Job Description

JOB PURPOSE

• Burberry plc., a global multi-billion-pound luxury fashion business, is seeking to hire an Inventory Accountant. The role is part of the Burberry Business Services (BBS) organisation based in Leeds, United Kingdom
• The Lead Accountant is responsible for execution of specified Record to Report ("RTR") Inventory tasks within the Finance function in the BBS in accordance with agreed service level agreements and key performance indicators. The major objectives of this role are:
• Accurate and timely month-end and periodic reporting, including submissions to Group Finance and Business Partners
• Ensure all compliance and regulatory requirements are met including operating effectiveness of internal controls over inventory
• Ensure accounting is accurate and complies with Group accounting policies and local requirements
• Prepare and deliver specific audit requirements (both internal and external)
• Deliver management and statutory reporting requirement
• The job holder is expected to run an effective and sustainable team, which has the capability to deliver the agreed services now and in the future
• Manage relationship with key internal stakeholders including Group Finance and Commercial team.
• Role may require some travel at times and work on some weekend/public holidays during half year, periodic Inventory counts and year end periods.
• The successful candidate will conduct regular 1-2-1 and provide regular feedback on performance of direct reports

RESPONSIBILITIES

Delivery

• Preparation and execution of inventory transactions
• Lead the stocktake process that takes place twice a year
• Reconciliation of inventory balances
• Preparation of inventory reports
• Month end processes:
• Execution, review and approval of Inventory transactions and reports
• Reconciliation and confirmation of inventory balance sheet accounts including sub-ledger accounts
• Completion of half year and year end additional financial information
• Perform his/her own BS reconciliations and also review those prepared by direct reports
• Responding to a significant number of ad hoc queries, and analysis as required, prioritising work effectively to ensure that these queries are responded to on a timely basis
• Ensuring compliance with Group Policies, including operating of internal controls over financial reporting

Continuous Improvement

• Apply understanding of assigned accounting processes to identify gaps and propose continuous improvement
• Work closely with the process owners to understand root causes and represent process procedures, practicalities and exceptions. Also work closely with Core RTR function in BBS and provide necessary support as and when needed
• Proactively seeks feedback from peers, Commercial Finance and Group Finance and their own team, and uses this to inform future delivery of services
• Sets future objectives to align to BBS customer and business strategies

PERSONAL PROFILE

• Professional accounting qualification is required e.g. ACA, CA, ACCA or CIMA
• At least 3-5 years of relevant accounting experience, 1 year of which post qualification
• Experience of ERP systems; SAP training and certification is a plus
• Fashion retail industry experience is preferred
• Strong technical background with experience in a FTSE company applying IFRS or local accounting GAAP is required
• Worked within a multicurrency environment, analysing and understanding the impact of movements in exchange rates across the business
• Experience of BPC, and advanced excel skills, an advantage
• Demonstration of management/supervisory experience, including history of hiring, training, motivating and retaining accounting personnel is desirable. Can provide examples of effective leadership and getting the best out of people, including during demanding periods
• Must be able to fully grasp the broader issues and provide functional guidance to those reporting to them, rather than rely on their own technical skill set
• Requires good understanding of IT systems and processes
• Has track record and appetite for delivering continuous improvement. Able to generate commitment to change amongst own team
• Can provide evidence of working collaboratively with peers

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Professional accounting qualification is required e.g. ACA, CA, ACCA or CIMA • At least 3-5 years of relevant accounting experience, 1 year of which post qualification • Experience of ERP systems; SAP training and certification is a plus • Fashion retail industry experience is preferred • Strong technical background with experience in a FTSE company applying IFRS or local accounting GAAP is required • Worked within a multicurrency environment, analysing and understanding the impact of movements in exchange rates across the business • Experience of BPC, and advanced excel skills, an advantage • Demonstration of management/supervisory experience, including history of hiring, training, motivating and retaining accounting personnel is desirable. Can provide examples of effective leadership and getting the best out of people, including during demanding periods • Must be able to fully grasp the broader issues and provide functional guidance to those reporting to them, rather than rely on their own technical skill set • Requires good understanding of IT systems and processes • Has track record and appetite for delivering continuous improvement. Able to generate commitment to change amongst own team • Can provide evidence of working collaboratively with peers