At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance controllership across diverse business units and drive transformation initiatives.
- Company: Join M&S, a leading retailer with a strong sense of purpose and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and tailored training from day one.
- Other info: Collaborative office environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance at M&S and make a real impact on business decisions.
- Qualifications: Senior financial control experience and proven leadership in high-performing teams.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Ready to take on one of the most influential finance leadership roles at M&S? This is a rare opportunity to step into a high-impact leadership position at the heart of our Business Services Centre, shaping the future of controllership across M&S. As part of the BSC Leadership Team, you'll lead a large, diverse team and partner with some of the most senior stakeholders across Finance to deliver financial integrity, drive transformation, and enable better business decisions. You'll play a critical role in modernising our finance function, driving standardisation, and supporting the implementation of SAP S/4HANA, helping us build a simpler, more agile M&S.
To stay close to customers, our support teams are in the office three days a week as we believe that skills are developed through collaboration, and that spending time together makes us more creative and connected.
What you'll do:
- Leading all controllership activity across multiple business units including Food, Fashion, Home & Beauty, International, Property, Retail, and Digital & Technology.
- Building, developing and inspiring a high‐performing team of c.50 colleagues (with 4‐5 direct reports), championing a strong performance culture.
- Acting as a trusted senior partner to Finance Directors, the Group Financial Controller and wider Finance leadership.
- Ensuring robust financial control, integrity of Business Unit financial statements, and leading internal and external audit relationships.
- Driving standardisation, automation and continuous improvement, including supporting SAP S/4HANA implementation and finance transformation.
Who you are:
Your skills and experience will include:
- Senior financial control experience in a FTSE 250 environment, ideally within retail or FMCG.
- A proven track record of leading high‐performing teams and driving performance, engagement and culture.
- Strong experience working with Shared Service Centres / Centres of Excellence, with exposure to large‐scale finance operations.
- Demonstrated success in delivering automation, standardisation and process improvement initiatives.
- Professionally qualified (ACA or equivalent) with the credibility to influence and partner senior stakeholders.
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.
Head of Finance Controllership in Manchester employer: Marks and Spencer
M&S is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where collaboration thrives. As the Head of Finance Controllership, you'll lead a talented team while enjoying benefits like a generous colleague discount, competitive holiday allowance, and comprehensive wellbeing support. With a strong focus on employee development and a commitment to modernising finance operations, M&S provides a meaningful opportunity to shape the future of controllership in a leading retail organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance Controllership 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 Head of Finance Controllership 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.
