At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive product strategy and financial insights to shape investment decisions.
- Company: Join IFS, a global leader in enterprise software with a commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team and enjoy a balance of remote and in-office work.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by influencing product economics and shaping the future of technology.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and experience in commercial finance required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
IFS is a billion-dollar revenue company with 6000+ employees on all continents. We deliver award-winning enterprise software solutions through the use of embedded digital innovation and a single cloud-based platform to help businesses be their best when it really matters–at the Moment of Service™. At IFS, we're flexible, we’re innovative, and we’re focused not only on how we can engage with our customers, but on how we can make a real change and have a worldwide impact.
We help solve some of society's greatest challenges, fostering a better future through our agility, collaboration, and trust. We celebrate diversity and accept that there are so many different perspectives in this world. By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to be part of a global, diverse environment; you will be joining a winning team with a commitment to sustainability; and a company where we get things done so that you can make a positive impact on the world.
We're looking for innovative and original thinkers to work in an environment where you can #MakeYourMoment so that we can help others make theirs. If you want to change the status quo, we'll help you make your moment. Join Team Purple. Join IFS.
IFS is continuing to invest significantly in its product portfolio, cloud platform and industrial AI capabilities. As the scale of that investment grows, Finance needs to move beyond managing R&D spend and build a clearer view of product economics, including profitability, pricing, cost-to-serve and portfolio returns. This role will help establish that capability. You will work closely with the FP&A Director of Product and Product leaders to provide the financial insight required to support product strategy, investment and capital-allocation decisions.
What you'll own:
- Product P&Ls - Build and maintain product-level financial views covering revenue, cost, margin and investment.
- Portfolio investment - Develop the analysis and business cases that support decisions on where IFS should invest, maintain, redirect or reduce funding.
- Product business partnering - Partner Product leadership and collaborate with Pricing, Sales, Customer Success and Finance to support product and commercial decisions.
- Pricing and monetisation - Support analysis of packaging, pricing, discounting and consumption-based commercial models.
- AI economics - Develop the financial view of AI consumption, cost-to-serve and margin by product.
- Planning and portfolio review - Support rolling forecasts, scenario analysis and regular product portfolio reviews.
- Decision-ready insight - Turn incomplete product, usage and commercial data into clear analysis and recommendations for senior stakeholders.
Why it's different:
This is not traditional R&D cost control, and it is not conventional FP&A. You will work on:
- Product P&Ls, portfolio investment and pricing decisions
- AI economics, consumption and cost-to-serve
- Complex questions that are not always predefined
In a team where:
- You will help build the Product Finance capability from the ground up
- The work combines commercial judgement, financial modelling and product strategy
- The output will be used directly by senior Finance and Product leadership
For someone who is ambitious, this is a rare opportunity to shape a new capability, influence significant investment decisions and gain senior exposure earlier than on a conventional finance path.
Qualifications:
What we're hiring for:
- Above all, we are hiring for commercial judgement and analytical capability. You can take an ambiguous product or portfolio question, structure it into clear economics and produce analysis that stands up to challenge.
- You’ll typically bring strong commercial finance and modelling capability, including experience building P&Ls, business cases and driver-based models.
- Understanding of software or SaaS economics, including ARR, retention, margin and unit economics.
- Experience partnering senior non-finance stakeholders.
- High standards and attention to detail. You are precise, structured and consistent. You care about the integrity and quality of your analysis.
- Commercial intuition. You understand the drivers beneath the numbers. You recognise when the financial output does not reflect the business reality.
- Ability to work with imperfect information. You are comfortable defining assumptions and making progress without perfect data.
- Clear communication. You can explain complex product economics simply. You are comfortable constructively challenging senior stakeholders.
- Ownership mindset. You take responsibility for the output. You operate effectively with limited supervision.
We believe that coming together as a community, in person, is important for innovation, connection and fostering a sense of belonging. Our roles have the right balance of remote and in-office working to enable flexibility for managing your life along with ensuring a real connection with your colleagues and the broader IFS community.
Senior Manager - Product Strategy & Commercial Finance Staines-upon-Thames, England, United Kin[...] employer: IFS
IFS is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic work culture where innovation thrives. With a focus on employee growth, we offer extensive opportunities for professional development and a competitive salary package, including flexible paid time off and comprehensive health insurance. Join us in a collaborative environment where your contributions directly impact enterprise customers and the future of AI solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager - Product Strategy & Commercial Finance Staines-upon-Thames, England, United Kin[...]
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like IFS. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from IFS.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like IFS. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager - Product Strategy & Commercial Finance Staines-upon-Thames, England, United Kin[...]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in IFS and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show IFS how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at IFS
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with IFS.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with IFS's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
