Job Description

Main responsibilities
Responsibilities

• Responsible for the Europe business general ledger and assumes overall responsibility for the production of periodic reporting and commentary of variances to budget and forecast. A large portion of the job will be forward looking, focusing on our forecast, ensuring we are on track to deliver, whilst highlighting and assess future risks and opportunities.
• Responsible for reviewing and supporting the team in analyzing financial information to support decision making by senior management team.
• Support the team in managing dialogue with internal customers including Retail Country Managers and Senior Management team, explaining variances and proactively highlighting areas of concern or opportunity.
• Ensure that the team are delivering robust financial information to the business in a timely manner to ensure the stakeholder are accountable and owing their numbers.
• You will work with the Group finance team to ensure there is one view of the truth and you will be presenting final figures and numbers to them
• You will ensure best practice and discipline flows through all finance cycles we work through. Sharing lessons learnt and best practices. You will develop a strong link with the finance systems manager to ensure best practice is adhered and reporting is streamlined amongst all global teams.
• You will hold your team to high standards, offering them support and appropriate challenge in their respective areas

In more detail
Period End

• You will ensure the Board Pack is produced within the timetable and that your team has produced analysis to help explain variances and translated this analysis in to insightful commentary. You will review and feedback on the Board Pack to ensure we are delivering to a high standard.
  Forecast
• You will co-ordinate the forecasting cycle in line with the timetable for weekly, monthly and quarterly updates. You will review forecast submissions and challenge back.
  Budgeting
• Working with the Group team you will support the team in setting the scene with the business and the various channels to ensure all areas are aligned and informed. You will co-ordinate the budget cycle for the UK in line with the timetable. You will review budget submissions on a regular basis and challenge back flagging if there are deviations to the overall target

Statutory

• Preparation of the local statutory accounts alongside external accountants, dealing with audit queries and liaising with auditors to ensure complete compliance.

Other

• Proactively seek ways to make the reporting cycle more efficient including looking at opportunities to automate processes and/or increase speed and accuracy of period end processes in the UK finance team.
• A key part of the role includes team management, ensuring that tasks are being prioritized, clear timetables are in place, deadline are being met and that career progression of individuals is given due focus.

Who you will work with….

• Wider finance team including Group and FP&A
• Systems Finance Manager
• Finance Director
• Retail
• All UBB cost centre holders

Tools of the Trade…

• Previous management experience essential
• Experience working within one of the remit areas ideal but not essential
• Qualified CIMA/ACCA with 2/3 years post qualified experience
• Proficient with systems - Strong excel skills and experience in Microsoft AX and Hyperion Planning desirable

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Drive, enthusiasm and passion for retail Team player with ability to motivate Pro-active and open nature for business partnering, collaboration and challenging assumptions made Analytical mind and an aptitude for working with data and figures Ability to be self-sufficient and enjoy being hands on Motivated by new challenges, looking to make improvements and drive change Ability to work to tight deadlines Strong people skills