Senior Finance Manager

We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Senior Finance Manager to lead our ambitious global finance transformation programme, delivering strategic change across our international operations through the implementation of standardised financial processes, systems and governance frameworks. Reporting to the Global Finance Transformation Director, the successful candidate will have regular interaction across Finance teams, senior stakeholders, internal and external IT partners.

Role Summary

This is a critical role responsible for managing the delivery of a comprehensive multi-year global finance transformation project encompassing the design and implementation of a new global chart of accounts, enhanced financial governance frameworks, and the global deployment of ERP and EPM solutions. The successful candidate will drive standardisation, improve financial reporting capabilities, and establish robust governance structures to support our organisation’s continued growth and regulatory requirements.

Role Responsibilities

• Support Finance Director on the overall delivery of the global finance transformation programme, ensuring alignment with corporate strategy and stakeholder expectations.
• Support Project Manager in developing and maintaining comprehensive project plans, timelines, and resource allocation across multiple workstreams.
• Assist programme governance, including steering committee reporting, risk management, and issue escalation.
• Collaborate with regional finance teams, IT, and business stakeholders to ensure successful implementation across all locations.
• Design and implement a standardised global chart of accounts structure that meets local statutory, regulatory, and management reporting requirements.
• Develop comprehensive account definitions, coding structures, and mapping requirements for multiple jurisdictions.
• Establish clear governance frameworks for ongoing chart of accounts maintenance.

Change Management & Stakeholder Engagement

• Ensure user adoption and process compliance working closely with the programme change and training manager.

Governance & Compliance

• Design and implement robust financial governance frameworks, including approval hierarchies and segregation of duties.
• Ensure all solutions meet regulatory requirements, audit standards, and internal control frameworks.
• Establish ongoing monitoring and compliance procedures for the new systems and processes.

Qualifications & Professional Background

• ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent professional accounting qualification.
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 5-8 years of progressive finance and transformation experience, with at least 3 years in a senior management role.
• Demonstrated experience leading large-scale, multi-jurisdictional finance transformation projects.
• Extensive knowledge of ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar enterprise platforms).
• Strong understanding of EPM solutions and financial consolidation processes.
• Deep expertise in chart of accounts design, financial reporting standards (IFRS, UK GAAP), and regulatory requirements.
• Experience with system implementations, data migration, and integration projects.
• Advanced Excel skills and familiarity with financial reporting and analytics tools.

Desired Experience

• Proven track record of managing complex, multi-workstream programmes.
• Experience leading virtual teams across multiple time zones and cultural contexts.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with ability to influence at C-level.
• Strong understanding of international retail business operations and regulatory environments.
• Understanding of business and finance process optimisation and continuous improvement methodologies to drive efficiencies.
• Experience with ERP platforms and EPM/CPM solutions.
• Strategic thinking with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with ability to translate complex technical concepts for diverse audiences.
• Resilient leadership style with ability to drive results in challenging, fast-paced environments.
• Strong commercial awareness with focus on value delivery and return on investment.

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. 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!