At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive financial performance and support strategic decisions in a dynamic retail environment.
- Company: Join a fast-paced, international consumer-facing organisation with a high-performing finance team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £80,000 plus a 20% bonus and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a vibrant, multi-site retail setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by partnering with senior stakeholders and optimising trading performance.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with strong commercial finance experience and advanced analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 80000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a commercially focused Finance Manager to join a fast-paced, international consumer-facing organisation. This role sits within a high-performing Commercial Finance team and will play a key part in supporting a significant retail operation, partnering with senior stakeholders to drive performance, profitability, and strategic decision-making.
The successful candidate will be responsible for providing financial insight, robust challenge, and commercial support across a complex retail P&L. Working closely with operational, commercial, supply chain, and finance teams, you will help optimise trading performance, improve margins, and support the delivery of strategic initiatives.
Key Responsibilities- Act as a trusted finance business partner to senior commercial and operational stakeholders.
- Provide data-driven insight and challenge to support pricing, promotions, category strategies, and commercial initiatives.
- Evaluate new business opportunities, product launches, and trials through financial modelling and benefit analysis.
- Support contract reviews, assessing commercial and financial implications while ensuring strong governance.
- Build effective relationships across multiple business functions and external partners.
- Monitor trading performance across products, locations, and customer segments, identifying risks and opportunities.
- Conduct detailed analysis of sales performance, margins, operational costs, waste, and inventory-related metrics.
- Deliver accurate forecasting, budgeting, and long-term planning processes.
- Produce high-quality reporting, analysis, and commentary to support business performance.
- Support month-end processes, including accruals, provisions, and financial adjustments.
- Provide weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual performance reporting.
- Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Strong commercial finance and business partnering experience.
- Excellent analytical and financial modelling skills.
- Strong understanding of P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow reporting.
- Experience managing large and complex data sets.
- Advanced Excel skills, including complex modelling and reporting.
- Experience within a fast-paced, multi-site, international, retail, consumer, travel, or hospitality environment.
Commercial Finance Manager - Retail in Bedford employer: Talent Finance | B Corp™
Join a dynamic and innovative international consumer-facing organisation as a Commercial Finance Manager in Luton, where you will thrive in a collaborative and high-performing work culture. With a focus on employee growth, the company offers robust training and development opportunities, alongside competitive benefits including a generous bonus structure. Experience the unique advantage of working in a fast-paced retail environment that values strategic input and fosters strong partnerships across various business functions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Finance Manager - Retail in Bedford
✨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 Talent Finance | B Corp™. 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 Commercial Finance Manager - Retail in Bedford
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 Talent Finance | B Corp™.
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 Talent Finance | B Corp™'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 Talent Finance | B Corp™
✨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 Talent Finance | B Corp™.
✨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 Talent Finance | B Corp™ 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 Talent Finance | B Corp™ 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.
