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the financial performance to drive growth of the retail business. This position will involve providing financial analysis, insights, and strategic recommendations to improve profitability, optimise operational efficiency, and drive business decisions. The role requires a strong understanding of retail dynamics and the ability to work cross-functionally with commercial, operations, and senior leadership teams.
Responsibilities
- Support in the regular reporting to senior management on financial performance, forecasts, and key business metrics
- Use financial data to provide actionable insights into operational and commercial performance, identifying areas of opportunity or concern
- Own the Month end review process with Area Managers and Directors, ensuring risk and opportunities are identified
- Own the budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes for the retail business
- Provide insightful analysis of financial performance, highlighting key drivers of variance to budget and forecast
- Monitor and assess retail KPIs, identifying trends and offering actionable recommendations to the business, whilst challenging stakeholders
- Partner with the commercial teams to assess and evaluate potential new initiatives, product launches, and promotional activities
- Support pricing and discounting strategies through financial modelling and margin analysis
- Build strong relationships with commercial, Retail, VM, Property and operational teams to influence business decisions and drive financial outcomes
- Provide financial support to key stakeholders across the business, ensuring they have the information and tools to make informed decisions
- Monitor the post-implementation financial performance of new initiatives, adjusting strategies as needed
- Deliver insightful Board reporting with a focus on the story behind the numbers rather than production of pure data led information
- Lead and mentor the team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and professional growth
The Ideal Candidate
- Qualified with a minimum of 5 years PQE and previous management experience
- An expert modeller with advanced Excel skills and experience building accurate financial models from scratch
- The ability to create insightful, concise and clear presentations
- Commercially curious, draw conclusions and propose recommendations
- Proven track record in driving business results through financial insights and strategic planning
- Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Previous experience in a Retail business is essential
- Excellent business partnering and stakeholder engagement skills
What they offer
- Up to 30% bonus
- Private Medical
- Hybrid working (2 days in London)
- Enhanced Pension
How to Apply
We want to hear from you if you’re excited about this opportunity and believe you have what it takes to excel in this role. Apply now for further information.
About Aila Recruitment
Aila is a specialist finance recruitment business dedicated to providing the best jobs to the best people. We operate as an extended arm of our client's business and a career coach for our candidates' ongoing development.
Senior Commercial Finance Manager in England employer: Aila Recruitment | B Corp
Join a leading UK retailer that values ambition and innovation, offering a dynamic work culture where your contributions directly impact financial performance and strategic growth. With significant investment in digital transformation and a commitment to employee development, this role provides an excellent opportunity for professional growth while enjoying competitive benefits such as a generous salary, car allowance, and hybrid working arrangements in the vibrant city of London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commercial Finance Manager in England
✨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.
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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 Aila Recruitment | B Corp. 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 Senior Commercial Finance Manager in England
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 Aila Recruitment | B Corp.
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 Aila Recruitment | B Corp'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 Aila Recruitment | B Corp
✨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 Aila Recruitment | B Corp.
✨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 Aila Recruitment | B Corp 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 Aila Recruitment | B Corp 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.
