At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead group planning and forecasting while providing performance insights to senior leadership.
- Company: Marks & Spencer, a renowned retail giant with a strong finance team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, collaborative work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic office environment three days a week.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact by turning complex data into actionable insights for leadership.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance management and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
Marks & Spencer's Group Finance function is seeking a Senior Finance Manager, FP&A to lead group planning, forecasting and performance insight, aligning profit, cash and working capital to support senior leadership decisions.
You'll partner with the CFO and leadership teams, turn complex data into clear insight, coach the FP&A team and drive a culture of high-quality planning, reporting and proactive challenge.
The role requires collaboration in the office three days a week.
Senior FP&A Leader — Group Planning & Insight in London employer: Marks and Spencer
Marks and Spencer is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture in the heart of London that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Technical Programme Manager, you will have access to extensive employee growth opportunities, competitive benefits, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on customer experiences through cutting-edge technology and loyalty initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior FP&A Leader — Group Planning & Insight in London
✨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 Marks and Spencer. 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 Marks and Spencer.
✨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 Marks and Spencer. 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 FP&A Leader — Group Planning & Insight in London
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 Marks and Spencer 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 Marks and Spencer how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks and Spencer
✨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 Marks and Spencer.
✨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 Marks and Spencer'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!