At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a diverse finance team and drive transformation across M&S.
- Company: Join M&S, a leading retailer committed to innovation and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and strong pension plans.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with a focus on collaboration and growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of finance while making a real impact in retail.
- Qualifications: Senior financial control experience and proven leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 65250 - 79750 £ per year.
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.
Your key accountabilities will include:
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
Head of Finance Controllership - 18 Month Fixed Term Contract in Salford employer: Marks & Spencer
Joining M&S as a Senior Technical Program Manager means becoming part of a vibrant and inclusive team dedicated to delivering exceptional customer experiences. With competitive benefits like a generous pension scheme, extensive training programmes, and a strong focus on employee wellbeing, M&S fosters a culture of growth and collaboration. Located in a dynamic environment, you'll have the opportunity to lead transformative projects while enjoying a supportive work-life balance and the chance to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance Controllership - 18 Month Fixed Term Contract in Salford
✨Get Involved in Financial Networks
Join local financial associations or forums where you can connect with professionals in financial-controlling. Networking events often lead to temporary positions, as companies look for quick hires when they need extra hands.
✨Showcase Your Skills on Temporary Job Boards
Focus on platforms that specifically cater to temporary roles in finance. Sites like Reed or Totaljobs often list short-term gigs that are perfect for getting your foot in the door, and you can apply directly through our website for roles at Marks & Spencer.
✨Leverage Your Uni's Career Services
If you're still in university, tap into your career services for internship or temporary job placements. They often have insider info on companies like Marks & Spencer looking for temporary financial support, and they might help you polish your pitch.
✨Flexible Availability is Key
For temporary positions in financial-controlling, your availability can make a huge difference. Highlight your willingness to start immediately or work irregular hours when speaking to employers. This flexibility can land you that sought-after role!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance Controllership - 18 Month Fixed Term Contract in Salford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Aces:In the financial controlling game, grades and relevant certifications can make a significant difference. Be sure to highlight your academic achievements, like finance-related coursework and any professional certifications you’ve got on your CV that show you’re clued up in this area. It’s all about demonstrating that you’re not just good at numbers but also know your stuff!
Quantify Your Achievements:When applying for a temporary role in financial controlling, make sure your CV reflects any previous experience with real, measurable outcomes. Use numbers to showcase your past successes, like percentage improvements in budgeting or cost savings you’ve achieved in previous roles. This not only gives us insights into your capabilities but also tells us you're results-driven.
Personalise Your Application:We love seeing applicants who take the time to tailor their applications! In your cover letter, mention why you’re particularly interested in the temporary role with Marks & Spencer and how your specific skills and experiences align with the job. Show us that you see this role as an opportunity to contribute, even if it's for a short stint!
Flexibility is Key:Since this is a temporary position, make sure to highlight your availability in your application. We’re interested in knowing how soon you can start and if you’re open to working flexible hours. This shows us your eagerness to jump right in and adapt to the dynamic needs of our team at Marks & Spencer.
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks & Spencer
✨Get Hands-On with Financial Tools
Being in financial controlling means you’ll likely be working with various software like Excel, Power BI, or even SAP. Make sure you brush up on these tools and prepare to discuss your experience using them. Being able to reference specific projects or analyses where you employed these programs will definitely give you an edge.
✨Prepare for Technical Financial Questions
Expect scenario-based questions where you might need to analyse financial statements or suggest budgetary strategies during the interview. Practising common financial concepts like variance analysis or cost control measures will not only boost your confidence but also prove your suitability for the role.
✨Show Your Flexibility and Adaptability
As this is a temporary position, the interviewers will want to see that you can hit the ground running. Be sure to highlight any previous short-term roles or projects where you successfully adapted to new environments quickly – this will showcase your readiness to tackle challenges head-on.
✨Highlight Your Commitment to Precision
In financial controlling, attention to detail is absolutely crucial. Be ready to provide examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to spot discrepancies and ensure accuracy in financial reporting. Your precision could be the factor that sets you apart in a temporary role like this one!
