Accounting Manager, Inventory – Watford

• Accounting Manager, Inventory – Watford, United Kingdom
• Position Overview
• State/Region: Hertfordshire
• Location: United Kingdom
• City: Watford
• Company Description

Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE: RL) is a global leader in the design, marketing and distribution of premium lifestyle products in five categories: apparel, accessories, home, fragrances, and hospitality.

For more than 50 years, Ralph Lauren’s reputation and distinctive image have been consistently developed across an expanding number of products, brands and international markets.

The Company’s brand names, which include Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Collection, Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Polo Ralph Lauren, Double RL, Lauren Ralph Lauren, Polo Ralph Lauren Children, Chaps, among others, constitute one of the world’s most widely recognized families of consumer brands.

At Ralph Lauren, we unite and inspire the communities within our company as well as those in which we serve by amplifying voices and perspectives to create a culture of belonging, ensuring inclusion, and fairness for all.

We foster a culture of inclusion through: Talent, Education & Communication, Employee Groups and Celebration.

• Position Overview
• Pls note this is a FTC for 12 months

Our Inventory Manager is responsible for helping oversee inventory accounting and reporting across the business, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and alignment with financial and operational objectives.

This role requires strong expertise in retail inventory management, standard costing, and audit readiness, along with the ability to operate independently and solve complex issues in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Pls note this is a FTC for 12 months
• Inventory Management
• Manage end-to-end inventory processes across DTC and wholesale channels.
• Ensure accurate recording, valuation, and reconciliation of inventory balances.
• Maintain strong controls over inventory movements, adjustments, and reserves, including NRV and obsolescence.
• Partner with FP&A, Supply Chain, and the Reporting Team to ensure alignment on inventory strategy.
• Standard Costing & PPV
• Manage standard costing processes, including cost updates and variance analysis.
• Analyse Purchase Price Variance (PPV) and identify drivers impacting margin.
• Collaborate with Procurement and FP&A to ensure accurate cost planning and reporting.
• Forecasting & Planning
• Support inventory forecasting processes, including freight, PPV, duties, and balance sheet items.
• Provide insights into inventory risks and opportunities based on trends and actuals.
• Partner with FP&A teams to align inventory projections with financial forecasts.
• Month-End Close
• Facilitate inventory-related month-end close activities, ensuring timely and accurate reporting.
• Prepare journal entries, reconciliations, and variance analysis.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls and accounting policies.
• Reporting & Analysis
• Prepare and deliver high-quality inventory reports for management and stakeholders.
• Analyse inventory performance and provide actionable insights.
• Develop and enhance reporting tools to improve visibility and decision-making.
• Audit & Compliance
• Act as key point of contact for internal and external auditors, including SOX and EY.
• Ensure all inventory processes are audit-ready, with clear documentation and controls.
• Support audit requests and drive timely resolution of findings.

Experience, Skills & Knowledge

Pls note this is a FTC for 12 months

Experience & Knowledge

• Strong experience in inventory management within a retail environment.
• In-depth knowledge of standard costing, PPV, and inventory valuation methodologies.
• Proven experience in forecasting and inventory planning processes.
• Strong understanding of month-end close and financial reporting requirements.
• Experience working within audit frameworks, including SOX, Internal Audit, and external auditors.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently.
• Detail-oriented approach with a focus on accuracy and control.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Proficiency in ERP systems, including SAP S/4HANA or ECC, and advanced Excel.
• Personal Attributes
• Self-starter with a proactive mindset.
• Strong ownership and accountability.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on process optimisation.
• Preferred Qualifications
• Professional qualification such as ACCA, CIMA, CPA, or equivalent.
• Experience in a multinational retail or consumer goods environment.
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