At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as an FP&A Accountant, analysing financial plans and improving operational efficiency.
- Company: Howdens Joinery is the UK's top trade-only kitchen supplier with a strong reputation for quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, and 25 days holiday plus staff discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a top-rated workplace, contributing to strategic initiatives and making impactful decisions.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant (CIMA/ACCA/ACA) with experience in financial planning and analysis required.
- Other info: Work in a hybrid model, 4 days in the office and 1 day from home.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
Howdens Joinery, the UKs No 1 Trade only Kitchen Supplier with over 850 depots, has built a reputation that builders can trust through offering best local price and providing product from local stock. We have achieved our substantial success by investing in our people which is why we have been awarded a place in the top 30 Best Big Companies to Work for in the Sunday Times for recognition of excellence in the workplace.
If you are considering sending an application, make sure to hit the apply button below after reading through the entire description.
Financial Planning and Analysis Accountant
Based in our Watford offices and reporting to the Head of Trade Strategy and Capital Appraisal the purpose of this role is to leverage systems to support in the preparation and analysis of financial plans, forecasts and Key strategic initiatives. Focus will be on improving the operational efficiency in delivering key financial reporting to support effective decision making.
The Trade Division Finance team produces robust strategic financial plans that are tracked both in the short and long term, evaluate returns on investments on new initiatives and ensure risks are appropriately managed.
The team work in the office 4 days a week with the other from home.
Areas of Responsibility
– Annual Budgeting and Quarterly forecasts (P&L, Balance sheet and Cash flow, Capex)
– Medium and Long-term plans
– Evaluate return on investment and create plans for New strategic initiatives
– Evaluate growth opportunities in Depot network (New Depots, Cannibalisation, Cities)
– Support the management of operational and financial risk (Trade insurance, depot expansions and property portfolio)
– Indirect Procurement for the trade division, support operational teams in negotiating new contracts, manage risk and deliver strong commercials.
– Support Trade Divisional director with strategic insight
Responsibilities in brief
– Support the Head of Trade Strategy and Capital Appraisal in the production of financial strategic models and analysis. Ensure Top-down Strategic plans are translated into the operational depot plans for 850+ Depots.
– Continuously review the financial strategic models and make improvements working closely with Strategy/Risk Accountant and operational finance teams to ensure the depot models remain robust and evolve in line with the latest systems
– Increase departmental productivity by continually developing reporting and budgeting tools with more automation; eliminating duplications; coordinating information requirements. Ensure effective cross departmental communication with the relevant stakeholders.
– Provide information to management by assembling and summarising data; preparing reports; making presentations of findings, analysis, and recommendations on key strategic initiatives.
– Use of MVplus analytics (GIS Mapping software) to analyse potential future depot locations, to help shape informed decision making around depot locations and performance.
– Collaborate closely with our external partners (Adept Insight and any other consultants) to ensure any projects are completed on a timely manner and the key deliverables are met.
– Main point of contact for all Trade division wide indirect procurement contract Renewals. Ensure contracts are renewed in a timely and efficient manner, working closely with the internal and external stakeholders.
– Involvement in the annual insurance renewal process and quarterly updates,
– Deputise for Head of Trade Strategy and Capital Appraisal when required.
Skills and Experience
– Qualified Accountant (CIMA/ACCA/ACA) β With Financial reporting systems experience
– Previous experience in a financial planning and analysis role in a medium or large organisation
– Highly analytical with the ability to use reporting tools to draw insights from complex data and provide meaningful analysis and commentary.
– Advanced Excel
– Business Objects (Or Similar BI systems) and SAP
Personal Qualities
– Ability to balance the need for detail with the bigger strategic goal
– Effective communicator, both written and oral, at any level
– Build effective relationships with a wide range of Stakeholders
– Ability and desire to think out of the box to find innovative solutions to challenges
– Enjoys considering and answering complex questions and scenarios
– Initiative-taker and collaborator willing and able to support others
Howdens deeply value team working and reward our people in line with individual and team success through a competitive package of benefits including;
– Highly competitive salary
– Car Allowance
– Bonus
– Matched contribution pension scheme up to 12%
– Team incentives
– 25 days holiday
– Staff discount on Howdens products
How to apply
If Howdens sounds like the kind of place where you can build and develop your career, then weβre keen to hear from you. When you apply, you will need to attach a CV for this role.
Howdens is founded on the principle of being Worthwhile for ALL concerned. Weβre working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email (url removed) with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you.
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FP&A Accountant employer: Howdens Joinery
Contact Detail:
Howdens Joinery Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land FP&A Accountant
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Howdens' business model and their financial planning processes. Understanding their operational efficiency and strategic initiatives will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.
β¨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Howdens, especially those in finance roles. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations for the FP&A Accountant position.
β¨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your Excel skills and become proficient in Business Objects or similar BI systems. Being able to showcase your analytical abilities with these tools will set you apart from other candidates.
β¨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you've previously improved financial reporting processes or contributed to strategic decision-making. Real-life examples will illustrate your capability to add value to Howdens' finance team.
We think you need these skills to ace FP&A Accountant
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in financial planning and analysis. Emphasise your qualifications (CIMA/ACCA/ACA) and any specific tools you've used, like advanced Excel or SAP.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that connects your skills and experiences to the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Mention your ability to analyse complex data and provide strategic insights, as these are key for the role.
Showcase Analytical Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've used reporting tools to draw insights from data. Highlight any past experiences where your analytical skills led to improved operational efficiency or decision-making.
Highlight Communication Abilities: Since effective communication is crucial for this role, include instances where you've successfully communicated complex information to stakeholders. This could be through presentations or reports you've prepared.
How to prepare for a job interview at Howdens Joinery
β¨Know Your Numbers
As an FP&A Accountant, you'll be expected to have a strong grasp of financial metrics. Brush up on key financial concepts like P&L, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. Be prepared to discuss how you've used these in previous roles.
β¨Showcase Analytical Skills
Highlight your analytical abilities by discussing specific examples where you've used data to drive decision-making. Be ready to explain how you approach complex data sets and the tools you use, such as advanced Excel or BI systems.
β¨Understand the Business
Research Howdens Joinery and its operations thoroughly. Understand their market position, recent initiatives, and challenges they face. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.
β¨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Prepare for scenario-based questions where you might need to evaluate investment returns or suggest improvements to financial models. Think through your thought process and be ready to articulate it clearly.