At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our FP&A team to ensure financial data consistency and support budget owners across international entities.
- Company: Watchfinder & Co., the premier resource for buying and selling premium pre-owned watches.
- Benefits: Transparent interview process, personal growth opportunities, and a collaborative work culture.
- Other info: Opportunity to work cross-functionally and contribute to exciting business projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your financial skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Finance or related field, 3 years' FP&A experience, and advanced Excel skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Since Watchfinder & Co. was first founded in 2002, it has grown to become the premier resource from which to buy and sell premium pre-owned watches. With thousands of watches available from more than 50 brands, including Rolex, Omega, IWC and more, plus boutiques across the UK and a manufacturer certified service centre, Watchfinder has established itself as the top pre-owned watch specialist.
We are currently on the search for an FP&A Analyst to join our HQ Financial planning team on a 12-month Fixed Term Contract. You will contribute to the success of the FP&A team in two different dimensions utilizing your all-rounded financial skills:
- You will be the guardian of our financial systems landscape who ensures data consistency between our ERPs and reporting platforms. Your work directly underpins the quality and timeliness of our month-end close and management reporting.
- Periodic monitoring of data interfaces between financial systems to ensure financial report consistency and completeness. Investigate interface failures and data mismatches, perform root-cause analysis and drive resolution with IT / finance teams.
- Automate processes / reconciliations and maintain documentation for knowledge transfer.
- Support other finance projects when required.
You will be the owner of key cost items which are critical to the success of our business:
- Proactively interact with budget owners across 6 international entities to understand their need, support their financials with best practice.
- Perform monthly follow up and variance analysis to ensure budget is respected.
- Reporting, accruals and reconciliations on key KPIs vs budget.
- Develop cost estimations for submission to Group's budget / forecast cycles.
University degree in Finance, Accounting, Information Systems, or a related discipline.
Minimum 3 years' experience in FP&A / financial control within a multinational or multi-entity environment.
Structured problem-solver who communicates effectively with stakeholders.
Advanced skills in Excel (complex modelling, pivot tables) and BI tools (Metabase, Tableau or similar).
Hands-on experience supporting financial systems and interfaces (e.g. SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, Anaplan or similar applications).
Strong commercial / business acumen.
Our aim is to provide you a transparent interview process from the moment you apply for the role. It’s important for us that you get to know us to ensure the role aligns to your future career objectives.
We provide all candidates with open-door access to key people across the business so they can discuss opportunities, get a feel for our culture, and better understand how they can make an impact and be part of Watchfinder’s exciting trajectory.
Interview Process:
- 1st Stage: A ‘Let’s Chat’ conversation. Initially, when your application is selected, you will receive an introduction call to explain the main points in terms of this position, and to have a chance to showcase your motivation.
- 2nd Stage: Complete an Excel Task, followed by an interview with our Head of Financial Planning & Analysis.
- Final Stage: Meet with our CFO and HR Business Partner.
Firstly, what makes Watchfinder a great place to work is the people! Whether that be within your immediate team or across other areas of the business and in different countries. You can really make an impact working cross functionally supporting a variety of different business units.
If personal growth and development is high on your priority list, then Watchfinder is the place for you. We’ve had numerous success stories throughout the business of our staff furthering and developing their careers, proving to be integral contributors to the company.
To be part of this exciting journey, apply now!
FP&A Analyst employer: Watchfinder & Co
At Watchfinder & Co., we pride ourselves on being a premier employer in the horology industry, offering a vibrant work culture where passion for watches meets professional growth. Our Kings Hill Service Centre is home to a dedicated team that values collaboration and meticulous attention to detail, supported by generous benefits including healthcare packages and employee discounts. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking company that encourages continuous learning and provides clear pathways for career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land FP&A Analyst
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Watchfinder & Co.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Watchfinder & Co might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace FP&A Analyst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Watchfinder & Co will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Watchfinder & Co. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Watchfinder & Co confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Watchfinder & Co
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Watchfinder & Co.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Watchfinder & Co that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
