At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial finance, optimise pricing, and manage stock for a leading consumer brand.
- Company: Established consumer brand with a strong online and retail presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 20% bonus, private healthcare, and hybrid working.
- Other info: Opportunity to build a team and influence key business decisions.
- Why this job: Shape financial strategies and drive impactful decisions in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified ACA, ACCA or CIMA with 5+ years in commercial finance.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
An established consumer brand, selling through its own stores and online, is looking for a commercially sharp qualified accountant to lead commercial finance from London.
Why this role exists:
- The business wants to make better decisions on what it sells, how it prices and how much stock it holds.
- It needs a senior finance partner sitting right alongside the commercial teams to make that happen.
- This role is newly created, and you'd start as an individual contributor with a clear plan to build a team underneath you.
Where you'd add value:
- Sitting with the commercial teams in London and challenging them on range, pricing and stock.
- Owning the margin story, from gross margin and contribution through to price, volume and mix.
- Working out which promotions earn their keep and building the framework to judge future ones.
- Keeping a close eye on stock ageing, sell through and cover, and turning surplus stock into cash.
- Leading the commercial forecast and feeding into the budget and long range plan.
- Writing business cases and taking them to the exec team and the Board.
- Pushing reporting forward with Power BI.
Requirements:
- Fully qualified ACA, ACCA or CIMA (part qualified or qualified by experience won't be considered).
- At least 5 years post qualified experience in commercial finance, FP&A or business partnering.
- Hands on ownership of pricing, margin and inventory analysis in a retail, consumer goods or branded product business.
- A track record of partnering commercial teams such as buying, merchandising, trading or sales.
- Already living within a reasonable commute of central London.
- Full right to work in the UK, with no sponsorship needed now or in the future.
- Happy to travel to the Midlands on a monthly basis.
What's on offer:
- Circa £100,000 base, with some flexibility on salary for an exceptional individual.
- 20% bonus, on the same scheme as the exec team.
- Up to 10% matched pension.
- Private healthcare, income protection and life cover.
- Hybrid working, 4 days in the London office and 1 from home, with flexitime.
Head of Commercial Finance in London employer: Distinct | B Corp
Distinct, a certified B Corp in Nottingham, offers an exceptional work environment for the Finance Manager role, fostering a culture of collaboration and growth. With a clear succession plan leading to the Finance Director position, employees benefit from hands-on experience in finance and commercial partnering, alongside competitive compensation and a generous pension scheme. The company's commitment to sustainability and social responsibility makes it a meaningful place to advance your career while making a positive impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial Finance in London
✨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 Distinct | 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 Head of Commercial Finance in London
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 Distinct | 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 Distinct | 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 Distinct | 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 Distinct | 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 Distinct | 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 Distinct | 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.
