Finance Analyst - North America - 9 Month Fixed Term Contract in Manchester

We are PZ Cussons. Our purpose is For everyone, for life, for good. Sustainability and the wellbeing of people, families and communities everywhere are at the heart of everything that we do. Since our founding in 1884, we have been creating products to delight, care for and nourish consumers. Across our core categories of Hygiene, Baby and Beauty, our trusted and well-loved brands include Carex, Cussons Baby, Sanctuary Spa and St. Tropez.

PZ Cussons is an international consumer goods business, headquartered in Manchester, UK. We employ just under 2500 people across our operations in Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific and Africa. Sustainability and the wellbeing of our employees and communities everywhere are at the heart of our business model and strategy and captured by our purpose: For Everyone, For Life, For Good. If you want to join a business in transformation with exciting growth plans and the opportunity to work flexibly and finish at 1pm every Friday, apply to work for us today.

The role exists to support the North America business unit through the provision of robust analysis to support decision making, and ensuring that the core finance processes are delivered accurately and on time. The North America business is going through an intense period of change with the core St Tropez operation being transferred to operate under a third party in US and Canada, and with ambitious growth plans to deliver, and the launch of Childs Farm in the US through the first meaningful retailer listing. This role reports to the Commercial Finance Manager, who themselves report to the Finance Director St Tropez. This role is based in our amazing Head Office in Manchester however there will be a requirement to travel to the London office where members of the Commercial Finance Team are based.

Key responsibilities

• Carry out new accounting processes, resulting from the business transition: Calculation of manual monthly operating and marketing accruals and propose journals to post these values into the ledgers
• Weekly/Monthly cash allocation process (self billing, debtors allocation and tradex)
• Initial reconciliations of Debtor, Creditor and accrual balances
• Initial P&L reconciliations
• Support Global team with performance reporting including weekly and monthly tasks, including EPOS
• Support the integrated business planning process (monthly forecast and annual budgets) for full P&L and Balance sheet submissions for US20
• Own marketing spend trackers, controls and forecasting process for multiple cost centres
• Manage month end close process for marketing spend including system administration
• Manage trade promotions process including system reporting and liaising with commercial teams and other finance teams
• Manage SKU pricing administration process and maintenance and controls for customer pricing with Emerson
• Analysis of marketing spend and trade promotions to ensure performance objectives are being met
• Ad hoc analysis and other tasks as appropriate to support the Senior Commercial Finance Manager and Finance Director

Knowledge/Qualifications

• Part Qualified CIMA/ACCA (will consider applicants with an ambition to begin studies)
• Degree level education
• Previous work experience preferred, especially with background within FMCG, retail or other branded goods company

Skills and Attributes

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to present in a clear manner
• Self-motivated with a positive attitude and 'can do' approach
• Ability to manage own time and utilise initiative
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the willingness to work across multiple stakeholders to gather data, disseminate insights and manage requests
• Willingness to learn and develop

At PZ Cussons, we value diversity and make sure everyone feels included. We want our team to reflect society and our global customers. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and your unique perspective helps us develop brands and create new products for our consumers. Please note that we are not able to offer visa sponsorship or assist with relocation support for this role. Applicants must have the right to work in the country where this role is located before applying. If you need extra support during this process, please inform us so that we can accommodate your needs appropriately. It is important to us that all candidates feel recognised and have a good experience with PZ Cussons as part of our commitment to inclusivity.