Senior Finance Associate in London

Who We Are

AS Watson is the world's largest international health and beauty retailer with over 17,000 stores in 31 markets. Each year, over 5.3 billion customers and members shop with our well-known retail brands, both online and offline, including Superdrug, Kruidvat, Watson's, Marionnaud, The Perfume Shop, and many more.

Overview

This is a pivotal role focused on strengthening AS Watson's internal control environment by delivering operational and financial audits across a wide range of business units. You will collaborate closely with management to identify pragmatic, efficient, and cost‑effective solutions that drive improvements across retail operations, balance sheet controls, and business processes. You'll take ownership of the more complex areas of each project, leverage data analytics and AI to enhance audit quality, and act as a trusted partner to some of our most significant business units. This role offers exposure across Europe and Asia, giving you the opportunity to shape governance standards at a truly global scale.

A Typical Day in This Role

• Carry out operational and financial audit activities across multiple retail processes, assessing the strength and effectiveness of internal controls.
• Lead the more technically complex or judgment‑heavy elements of each audit engagement, offering insight and guidance to the wider project team.
• Apply data analytics and AI tools to enhance the depth of your analysis and support more robust, risk‑based conclusions.
• Support associates in preparing twice yearly internal control reports and quarterly updates for Group management, ensuring information is clear and evidence‑backed.
• Serve as the key internal controls partner for up to two major business units, reviewing their self‑assessments and challenging outcomes where needed.
• Conduct special reviews commissioned by Group or Business Unit Management, such as bespoke customer journey assessments across online and offline channels.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders and lead discussions with process owners, FCS leadership, and other Group functions, while spending 40–60% of your time on overseas assignments.

The role will be a good fit for you if:

• You thrive on solving complex problems and enjoy using data‑driven insights to improve processes.
• You bring a collaborative mindset and enjoy building strong working relationships across diverse teams and markets.
• You're motivated by delivering high‑quality work that drives meaningful change in the business.
• You're comfortable constructively challenging stakeholders and guiding them toward better control outcomes.
• You enjoy mentoring others and supporting the development of junior team members.
• You stay organised, manage competing priorities with ease, and maintain strong attention to detail.
• You're excited by the opportunity to work internationally and take on varied, impactful projects.

What You Will Need

• Fully qualified in ACA (ICAEW), ACCA, or an equivalent qualification (part‑qualified may be considered depending on experience).
• 3-5 years of experience, ideally within external or internal audit (other finance or commercial backgrounds also considered).
• Strong accounting knowledge and the ability to evaluate controls across financial and operational processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.
• A problem‑solving mindset with the confidence to challenge existing processes and suggest improvements.
• Data analytics skills (e.g., Power BI or similar tools) are highly desirable.

What You Will Get From Us

• Competitive Salary and Bonus Scheme
• Exclusive Discounts – Enjoy savings across our iconic brands.
• Holiday Entitlement
• Hybrid Working Model
• Refer‑a‑Friend Scheme – Share opportunities and earn rewards.
• Learning and Development Opportunities – Grow your skills with tailored programmes.
• Mental Health and Wellbeing Support – Because your wellbeing matters.
• Life Assurance – Peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
• Interest‑Free Loans – Financial support if you need it, without the extra cost.