At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic finance team and drive impactful reporting and governance.
- Company: Join Marks & Spencer, a forward-thinking retail giant with a strong purpose.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and tailored training from day one.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values diversity and supports your growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a collaborative environment while shaping the future of finance.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong analytical skills and leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
This is an exciting time to join Marks & Spencer as we continue our next phase of growth and transformation. With significant investment in our Manchester Support Office, we’re building a best-in-class controllership structure to support the future ambitions of the business. As Finance Manager - Corporate & Retail, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping both this newly created position and the wider controllership function. Leading a dedicated team, you’ll bring clarity and insight to operating costs across corporate, retail and financial services, while driving strong governance, continuous improvement and high-quality reporting. This is a unique opportunity to make a real impact in a collaborative, forward-thinking environment.
What you’ll do
- Your key accountabilities will include:
- Lead, develop and inspire a high-performing team, creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
- Own and deliver accurate, timely reporting across corporate costs, retail and financial services, including month-end processes and balance sheet integrity.
- Drive continuous improvement and process standardisation, seeing opportunities to enhance efficiency and strengthen controls.
- Partner with teams across Manchester and London to transition and embed controllership activities, improving ways of working and unlocking value.
- Champion a strong controls environment, ensuring robust governance, financial discipline and clear, insightful reporting.
Who you are
- Your skills will include:
- Qualified accountant with experience in a large, complex organisation, ideally within a listed environment.
- Strong analytical approach, with the curiosity to challenge, identify root causes and drive meaningful improvements.
- Confident communicator who can translate complex financial data into clear, insightful narratives for business partners.
- Proven experience of balance sheet ownership, controls and involvement in business or finance transformation initiatives.
- Leadership capability with a collaborative, inclusive approach to developing and motivating teams.
What’s in it for you?
- Working at M&S means being part of something bigger - helping to deliver quality, value and service to millions of customers every day.
- We’re inclusive, fast-moving and always evolving, with a strong sense of purpose and a focus on doing the right thing.
- Here are just a few of the benefits that make working here even more rewarding:
- 20% colleague discount on all M&S products and many third-party brands for you and someone in your household, available once you’ve completed your probation.
- Competitive holiday allowance with the option to buy more.
- Discretionary bonus schemes linked to your performance and ours.
- Strong pension and life assurance to help plan for the future.
- Tailored induction and training to support your development from day one.
- Exclusive perks and savings through our M&S Choices portal.
- Market-leading family policies, including parental, adoption and neonatal leave.
- 24/7 wellbeing support, including virtual GP access and mental health services.
- One paid volunteer day a year to support a cause that matters to you.
Everyone’s welcome. We are ambitious about the future of retail. We’re disrupting, innovating and leading the industry into a more conscientious, inspiring digital era. We’re transforming how we work together and offering our most exciting opportunities yet. Marks & Spencer strives to be an inclusive organisation, trusted and admired by our colleagues, customers and suppliers. Join us and make change happen. We are committed to building diverse and representative teams, where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and be at their best. We support each other and work together to win together. If you feel you’d benefit from any support or reasonable adjustments during any stage of the recruitment process, please don’t hesitate to let us know when completing your application. This information will be picked up by our team, so we can try and put steps in place to help you be at your best through this process.
Finance Manager - Corporate & Retail employer: Marks and Spencer
Marks & Spencer is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. As a Finance Manager in our Manchester Support Office, you will benefit from competitive perks such as a generous colleague discount, tailored training, and comprehensive wellbeing support, all while playing a crucial role in shaping the future of our business. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values your contributions and supports your professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager - Corporate & Retail
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Marks & Spencer on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into M&S’s values and recent news. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely excited about being part of their transformation journey.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led teams or improved processes in your previous roles. We want to hear how you can bring that magic to M&S.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the M&S family.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager - Corporate & Retail
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Finance Manager role. Highlight your leadership capabilities and any experience in financial transformation initiatives to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re excited about this opportunity at Marks & Spencer. Share specific examples of how you've driven improvements in previous roles, and don’t forget to show off your analytical skills!
Showcase Your Team Spirit:Since we value collaboration, mention any experiences where you’ve led or motivated a team. We want to see how you create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our official website. This way, your application will be directly reviewed by our hiring team, and you’ll be one step closer to joining us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks and Spencer
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your analytical skills. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive improvements in previous roles. This shows you can translate complex financial data into actionable insights.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Marks & Spencer values collaboration and inclusivity. Prepare examples of how you've led teams in the past, focusing on how you inspire and develop others. Highlight any initiatives you've implemented that fostered a positive team environment.
✨Understand Their Vision
Research Marks & Spencer's current transformation goals and how the finance function supports these ambitions. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their vision for growth and improvement, showing that you're not just a fit for the role but also for the company's future.
✨Prepare Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the controllership structure and how the finance team collaborates with other departments. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company culture aligns with your values.
