At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive financial strategy and support robust processes in a fast-paced international environment.
- Company: Join M&S, a leading retailer committed to innovation and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and tailored training from day one.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative team making a real impact in the retail industry.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong IFRS knowledge and a proactive mindset.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 75000 £ per year.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join M&S’s International business at an exciting time of growth and transformation. Operating across multiple markets and channels – including franchise, online and wholesale, the International division is scaling rapidly. This role will play a pivotal part in ensuring the business is supported by robust controls, scalable processes and strong governance as it continues to evolve.
Reporting to the International Financial Controller, this position offers broad exposure across all areas of finance, including commercial, FP&A, reporting, tax and treasury. This role is ideally suited to a technically strong qualified accountant who thrives in ambiguity, enjoys solving complex challenges, and is motivated by improving and embedding processes. It’s a fast-paced environment with competing priorities, so success will come to someone who is adaptable, proactive and commercially minded.
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
- Own the calculation and forecasting of intercompany margin, including the elimination of unearned profits.
- Support the Financial Controller in managing business risk across the International division by identifying emerging risks and partnering with risk owners to assess and mitigate them.
- Collaborate with technology and finance teams to design and implement scalable, efficient processes with appropriate controls.
- Support external reporting requirements and manage interactions with external auditors.
- Provide technical accounting guidance to ensure new transactions are accurately reported and compliant with IFRS.
Who you are
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or Equivalent).
- Strong technical accounting background with a solid understanding of IFRS.
- Previous exposure to retail or FMCG environments is advantageous, with familiarity across core processes (e.g. P2P, OTC).
- A curious, proactive self-starter who can navigate ambiguity and structure complex problems into practical solutions.
- Newly qualified candidates from an audit background are encouraged to apply.
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.
Commitment to diversity
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.
Support & adjustments
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.
Senior Finance Analyst - International employer: Marks & Spencer Plc
Joining M&S as a Senior Finance Analyst in the International division offers an exceptional opportunity to be part of a dynamic and evolving team that values collaboration and innovation. With a strong commitment to employee development, competitive benefits including a generous colleague discount, and a focus on inclusivity, M&S fosters a supportive work culture where your contributions are recognised and rewarded. This role not only provides exposure to diverse financial areas but also encourages personal growth in a fast-paced environment, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Analyst - International
✨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 & Spencer Plc. 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 Senior Finance Analyst - International
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 & Spencer Plc.
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 & Spencer Plc'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 & Spencer Plc
✨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 & Spencer Plc.
✨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 & Spencer Plc 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 & Spencer Plc 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.
