Commercial Finance Manager - 9 month FTC at WHSmith · Swindon

PLEASE NOTE: As part of our organisational changes, our ongoing structure and roles continue to be reviewed. While this role is being advertised, circumstances may change and the role could be withdrawn/amended.
At WHSmith our people are at the heart of everything we do. They are the ones that go the extra mile for our customers. The ones that enable our growth. We are looking for a commercial astute and delivery focussed Finance Manager to support the Commercial Finance Team in UK Travel. The role includes leading Planning Cycles, reporting on month end, and providing analysis and insight. A pro-active interest in current trading is imperative. This is a hands-on role where you will work directly with Commercial Stakeholders. Additionally, we are looking for someone to champion continuous process improvement to deliver efficiencies.

What you’ll be doing:

• Weekly sales and margin reporting, analysis and insights for the business.
• Providing Analysis at Month End on Performance
• Pricing and Promotional Modelling & Analysis
• Continuous process improvement to improve efficiency and accuracy of processes
• Production of Sales & Margin Budgets, through creating templates, analysis of outputs and challenging stakeholders where appropriate.

What we are looking for:

• Qualified Accountant (CIMA/ACCA/ACA).
• Highly numerate with an analytical background, ideally within Retail
• Ability to build relationships & trust with key stakeholders
• Advanced Excel is essential
• PowerBI or TM1 experience would be of benefit
• Confidence to articulate the output of your analysis and challenge both the approach and results when necessary
• Someone with a proactive approach and the initiative to identify opportunities to drive improvement

• 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
• Annual Bonus based on company and personal performance
• Competitive Salary and car allowance
• Private Medical
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Staff Discount Card for railway stores (subject to policy)
About us:

Celebrating over 230 years, we’re proud to have grown into a globally recognised brand present in over 30 countries – the air of familiarity people love and trust on their journey. As a diverse group of over 6,000 colleagues, we’re all on the same journey to a better business through our commitments to our planet, people and the communities we serve.

Our business operates from two key locations, In a vibrant area of London, close to Aldgate and Liverpool Street Station, while the other is located at Swindon's International Business Park, just off the M4 with excellent transport links and over 100 on-site parking spaces.

For WHSmith Europe, our mission is simple – to create value for our stakeholders by providing a platform for global brands across airports, hospitals, rail stations and other markets. Our operational environment is fast-paced and highly regulated, requiring exceptional standards of maintenance, compliance, health & safety and colleague welfare across every location.

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!