At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a finance team while driving process improvements and providing expert accounting guidance.
- Company: Join Marks & Spencer, a forward-thinking retailer committed to innovation and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and tailored training from day one.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team transforming the retail industry.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment focused on quality and service.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong leadership and technical accounting skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Please note this role is a 12 month fixed term contract.
What you’ll do Your key accountabilities will include: Lead, coach and develop a team of finance professionals, creating a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
Provide expert technical accounting guidance across retail, property and group activities, ensuring strong governance, controls and audit readiness.
Take ownership of store estate accounting, supporting key business decisions relating to leases, impairments, store closures and property investments.
Partner with Finance, Property and Reporting teams to deliver insightful, practical recommendations that support commercial decision-making.
Drive automation, standardisation and process improvements that enhance efficiency, transparency and financial control across the function.
Who you are Your skills will include: Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with substantial post-qualification experience.
Strong technical accounting expertise, including applying IFRS within a complex corporate environment.
Proven experience leading, coaching and developing high-performing teams.
Excellent business partner management and influencing skills, with the confidence to challenge constructively and build trusted relationships.
Advanced analytical and systems capability, including Excel and automation tools such as Alteryx, with a passion for improving processes and ways of working 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-MW1 #LI-Hybrid #hybridrole
Senior Finance Manager - Corporate Controllership (12 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 Senior Finance Manager - Corporate Controllership (12 Month Fixed Term Contract) in Salford
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Marks & Spencer.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Marks & Spencer might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Manager - Corporate Controllership (12 Month Fixed Term Contract) in Salford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Marks & Spencer will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Marks & Spencer. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Marks & Spencer confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks & Spencer
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Marks & Spencer.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Marks & Spencer that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
