Trader Finance Business Partner/Commercial Finance Analyst

This is an amazing opportunity for a Qualified Accountant with strong finance business partnering experience in Trade Sales. The ideal candidate will have experience within an accounting/commercial environment. The FBP will report directly to the Senior Trade Finance Business Partner at their offices based in Slough.

PRIMARY PURPOSE OF POSITION

Provide proactive financial support and leadership to Trade Sales function. This involves helping the business to maximise financial outcomes through business partnering key accounts, e.g. through the financial evaluation of trading agreements and other sales initiatives, whilst actively business partnering Trade Marketing where necessary.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Responsibilities: Finance Business Partner

* Build strong professional relationships with the Trade Sales Team, acting as the key Finance Business Partner to the Trade 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 Profitability. Ensure that trading terms are robustly evaluated and pre-approved before being presented to the customers;
* 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 Trade Demand stream through effective business partnering of the Trade Sales team;
* 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;
* Be an active member of the Trade Finance Business Partnering team and work closely alongside other team members to ensure accurate and robust customer and brand P&Ls;
* Maintain reconciliations (actual and forecast) for customer teams so the business is aware of the financial position and that the R&A model reflects the latest view;
* Provide decision support and financial analysis to the Retail Marketing Team in relation to product development (gensight financial modelling) where required.

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
* 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