At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial analysis and support business partners in making profitable decisions.
- Company: Join a dynamic finance team at Selfridges, a leader in retail.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Embrace AI and technology to enhance financial processes in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial strategies while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with strong analytical and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
As a Finance Manager for FP&A, you'll be a key member of the Finance Team, providing regular insight and analysis to the commercial finance teams, ensuring that the tasks of the finance function run smoothly, via effective communication and the provision of clear timetables/templates, and taking a leading role in ensuring our finance systems and tools are operating effectively, while looking for ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness in our ways of working.
The FP&A team operates as a centre of excellence for the wider finance function, offering a wide range of support, including standardisation and best practice principles, data interrogation, macro-economic insight as examples.
You'll lead one Finance Analyst, taking responsibility for their day-to-day support, workload planning and professional growth. You'll be an engaged and motivating manager, enabling regular development conversations and providing on-the-job coaching in both technical and leadership skills. This role suits a qualified finance professional who is curious, confident and genuinely interested in how the business works.
Key Responsibilities- Identify and develop timely, relevant analysis that gives business partners real insight, helping them to manage their areas more profitably.
- Review business cases for investment decisions and post-investment reviews, considering broader business implications.
- Build and maintain trusted relationships with finance leadership, monitoring risks and opportunities to the P&L and engaging stakeholders to manage them effectively.
- Complete cost/benefit analysis and identify opportunities to improve productivity and profitability.
- Deliver monthly management accounts to key stakeholders, with robust variance analysis and a clear narrative on performance.
- Lead the budgeting, forecasting and long-range planning process for Selfridges working under the broader direction of your Senior Finance Manager.
- Prepare and own balance sheet reconciliations, mapping complex processes and clearly articulating risks and opportunities to senior stakeholders.
- Prepare the monthly actual & forecasted indirect cash flow, understanding the key drivers of working capital and working with the treasury function to articulate any risks or opportunities around cash and cash requirements.
- Take responsibility as primary contact for any Group or shareholder queries.
- Drive process improvements across your area, working collaboratively with the wider Finance Team to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
- Manage and develop a Finance Analyst, ensuring they have clear objectives, structured reviews and on-the-job coaching to support their development.
- Deputise for your Senior Finance Manager when required.
- Relationship Building - develops effective relationships with business area leadership; creates collaborative, honest relationships with direct reports and Finance peers; builds connections across functions outside their immediate area.
- Challenge & Influence - works with business partners to clarify the drivers of financial performance; reviews analysis to form an independent point of view; actively manages risks and opportunities and ensures business partners have appropriate actions to address them.
- Communication - proactively communicates progress and impacts with stakeholders; adapts style and approach to the audience; presents financial information in a clear and engaging way to inform commercial decision-making.
- Responsiveness & Proactivity - earns the trust of business partners by acting honestly when expectations can't be met; advises on a broader range of issues; proactively reaches out to stakeholders and leads the agenda for meetings.
- Balance Sheet Accuracy - maps complex balance sheet processes and implications for monthly balances; articulates the reconciliation process to senior stakeholders; ensures accuracy of balance sheets prepared by self and team.
- Understanding the P&L - monitors risks and opportunities to the P&L; engages stakeholders to manage these effectively; works collaboratively with business partners to produce challenging and achievable plans.
- Financial Modelling & Presentation - builds simple, future-proofed models that handle complex scenarios; provides clear outputs with scenarios, sensitivities and recommendations; presents analysis clearly and concisely to stakeholders.
- Identifying Risks & Opportunities - reviews business area performance and identifies where further modelling and analysis could surface risks or opportunities; provides coaching to the team on analytical approach.
- Planning to Deliver - plans and manages team activity to ensure timely delivery; demonstrates agility in response to changing priorities; proactively looks ahead and manages stakeholder expectations.
- Improving Processes - works collaboratively across Finance and the business to drive efficiency and accuracy; proactively works with business partners to improve processes and strengthen controls.
- Values & Culture - role models leadership behaviours, champions team wellbeing and contributes to a culture where everyone is comfortable bringing their authentic self to work.
- AI & Technology - embraces AI and emerging technologies with curiosity and confidence; proactively identifies opportunities to use new tools to improve financial processes, reporting and analysis, and encourages the team to do the same.
- Fully qualified accountant - CIMA, ACCA, ACA or international equivalent.
- Experience managing or mentoring a Finance Analyst is desirable.
- Strong commercial awareness, ideally in a fast-paced business environment.
- Advanced Excel and financial modelling skills; ability to build models from scratch that stand the test of time.
- Experience with financial systems and using AI technologies.
Finance Manager- FP&A employer: Selfridges
At Selfridges, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values creativity and customer engagement. Our vibrant work culture fosters personal growth and offers unique opportunities to connect with diverse guests in a dynamic retail environment. Join us in delivering extraordinary experiences while enjoying a supportive team atmosphere and flexible working hours.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager- 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 Selfridges. 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 Finance Manager- 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 Selfridges.
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 Selfridges'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 Selfridges
✨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 Selfridges.
✨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 Selfridges 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 Selfridges 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.
