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 committed to innovation and positive change.
- 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.
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 in Manchester 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, flexible holiday options, and comprehensive wellbeing support, all while playing a crucial role in shaping the future of our business. With a strong commitment to employee development and a culture that values diversity, you'll find ample opportunities for growth and meaningful impact within a forward-thinking organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager - Corporate & Retail in Manchester
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Marks and Spencer. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager - Corporate & Retail in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Marks and Spencer.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Marks and Spencer's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks and Spencer
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Marks and Spencer.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Marks and Spencer will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Marks and Spencer employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
