Finance Data Analyst

At WHSmith our people are at the heart of everything we do. They are the ones that go the extra mile for our customers. The ones that enable our growth. That’s why our Finance Transformation team is passionate about creating an environment where people can be creative and trailblazing in order to do their best work. We are looking for a commercially astute and delivery-focused Finance Analyst to support the Finance Transformation Programme. This is a hands-on role where you will work closely with project teams, finance leadership, and operational stakeholders to help shape and embed changes across the finance function. You’ll combine strong core finance experience with a passion for improvement, playing a key role in translating transformation initiatives into practical, effective outcomes.

What you will be doing:

• Support the implementation of new finance systems, tools, and processes across key workstreams (Purchase Ordering systems/processes, Supplier Income Management etc).
• Ability to complete data cleanse activities end-to-end to ensure seamless processes.
• Collaborate with project managers, IT, and third-party vendors to ensure solutions meet business needs.
• Lead or support testing, data validation, and user acceptance activities to ensure high-quality delivery.
• Assist in process documentation, controls design, and training materials to support knowledge transfer and operational readiness.
• Identify process inefficiencies and recommend practical improvements that enhance accuracy and efficiency.
• Provide hands-on support during transition periods, particularly during key finance cycles.
• Contribute to change management activities by engaging stakeholders, providing feedback, and ensuring the finance team is supported through change.

What we are looking for:

• Qualified accountant (CIMA/ACCA/ACA) with a solid grounding in financial operations, reporting, and planning.
• Experience in supporting or leading elements of finance transformation programmes, ideally in a retail or fast-moving environment.
• Strong systems knowledge—familiarity with ERPs (e.g. Oracle, SAP), planning tools (e.g. Anaplan, TM1), or reporting platforms is an advantage.
• A proactive mindset with the ability to problem-solve, work independently, and deliver at pace.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills—comfortable collaborating across finance and non-finance teams.
• Comfortable working in ambiguity and with competing priorities in a fast-changing environment.
• Prior exposure to testing, data migration, or finance system implementation is a plus.

How we reward our teams:

• Hybrid Working Model from home and in the office.
• 4pm Friday Finish.
• Flexible Working.
• 25 Days holiday, plus your Birthday off, plus Bank Holidays with an opportunity to buy extra days holiday.
• Family Friendly Leave.
• Company Pension scheme.
• Sharesave Scheme.
• Annual Bonus based on company and personal performance.
• Competitive Salary and Car Allowance.
• Private Medical.

About us:

Celebrating 230 years, we’re proud to have grown and evolved into a globally recognised brand present in over 30 countries around the world, and we’re proud to be that air of familiarity people love and trust on their journey, both in life and through life. As a diverse group of over 12,000 colleagues, we are all on the same journey to a better business through our commitments to our planet, people and the communities we serve. Our UK Travel office is based in a buzzing part of central London close to Liverpool Street Station. We are an ambitious team that thrives on pace, collaboration and innovation resulting in a real entrepreneurial culture. It’s perfect for people who are happy to use their initiative and embrace life outside their comfort zone. WHSmith are proud to be an inclusive employer, we want our colleagues to feel welcome, and free to be themselves with us.