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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage central costs and partner with leadership for budget insights.
- Company: Join Ocado Retail, the UK's largest online supermarket, delivering joy through unbeatable service.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, health perks, discounts, and 26 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, drive financial improvements, and enhance your career in retail.
- Qualifications: Qualified ACA/CIMA/ACCA with strong Excel skills and budgeting experience required.
- Other info: This is a 6-month fixed-term contract based in Hatfield.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Vacancy No: VN909
Job Type: Fixed Term
Location: Hatfield
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract (6 months)
Working Hours: 40 hours/week
Level: Associate
Application Closing Date: Friday 23rd May 2025
About us
Our mission is to deliver joy in every shop through unbeatable choice, unrivalled service, and good value. We are Ocado Retail, a joint venture between Ocado Group and M&S, and the world's largest dedicated online supermarket (ocado.com). We offer a full range of M&S food online, the widest online supermarket range in the UK, and the innovative Zoom by Ocado same-day delivery service.
About the team and the role
We seek a motivated individual responsible for managing central costs, including own and recharges from Ocado Group. The role involves business partnering with the Senior Leadership Team to ensure costs are within budget and identifying opportunities for savings. You will review processes and drive improvements, reporting to the Finance Manager.
What you’ll do
- Analyze monthly central cost spend and variances with commentary.
- Partner with the ACE team during month-end close and support controls.
- Review costs with the Senior Team, providing insights for reporting and budgeting.
- Collaborate with Cost Centre owners and Department Heads for cost control and forecasting.
- Work with Ocado Group to validate recharges and challenge variances.
- Liaise with People team on cost centre mappings and personnel movements.
- Support process reviews and improvements.
- Develop financial models, tools, and reports to enhance visibility and efficiency.
- Promote continuous improvement in financial reporting and processes.
Who you are
- Qualified ACA/CIMA/ACCA
- Proficient in Excel and financial systems (SAP, Oracle, Hyperion, etc.)
- Experience in budgeting and forecasting
- Excellent communication and stakeholder relationship skills
- Methodical, detail-oriented, and organized
- Strong understanding of central/overhead costs and allocations
- Ability to work independently, prioritize, and meet deadlines
What’s in it for you
Join Ocado Retail to experience life at the UK’s largest online retailer, collaborate with talented colleagues, and develop your career in online retail. Benefits include:
- Health & Wellbeing: Medical insurance, Digital GP, family policies, mental health support, gym discounts, dental insurance, etc.
- Spend & Save: Up to 7% pension match, discounts at Ocado and M&S, free breakfast, EV leasing, shuttle bus from Hatfield station.
- Work-Life Balance: Hybrid working, 26 days holiday + 8 bank holidays, holiday purchase options, work from anywhere, lifestyle breaks.
Our Hiring Process
We value all applications and follow a fair process. If shortlisted, you’ll have an initial call with a Talent Partner to discuss next steps.
Everyone’s Welcome
We are an equal opportunities employer. Please inform us if you require reasonable adjustments during recruitment.
Contact Detail:
Ocado Retail Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Analyst - Central Costs (6 Month FTC)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Ocado Retail's business model and financial structure. Understanding how central costs impact the overall operations will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your Excel skills, especially in financial modelling and data analysis. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency in tools like SAP or Oracle can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of Ocado Retail on platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations for the Senior Finance Analyst role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed budgets and identified cost-saving opportunities in previous roles. This will showcase your relevant experience and problem-solving skills during the interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Analyst - Central Costs (6 Month FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the Senior Finance Analyst role. Emphasise your qualifications such as ACA/CIMA/ACCA and any experience with budgeting and forecasting.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of central costs and your ability to manage them effectively. Mention specific examples of how you've driven improvements in financial processes in previous roles.
Highlight Technical Skills: Since proficiency in Excel and financial systems like SAP, Oracle, or Hyperion is crucial, ensure you mention these skills prominently. Provide examples of how you've used these tools to enhance financial reporting or analysis.
Showcase Communication Skills: As the role involves business partnering with the Senior Leadership Team, highlight your excellent communication and stakeholder relationship skills. Include examples of how you've successfully collaborated with teams in the past.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ocado Retail Limited
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Finance Analyst, you'll be expected to analyse costs and variances. Brush up on your financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets in the past. Prepare specific examples that showcase your analytical skills.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Financial Systems
Since proficiency in systems like SAP, Oracle, and Hyperion is crucial, make sure you can speak confidently about your experience with these tools. If you have any specific achievements or improvements you've made using these systems, highlight them during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Engagement
This role involves collaborating with various teams, so be prepared to discuss how you've successfully partnered with stakeholders in previous roles. Share examples of how you've communicated complex financial information to non-financial colleagues.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
The job requires driving process improvements and identifying cost-saving opportunities. Think of instances where you've implemented changes that led to better efficiency or cost control, and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes.
