Finance Business Partner/Commercial Finance Analyst

OVERVIEW

This is an amazing opportunity for a Qualified Accountant, who has demonstrable finance business partnering experience in retail, specifically partnering Sales and Marketing. The ideal candidate will have experience within an accounting/commercial environment. The FBP will report directly into Senior Finance Business Partner at their offices based in Slough.

PRIMARY PURPOSE OF POSITION

Provide proactive financial support and leadership to Retail Sales and Marketing function, including business partnering key accounts Sales Managers. This involves helping the business to maximise financial outcomes and to provide decision support and financial analysis to the Retail Marketing Team in relation to product development.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Responsibilities: Finance Business Partner

* Build strong business relationships with the Retail Sales Team, act as the key Finance Business Partner to the Retail Sales Managers through the provision of high quality challenge and finance support.

* Provide financial modelling for trading terms discussions, including modelling scenarios for customer rebates and allowances, and providing recommendations to improve customer / channel. Ensure that trading terms are robustly evaluated and pre-approved before being presented to the customers.

* Provide financial modelling of promotions and ensure authorisation routes are followed.

* Ensure sales related opportunities (e.g. new distribution) are funnelled through the forecasting (Integrated Business Planning - IBP) process. Provide financial evaluation of major opportunities and vulnerabilities within the retail demand stream through effective business partnering of the Retail Sales team.

* Provide financial insight about any significant fixed costs / investments (including publicity) within the Retail Sales arena.

* Ensure control processes are in place to keep a record of all commitments with the customer and that backup is maintained should a dispute arise

* Maintain reconciliations (actual and forecast) for customer teams so the business is aware of the financial position and that the model reflects the latest view

* Provide decision support and financial analysis to the Retail Marketing Team in relation to product development (gensight financial modelling).

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

Requirements for the job

* Qualified accountant (ACA/CIMA ACCA) (PQE preferred)
* Experience in a commercial environment is essential
* Able to communicate effectively with both finance and non-finance colleagues, at all levels
* Proven ability to understand and interrogate data and challenge assumptions
* Knowledge and experience of the key systems used in the commercial side of the business (Cognos, SAP)
* Excellent Excel analytical skills and PowerPoint

* Good analytical skills and able to balance multiple priorities and meet (recurring financial) deadlines. Ability to work on monthly timeframes independently
* Strong people management, interpersonal and communication skills, able to communicate on multiple organizational levels - confident and articulate
* Process improvement skills/experience, open for change and actively supports our performance culture
* Able to present and influence effectively

Parkside Recruitment Ltd is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy. Parkside Recruitment is an Equal Opportunities Employer