At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial analysis and strategy for Trading and Returns at ASOS.
- Company: Join ASOS, a global fashion retailer that celebrates individuality and creativity.
- Benefits: Enjoy employee discounts, flexible benefits, and 25 days of annual leave plus a bonus day.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape commercial strategy and drive growth in a dynamic retail environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in senior commercial finance roles.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Company Description
We're ASOS, the online retailer for fashion lovers all around the world. We exist to give our customers the confidence to be whoever they want to be, and that goes for our people too. At ASOS, you're free to be your true self without judgement, and channel your creativity into a platform used by millions. Everyone needs some help showing up as their best self. We're Disability Confident Committed - let our Talent team know if you need any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
Job Description
The Finance Manager will be responsible for leading the Trading and Returns area within Commercial Finance. The role requires a highly experienced individual with a strong track record operating in fast-paced retail/ecommerce environments. They will bring deep expertise in financial modelling, trading performance analysis and returns economics, and the ability to translate complex data into clear actionable insight to be presented back to senior stakeholders. The role blends current trading analysis and forward-looking commercial insights to drive topline growth and profitability while ensuring financial rigour, clarity and value creation. This role will lead high‑performing finance analysts, influence senior stakeholders, and play a critical role in shaping commercial strategy across the business.
The Details
- Business partnering & commercial strategy: Build deep, trusted relationships with Director and Exec-level stakeholders. Support the ASOS long-term strategy by creating clear financial plans and measurable KPIs across Trading and Returns. Challenge and influence stakeholders constructively to optimise commercial outcomes.
- Financial performance, insight & storytelling: Own commercial trading performance, including all key trading KPIs and be comfortable presenting back analysis to senior stakeholders. Lead forecasting, budgeting and planning cycles for trading functions, ensuring clear links between strategy, performance and outcomes. Be the story teller for Trade & Returns at Month End, working closely with our Financial Accounting and FP&A team. Deliver clear, forward-looking insights on trading performance and key business drivers.
- Business planning & investment: Evaluate and support key trading & commercial initiatives, with quantifiable analysis and performance tracking post go-live. Ensure appropriate governance and financial discipline around spend and investment decisions.
- Leadership & team development: Foster a culture of ownership, curiosity, collaboration and continuous improvement. Lead and develop 2 high performing commercial finance analysts. Build strong succession, capability and engagement across the team. Supporting our culture by championing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion strategies.
- Process, controls & improvement: Maintain control without slowing down pace, ensuring appropriate governance in a dynamic trading environment. Drive simplification, automation and continuous improvement in finance processes and reporting. Ongoing improvements in leveraging AI tools and techniques (e.g. Automation and generative AI) to drive growth across the business. Partner closely with FP&A to ensure consistency, accuracy and efficiencies.
We believe being together in person helps us move faster, connect more deeply, and achieve more as a team. That’s why our approach to working together includes spending at least 3 days a week in the office. It’s a rhythm that speeds up decision‑making, helps ASOSers learn from each other more quickly, and builds the kind of culture where people can grow, create, and succeed.
Qualifications
- Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent)
- Significant post-qualified experience with a proven track record of operating in senior commercial finance roles within highly dynamic trading environments.
- Experience partnering senior leaders and influencing at Director/Exec level.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to translate financial insight into business action.
- Experience leading and developing high performing finance teams.
- Advanced financial modelling, forecasting and analytical skills.
- Track record of supporting business change, transformation or growth initiatives.
BeneFITS
- Employee discount (hello ASOS discount!)
- Employee sample sales
- 25 days paid annual leave + an extra celebration day for a special moment
- Discretionary bonus scheme
- Private medical care scheme
- Flexible benefits allowance - which you can choose to take as extra cash, or use towards other benefits
- Opportunity for personalised learning and in-the-moment experiences that enable you to thrive and excel in your role
Finance Manager - Customer & Commercial employer: ASOS
At ASOS, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive and dynamic workplace where creativity thrives and every employee is encouraged to be their authentic self. As a Finance Manager in our vibrant London office, you'll enjoy a supportive culture that champions diversity and offers extensive growth opportunities, alongside competitive benefits such as generous annual leave, private medical care, and an employee discount. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the fast-paced world of fashion retail while collaborating with talented professionals who are passionate about driving success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager - Customer & Commercial
✨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 ASOS. 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 Finance Manager - Customer & Commercial
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 ASOS.
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 ASOS'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 ASOS
✨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 ASOS.
✨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 ASOS 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 ASOS 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.