At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial performance management and provide insights for strategic decision-making.
- Company: Join M&S, a leading retailer committed to quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and tailored training from day one.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team driving change in the retail industry.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your finance career.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with FP&A experience in retail or FMCG.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
At M&S, our International business continues to play a vital role in our growth story. We're looking for a commercially minded and analytically strong Senior Finance Manager FP&A - International to join our International Finance team. Reporting to the International Finance Director, you’ll be at the heart of business performance, providing financial insight, driving forecasting and planning processes, and helping senior leaders make informed decisions. This is a highly visible role, working closely with the Finance Director, International Leadership Team, Strategy and Group Finance teams to deliver robust performance management, accurate forecasting and strategic analysis across our international operations.
What you'll do
- Lead month-end performance management, coordinating close processes, managing senior finance review meetings, partnering with BSC teams, and providing clear insight into trading performance, risks and opportunities.
- Own forecasting, budgeting and long-range planning activities, coordinating annual planning cycles, reforecasts and strategic plans while ensuring leadership teams have visibility of key financial risks and opportunities.
- Drive high-quality reporting and financial governance, delivering insightful performance packs, P&L analysis, working capital and capex reporting, while maintaining strong financial discipline and compliance with group accounting policies.
- Enhance systems, reporting and cashflow forecasting, leading Power BI reporting improvements, ensuring data integrity across reporting outputs, and managing free cashflow forecasting and modelling for the International business.
- Provide strategic financial analysis and leadership, supporting business cases, performance evaluations and scorecards, partnering with Strategy teams, developing team capability, and deputising for the Head of FP&A when required.
Who you are
- A qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with significant post-qualified experience.
- An experienced FP&A professional with a background in retail, FMCG, wholesale or franchise environments.
- A natural storyteller who can turn complex financial data into clear, compelling insights and recommendations for senior stakeholders.
- Highly analytical, commercially curious and comfortable working with large and sometimes incomplete datasets to identify trends, risks and opportunities.
- An inspiring people leader with previous line management experience and a passion for coaching, developing and building high-performing teams.
- Experienced in Power BI, financial reporting and finance systems, with a focus on continuous process improvement and data-driven decision making.
- Resilient, organised and results-focused, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality outputs in a fast-paced environment.
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 M&S is ready to push boundaries to lead the retail industry into a greener, speedier, more inspiring digital era. We're transforming, and we need talented people who are excited by change and want to make a real impact. At M&S, we're committed to building diverse and inclusive teams where everyone can bring their whole selves to work. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.
Senior Finance Manager - International FP&A 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 Senior Finance Manager - International FP&A
✨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. 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 Manager - International FP&A
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.