At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage financial governance and optimise working capital for a leading global brand.
- Company: Join Colgate-Palmolive, a trusted name in consumer products worldwide.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, learning opportunities, and potential for international career growth.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial strategies while working with global brands.
- Qualifications: Relevant accounting qualification and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 58500 - 71500 £ per year.
No Relocation Assistance Offered
Job Number #177070 - Surrey, England, United Kingdom
Who We Are
Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specializing in Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, Skin Care, and Pet Nutrition. Our products are trusted in more households than any other brand in the world, making us a household name! Join Colgate-Palmolive, a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for people, their pets, and our planet. Guided by our core values-Caring, Inclusive, and Courageous-we foster a culture that inspires our people to achieve common goals. Together, let's build a brighter, healthier future for all.
Hub: Northern Europe
Reporting to: Budget & Planning Director
Salary Range: 59400 - 66000
Why Work For Colgate Palmolive
- The learning & development opportunities: You will refine your commercial mind-set and continue to learn new skills working closely with a cross-functional team giving you exposure to all local market departments.
- The challenge & variety: You will operate in a fast paced operational environment, directly impacting the day-to-day performance of the business, with personal accountability for your business.
- The global experience: You will have the opportunity to work with global brands, participate in global strategies with potential to develop your career internationally.
- The Colgate Values: Caring, global teamwork and continuous improvement are integral to how we operate every day.
Job Purpose
The Finance Manager supports financial governance, balance sheet integrity, and compliance across the Northern Europe Hub. The role plays a key part in delivering plan-to-actual variance analysis across statutory accounts, transfer pricing, treasury, and payroll, while driving working capital efficiencies and process optimization.
Main Responsibilities:
- Oversee end-to-end balance sheet integrity, driving robust monthly balance sheet reconciliations, aging reviews, and resolution of open items across Hub entities.
- Collaborate on statutory financial statement and audits.
- Oversee end-to-end transfer pricing execution, intercompany agreements, and policy alignment with global tax guidelines and local regulations.
- Drive performance across key working capital levers (Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Inventory) to release cash.
- Partner across functions to identify cash enhancement opportunities, refine free cash flow forecasting, and optimize the cash conversion cycle.
- Critically evaluate and redesign B&P and financial reporting workflows to eliminate redundancy, accelerate close timelines, and enhance accuracy.
Key Competencies
- Financial Expertise: expertise in statutory reporting, transfer pricing, corporate tax, payroll compliance, balance sheet reconciliations, and cash flow/working capital modeling.
- Systems Proficiency: Advanced Microsoft Excel, Google Workspace, SAP, and Business Warehouse skills.
- Relevant accounting qualification (ACCA, CIMA, ACA).
- Strong ability to prioritize tasks, meet strict deadlines, and manage complex cross-functional deliverables.
Personal Attributes
- Exceptional interpersonal skills with a proven track record of building cross-functional trust and collaborating across remote locations.
- High numerical accuracy, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage ambiguity, adapt quickly to changing circumstances, and handle confidential information discreetly.
- Self-accountable, proactive, and driven to achieve high-quality results with speed.
Key Challenges
- Able to work within strict deadlines dictated by internal and external guidelines.
- Working with Nordic business partners based in a different location.
- Balancing complex statutory, tax, and control requirements while actively driving working capital optimization and streamlining B&P reporting workflows.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
Our journey begins with our people-developing strong talent with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to best serve our consumers around the world and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. We are dedicated to ensuring that each individual can be their authentic self, is treated with respect, and is empowered by leadership to contribute meaningfully to our business.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Colgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status (United States positions), or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities.
Finance Manager employer: Colgate-Palmolive Company
Colgate-Palmolive Company is an exceptional employer located in Surrey, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will have access to comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring you build a rewarding career in commercial sales. The company's commitment to diversity and inclusion, coupled with its focus on sustainability, makes it a unique place to work where your contributions truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager
✨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 Colgate-Palmolive Company. 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
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 Colgate-Palmolive Company.
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 Colgate-Palmolive Company'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 Colgate-Palmolive Company
✨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 Colgate-Palmolive Company.
✨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 Colgate-Palmolive Company 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 Colgate-Palmolive Company 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.