At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage central costs and partner with the Customer Hub for budgeting and forecasting.
- Company: Join Ocado Retail, the UK's largest online supermarket, known for unbeatable choice and service.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, private medical insurance, discounts, and a bonus scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a supportive culture await you at Ocado Retail.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving continuous improvement in a leading retail environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified ACA/CIMA/ACCA with advanced Excel skills and budgeting experience required.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
Senior Finance Analyst - Central Costs
Contract type: Permanent
Location: Hatfield (Hybrid working - 3 days in the office)
Working hours per week: 40 hours
Level: Associate
Reports to: Finance Manager - Central Costs
Application Closing Date: (Wednesday 24th August 2026)
About us
Our mission is to deliver joy in every shop, through unbeatable choice, unrivalled service, and reassuringly good value.
We're Ocado Retail, a market-leading joint venture between Ocado Group and M&S, and the world's largest dedicated online supermarket, ocado.com . Not only is Ocado.com the only place to shop a full range of M&S food online, it's also the home to the widest online supermarket range in the UK and champion of small, independent brands. We're also the brains behind Zoom by Ocado , our same-day grocery delivery service.
About the team and the role
We are looking for a motivated individual who will be responsible for all areas of central costs for the business, both own and recharges from Ocado Group. You will have the opportunity to business partner with the Senior Leadership Team ensuring central costs are within budget and to identify any opportunities and savings. You will be encouraged to review existing processes and drive continuous improvements. The role will report to the Finance Manager.
What you'll do
- Prepare analysis of the monthly central cost spend including any variances to budget with value adding commentary.
- Business partner with the ACE team (Accounting Centre of Excellence) during month end close and to provide support with monthly controls.
- Monthly review of costs with members of the Senior Team providing insight and support for flash reporting & on landing within budget.
- Business partner with Cost Centre owners & Heads of Departments to ensure accurate cost control & forecasting.
- Business partner with Ocado Group to ensure recharges are correct whilst providing challenge on any variances.
- Own the payroll journal postings and analysis, liaising with the People team to ensure accurate cost centre mappings and people movements.
- Supporting the Finance Manager to review existing processes and implement improvements.
- Assist in the development of new financial models, tools, and reports to improve visibility and efficiency.
- Drive continuous improvement in financial processes and reporting.
Who you are
- Qualified ACA/CIMA/ACCA
- Advanced Excel skills and experience working with financial systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Hyperion, or similar)
- Experience of budgeting and forecasting
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to build relationships with key stakeholders
- Methodical, detailed and organised with a keen eye for detail
- Strong understanding of central/overhead cost structures and allocations
- Ability to work independently, prioritize workload, and meet tight deadlines
- Experience with BI tools desirable but not essential
What's in it for you
By joining Ocado Retail, you'll have the chance to experience life at the world's largest online retailer, work with an amazing bunch of people who challenge what's possible each day, and grow your skills and career in online retail.
If that's not enough to tempt you, you'll also get access to loads of great benefits to sweeten the deal. Here's a taste of what we offer:
Health & Wellbeing: Private medical insurance with option to add your family, Digital GP appointments, market-leading family policies, mental health support, discounted gym memberships, dental insurance, and more.
Spend & Save: Annual bonus scheme split between personal and business objectives, recognition with reward platform, up to 7% matched pension contributions, 15% Ocado discount, 20% M&S discount, free breakfast every day in the office, electric vehicle leasing scheme, and free shuttle bus from Hatfield station to the office.
Never miss the moments that matter: Hybrid working, 26 days holiday plus 8 flexible bank holidays, options to buy extra holiday, 2 weeks work from anywhere, and lifestyle break opportunities.
Our Hiring Process
Lucky for us, we receive a high volume of applications and genuinely appreciate the time and effort invested by every candidate. To ensure a fair and thorough process, every application is reviewed by a member of our team. If your skills and experience are a strong match, a Talent Partner will contact you to discuss the role and guide you through the next steps of our hiring process.
Your Application and AI
In the spirit of innovation, we welcome you to use AI tools in your application, just as we use them in our own business at Ocado Retail. However, as you leverage this technology, please don't lose sight of the most important element: your unique self. Your experiences, passions, and personality are what truly set you apart. Ensure that your application still authentically conveys who you are and why you're a great fit for us.
Everyone's welcome
We're an equal opportunities employer, which means that we make sure all potential colleagues are treated fairly and equally. We want to ensure everyone has a fair chance to apply; if you need this job description in an alternative format (e.g., larger print, different document type, etc.), please reach out to us at careers@ocadoretail.com and we'll be happy to assist you, and if you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know on the application form.
Department Finance Role Senior Finance Analyst Locations Head Office: Hatfield Remote status Hybrid Employment type Full-time
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Senior Finance Analyst - Central Costs in Hatfield employer: Ocado Retail
At Ocado Retail, we pride ourselves on being a forward-thinking employer that champions innovation and employee development. With our hybrid working model in Hatfield, you’ll enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises health and wellbeing, alongside access to our AI Academy for continuous learning. Join us to be part of a dynamic team where your contributions directly impact the success of the world's largest online supermarket, all while enjoying a range of fantastic benefits.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Analyst - Central Costs in Hatfield
✨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
Network with current or former employees of Ocado Retail, especially those in finance roles. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your advanced Excel skills and any relevant financial systems like SAP or Oracle. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency in these tools can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've driven cost control and budgeting in previous roles. Highlighting your experience in these areas will show that you're ready to take on the responsibilities of the Senior Finance Analyst position.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Analyst - Central Costs in Hatfield
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. Focus on your budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis capabilities, as well as any experience with financial systems like SAP or Oracle.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role at Ocado Retail. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed central costs or partnered with senior leadership in previous roles. This is your chance to showcase your communication skills and ability to build relationships.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications:Clearly state your qualifications such as ACA, CIMA, or ACCA. Emphasise your advanced Excel skills and any experience you have with financial modelling or reporting tools, as these are crucial for the position.
Showcase Continuous Improvement Mindset:Demonstrate your ability to drive continuous improvement in financial processes. Provide examples from your past experiences where you identified inefficiencies and implemented solutions that benefited the organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ocado Retail
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the Senior Finance Analyst role and its responsibilities. Familiarise yourself with central costs, budgeting, and forecasting as these are key aspects of the job.
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
Prepare to discuss your experience with financial systems like SAP or Oracle, and highlight your advanced Excel skills. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully managed budgets and forecasts in previous roles.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Since this role involves business partnering with various teams, practice how you would communicate effectively with stakeholders. Think of examples where you've built strong relationships and how that benefited your previous projects.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Improvement Mindset
Ocado Retail values innovation and process improvement. Be prepared to discuss any initiatives you've led or contributed to that enhanced financial processes or reporting in your past roles.
