Group Financial Reporting Manager (12 month FTC) in London

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. We have an opportunity for a Group Financial Reporting Manager to join our Group Finance team on a 12-month fixed term contract. The position is based in the WH Smith head office in Aldgate, London, reporting into the Group Financial Reporting Manager.

We are looking for an experienced group reporting specialist, with a track record of both management and statutory reporting, including operation of robust controls in a complex multicurrency environment.

What you will be doing:

• Assist in the monthly financial close process, including involvement in cash flow reporting and journal preparation, ensuring reporting is completed in accordance with agreed deadlines.
• Assist in the interim and year end reporting process, including collaboration with external auditors.
• Monitor compliance with accounting standards.
• Ensure adherence with controls, including documentation of compliance.
• Liaise with divisions to drive consistent standardisation of reporting, compliance with group guidance and adherence to reporting timelines.
• Partner with FP&A, treasury, tax, and other finance teams to support budgeting, forecasting, and strategic decision-making.
• Explore opportunities for process improvement and implement changes where opportunities arise.
• Involvement in other ad hoc finance projects alongside the wider group finance team.

What we are looking for:

• Must be qualified ACA/ACCA with 3 years+ post-qualified experience within a group reporting function.
• Experience of multi-currency group consolidation, preferably within a listed company environment.
• Experience of working with external auditors.
• Strong aptitude for finance systems and comfortable on Excel.
• Confident engaging communicator, who can build relationships and present information clearly, confidently and concisely to different stakeholders.
• Ability to drive process improvements, automation, and system enhancements.
• High level of integrity, professional judgment, and attention to detail.
• Hands‐on, proactive, and adaptable.

How we reward our teams:

• Hybrid Working Model from home and in the office.
• 4pm Friday Finish.
• Flexible Working.
• 25 Days holiday, plus your Birthday off, plus Bank Holidays with an opportunity to buy extra days holiday.
• Family Friendly Leave.
• Company Pension scheme.
• Sharesave Scheme.
• Annual Bonus based on company and personal performance.
• Competitive Salary and Car Allowance.
• Private Medical.
• Staff Discount Card for stores and online.

About us:

Celebrating over 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.

Our UK Travel office is based in a buzzing part of central London close to Liverpool Street Station. We are an ambitious team that thrives on pace, collaboration and innovation resulting in a real entrepreneurial culture. 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!