At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide financial analysis and insights to support strategic business decisions.
- Company: Join Farnell, a global leader in technology distribution with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, 25 days holiday, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with direct exposure to business leaders and strategic initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on commercial decisions and shape the future of finance.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in finance, strong analytical skills, and ability to communicate complex data.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.
Farnell, an Avnet company, is a global distributor of electronic components, products and solutions, supporting engineers and businesses worldwide. Based at our Leeds head office on Canal Road, our finance team plays a critical role in providing insight, governance and commercial challenge to support strong decision‑making across a complex, fast‑moving organisation.
As Commercial Finance Manager, you will provide high‑quality financial analysis, forecasting and commercial insight to support business planning and performance management. Reporting to the Senior Manager, FP&A, you will act as a subject matter expert, partnering closely with senior stakeholders to interpret financial and operational data, develop models and scenarios, and influence strategic and commercial decisions. This role requires a strong blend of technical finance expertise, commercial acumen and the confidence to operate independently in a senior, highly visible position.
Along with offering a competitive salary package, what's in it for you?
- A supportive team environment where everyone is working toward the same goal.
- A strong open-door policy within management.
- An environment where you will be given the tools and opportunities to further your career.
- A senior, influential role within an established FP&A and commercial finance function.
- Direct exposure to business leaders and strategic initiatives.
- Opportunity to shape financial planning, forecasting and performance reporting.
- A role with real impact on commercial decisions and long‑range business outcomes.
- Career development opportunities within Farnell and the wider Avnet organisation.
- Pension scheme.
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays with the option to buy additional holiday.
- FREE Onsite Parking.
- Flexible hybrid working.
- Reward schemes – i.e. EV Car Scheme.
What will you be doing?
- Providing analytical and commercial finance support to leaders across the global Farnell business, including P&L forecasting, investment appraisal, scenario planning, budgeting and cost analysis.
- Developing financial forecasts, models and business cases to support strategic and operational decision‑making.
- Conducting economic and financial analysis covering areas such as returns on investment, working capital, depreciation, investment performance and regulatory impacts.
- Gathering, analysing and summarising data to support financial plans, acquisition activity, future requirements and operating forecasts.
- Working closely with the regional accounting teams during month‑end close to provide insight, critique, challenge and review of financial performance in your areas of responsibility.
- Producing high‑quality standard and ad‑hoc reporting, including trend analysis, forecasting, narrative commentary, bridge analysis and what-if scenarios.
- Owning production and distribution of financial reports to ensure accuracy and integrity of results.
- Partnering with management to develop, monitor and report on key performance indicators, including providing appropriate support and challenge (where required) to potential business decisions.
- Supporting the development, preparation and presentation of short‑ and long‑range financial plans, including operating expense budgets for particular global functions.
- Acting as a trusted advisor to stakeholders, providing insight, challenge and recommendations on complex financial matters.
What about you?
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, with typically 8+ years’ experience in business partnering, FP&A or a similar role.
- Strong knowledge of GAAP and experience working with complex accounting and financial systems.
- Proven ability to operate as a subject matter expert, advising management on complex financial and commercial issues.
- Highly analytical, with strong financial modelling, forecasting and data interpretation skills.
- Comfortable working independently, using sound judgement to evaluate options and make recommendations.
- Confident communicator, able to translate complex financial information into clear, actionable insight for non-Finance senior stakeholders.
- Experience influencing stakeholders and contributing to policy, process and reporting improvements.
If this role interests you and you’re looking for a senior commercial finance role where your insight and judgement can make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today to join Farnell’s Leeds‑based finance team and help shape informed, data‑driven business decisions.
Commercial Finance Manager employer: Avnet
Farnell, an Avnet company, is an excellent employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a competitive benefits package, including a pension scheme and flexible working options, our Leeds head office fosters a supportive work culture where you can thrive while balancing your personal and professional life. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that values collaboration and innovation across the UK, Nordics, and Ireland.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Finance Manager
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Avnet. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Avnet.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Avnet. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Finance Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Avnet and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Avnet how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Avnet
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Avnet.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Avnet's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
