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- Tasks: Support finance operations, analyse performance, and optimise costs across multiple sites.
- Company: Join DS Smith, a forward-thinking company with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, pension scheme, life assurance, and shopping discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving financial insights and supporting operational improvements.
- Qualifications: Qualified or part-qualified ACA/ACCA/CIMA with multi-site financial experience.
- Other info: Hybrid working with opportunities for travel and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are excited to offer an excellent opportunity for a motivated and forward-thinking finance professional to join DS Smith as an Operations Finance Manager. This maternity-cover role sits within our Operations Finance Industrial team and provides critical support to the Operations Finance Business Partner, working closely with multiple sites.
In this role, you will partner with various operational teams to proactively assess business challenges, deliver insightful analysis, identify solutions that optimise operational costs and support future improvement projects. You will take ownership of month-end activities, ensuring accuracy and timeliness, while also supporting budgeting and forecasting cycles.
Key Responsibilities:- Review operational performance across multiple sites to identify trends, opportunities, and risks
- Consolidate financial results from all sites within the cluster into clear and accurate reporting
- Present insightful financial analysis that challenges existing processes and highlights efficiency opportunities
- Support the preparation and coordination of internal audits and unit control reviews
- Contribute to wider governance activities, ensuring compliance with internal standards and controls
We are looking for someone with:
- Is qualified or part-qualified ACA/ACCA/CIMA (or equivalent), with relevant experience
- Has proven experience managing multi-site P&Ls and delivering multi-site financial consolidations
- Takes a strong commercial view and can interpret operational performance from a financial perspective
- Brings strong experience in financial governance, management, reporting, and analysis
- Strong IT and systems capability, with solid Excel skills (intermediate to advanced preferred)
- Communicates confidently and can influence stakeholders at all levels, regardless of financial understanding
- Is comfortable presenting financial insights to senior stakeholders
Additional benefits include:
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Income protection
- Employee assistance program
- Cycle to work scheme
- Shopping discounts
Location: Hybrid/remote working, with travel to Birmingham and Hinckley as needed
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Operations Finance Manager employer: DS Smith Packaging Limited
Contact Detail:
DS Smith Packaging Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Finance Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who work in operations. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its operations. Understand their financial challenges and think of ways you could add value. This shows you're not just another candidate; you're someone who’s ready to make an impact!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! You’ll need to communicate financial insights clearly, so grab a friend and run through your analysis. The more confident you are, the better you'll connect with stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Finance Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Operations Finance Manager role. Highlight your experience with multi-site P&Ls and financial consolidations, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your skills in financial governance and analysis.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you're the perfect fit for this maternity cover role. Mention your qualifications (like ACA/ACCA/CIMA) and how your past experiences align with our needs. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: In your application, don’t forget to demonstrate your ability to deliver insightful financial analysis. Share examples of how you've identified trends or opportunities in previous roles. We love seeing candidates who can think critically and challenge existing processes.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and submit your materials!
How to prepare for a job interview at DS Smith Packaging Limited
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Operations Finance Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed multi-site P&Ls in the past. Prepare examples of how your analysis has led to cost optimisation or improved operational efficiency.
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with DS Smith's operations and the specific challenges they face. Research their recent projects or initiatives and think about how your skills can contribute to their success. This will show that you're not just a finance whiz but also someone who understands the bigger picture.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask you to solve hypothetical business challenges. Think about how you would approach assessing operational performance or presenting financial insights to stakeholders. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be influencing stakeholders at all levels, it's crucial to demonstrate your communication prowess. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated complex financial information in the past. Use clear, concise language and be ready to adapt your style based on your audience's understanding.
