International Senior Commercial Finance Analyst (Wholesale, Franchise & Supplier Income)

At WHSmith, our people are at the heart of everything we do. They are the ones that go the extra mile for our customers. The ones that enable our growth. That’s why our International People team is passionate about creating an environment where people can be legally protected, compliant, and empowered to deliver their best work across our Rest of World (ROW) business. Australia, Singapore, Spain - just three of the 30+ countries where you can find our stores. You’ll find us at airports, stations, hospitals and shopping malls all over the world, with stores run directly, through joint ventures or via 'Franchise Partnership' models. It’s an integral part of the company’s growth strategy.

We now have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Commercial Analyst to join our International team on a permanent basis, based at our Head Office in London. Reporting into the International Commercial Finance Manager, you’ll play a key role as our Franchise and Wholesale business partner. In addition, you will work alongside another Senior Commercial Finance Analyst supporting on Supplier Income.

What you’ll do:

• Franchise and Wholesale: You will be the Franchise and Wholesale ("F&W") business partner, responsible for weekly reporting, understanding the trading numbers and leading the finance update in the F&W weekly trading meeting. Responsible for the F&W month end reporting and invoicing to Franchise partners. Lead the forecasting process for Franchise income during our budget/forecast cycles, working alongside Head of Franchise. Lead a monthly review with the credit control team to ensure F&W fees are collected from our Partners in a timely manner and escalating any concerns to the Head of Franchise. Provide monthly insights into the SPP performance of the franchise and business, highlighting trends in category/country performances.
• Supplier Income: Supporting the end-to-end process for reporting and recognising Supplier Income across a selection of international markets. Business partnering across the commercial team to understand and challenge their incomes. Ensuring deals are recognised correctly, year to date is aligned between trackers and the ledger and outlooks are as accurate as possible. For a selection of international markets ensuring all deals are accounted for correctly, managing monthly billing, accruals, and deferrals. Supporting the project team with the implementation of new a Supplier Income system.

Who we’re looking for:

We are looking for someone that is a qualified or part qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ICAEW) with previous experience in a similar role beneficial. Experience within the retail industry would prove advantageous; however an interest in International Retail is vital. You will be an excellent communicator who can engage, communicate, and influence both financial and non-financial managers. Your planning and organisational skills will be strong and you’ll be able to prioritise a broad and extensive range of activities, and work well under pressure and to tight deadlines. An ability to pick things up quickly is also a must, as well as operating in a very fast paced environment. You’ll have excellent analytical skills and be an advanced user of Microsoft Excel. You must have a keen eye for detail and accuracy, to ensure all financial data is summarised in a logical and informative manner appropriate for a variety of audiences.

About us:

Celebrating 230 years, we’re proud to have grown and evolved into a globally recognised brand present in over 30 countries around the world, and we’re proud to be that air of familiarity people love and trust on their journey, both in life and through life. As a diverse group of over 5,000 colleagues, we are all on the same journey to a better business through our commitments to our planet, people and the communities we serve. For UK and International Travel, our mission is simple - to create value for our stakeholders by providing a platform for global brands responsible for essentials and technology in airports (including our InMotion stores), hospitals, rail stations and other markets. Our office is based in a buzzing part of London close to Liverpool Street Station. We are an ambitious team that thrives on pace, collaboration and innovation, resulting in a real entrepreneurial culture at all levels. It’s perfect for people who are happy to use their initiative and embrace life outside their comfort zone.

At WHSmith, we’re all about creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace where everyone can be themselves and do their best. No matter your background, age, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, race or ethnicity, marital status, religion, sex, sexual orientation or anything else that makes you, you - you’re welcome here. We’re also open to flexible working where possible, so if that’s something you need, let’s chat. And if you need any adjustments during the selection process, just let our Talent Acquisition team know - we’re happy to help!