At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead stock procurement design and enhance finance processes in a major transformation programme.
- 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 environment with opportunities for growth and diverse teams.
- Why this job: Be part of a significant transformation that shapes the future of finance and procurement.
- Qualifications: Experience in stock processes and SAP transformation; ideally a qualified accountant.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
- Description
- Summary
We're looking for a Stock Subject Matter Expert to play a key role in one of the largest finance transformation programmes at M&S.
As part of our SAP S/4HANA transfrmation, you'll use your expertise in stock procurement, finance controls and end-to-end purchasing processes to help design and embed future ways of working across the business.
This is an opportunity to combine deep finance and procurement knowledge with large-scale business transformation experience.
You'll have the opportunity to help define how Finance and Procurement operate in the future, delivering process improvements, stronger controls and better business outcomes through one of M&S's most significant transformation programmes.
Post the 3 year programme there will be further projects, as M&S continues to transform and drive change.
There will be a variety of options including the Master Data team, the Continuous Improvement team as well as the roles in the Technology teams supporting Finance
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
- Lead the design of future-state stock procurement processes, including purchase order, good receipting, good issue, stock reconciliations, valuations including moving average price.
- Partner with Finance, Supply Chain and Technology teams to ensure SAP S/4HANA solutions support strong financial controls, accurate inventory accounting and efficient operational processes.
- Facilitate fit-to-standard workshops, challenge existing ways of working and help shape process decisions that balance business requirements with SAP best practice.
Own business testing activity, including UAT, integration testing and defect resolution, ensuring solutions are fully validated before deployment.
- Support business readiness, training and change adoption, acting as a trusted SME throughout implementation and post go-live support.
- Post the programme there will be further projects, as M&S continues to transform and drive change.
There are a variety of options including the Finance Stock team, the Continuous Improvement team as well as the roles it the Technology teams supporting Finance.
Who you are
- Significant experience across stock including operations and finance processes within a retail, consumer goods or complex commercial environment.
- Strong understanding of the financial impacts of stock activities, including inventory accounting, invoice matching, and financial controls.
- Experience working on SAP-enabled transformation programmes, ideally SAP S/4HANA, SAP ECC or related enterprise platforms.
- Ability to influence senior stakeholders and translate complex business requirements into practical process and system solutions.
- Ideally a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent), or able to demonstrate substantial finance leadership and experience within stock processes.
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.
#LI-Hybrid #LI-CP2
Finance Transformation Manager - SME Stock employer: Marks & Spencer
Marks & Spencer is an exceptional employer that prioritises inclusivity and employee growth, making it a fantastic place for those looking to thrive in the retail sector. With flexible working hours and a commitment to personal development, employees are encouraged to take ownership of their roles while contributing to a dynamic and supportive work culture. Join us in shaping a greener, more inspiring future in retail, where your contributions truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Transformation Manager - SME Stock
✨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
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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.
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We think you need these skills to ace Finance Transformation Manager - SME Stock
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.
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'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
✨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.
✨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 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 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.
