Finance Manager - 12 Month FTC

Job Description

We have an opportunity for a Finance Manager to join our Commercial Finance team at Next PLC on a 12 month FTC. This role offers a unique chance to manage a small team, oversee critical financial reporting processes, and work closely with senior stakeholders to drive the success of our Online and Central Cost divisions.

About the Role:

As the Finance Manager for Online Margin Reporting and Central Cost Controlling, you will be responsible for the accurate reporting, budgeting, and forecasting of the Group’s central overhead costs. In addition, you will take ownership of the complex process of reporting online profit margins across multiple business divisions, including NEXT UK, LABEL UK (third-party brands), Overseas, and Total Platform.

Managing a team of two, you will work closely with key stakeholders to ensure financial data is allocated correctly, provide insightful analysis, and drive improvements in cost allocation processes.

Key Responsibilities:

Online Margin Reporting:

1. Oversee and review cost allocations across NEXT’s Online business divisions, ensuring consistency and accuracy.
2. Prepare and report overall Online margins by division on a monthly basis, coordinating commentary from other finance teams.
3. Investigate and resolve any discrepancies or anomalies found during monthly management reviews.
4. Summarise and provide insights on Online margins for external City announcements.
5. Work with peers to understand, challenge, and improve cost allocation methods, driving process automation and efficiency.

Central Cost Controlling:

1. Lead a team of two business partners to manage costs across key areas, including HR, Finance, Customer Contact Centre, Security, Facilities, and on-site nursery.
2. Build strong relationships with business partners to deliver timely and accurate management information.
3. Analyse costs, highlight opportunities or concerns, and provide recommendations to relevant managers.
4. Support operational business cases with detailed financial analysis.

Month-End Responsibilities:

1. Complete balance sheet reconciliations and ensure strong controls are in place.
2. Produce performance analysis and present findings to senior finance business partners and Directors.

Budgeting & Forecasting:

1. Lead the forecasting and budgeting of central costs, working closely with operational teams to ensure accuracy and provide challenge where necessary.
2. Provide detailed analysis to support cost forecasts and operational decision-making.

Process Improvement:

1. Identify and lead process improvement initiatives within your area of responsibility, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in cost reporting and forecasting.

What We’re Looking For:

1. Qualified accountant (ACCA/CIMA), part-qualified with considerable experience, or a data expert with a strong focus on controls and reporting.
2. Proficient in Microsoft Excel (essential) and comfortable working with complex financial data.
3. Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret and communicate complex financial information clearly and effectively.
4. Strong attention to detail, organisational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
5. Self-motivated, with a proactive approach to driving improvements and delivering results.

About Us

You know Next, but did you know we’re a FTSE-100 retail company employing over 35,000 people across the UK and Ireland. We’re the UK’s 2nd largest fashion retailer and for Kidswear we’re the market leader. At the last count we have over 500 stores, plus the Next Online and it’s now possible to buy on-line from over 70 countries around the world! So we’ve gone global!

About some of our Benefits

• 25% off most NEXT, MADE*, Lipsy*, Gap* and Victoria's Secret* products (*when purchased through NEXT)
• Company performance based bonus
• Sharesave scheme
• On-site Nursery available; OFSTED outstanding in all areas
• 10% off most partner brands & up to 15% off Branded Beauty
• Early VIP access to sale stock
• Access to fantastic discounts at our Staff Shops
• Restaurants with great food at amazing prices
• Access a digital GP and other free health and wellbeing services
• Free on-site parking
• Financial Wellbeing - Save, track and enhance your financial wellbeing
• Apprenticeship - Grow and develop on the job whilst gaining a qualification
• Direct to Work - Discount online and instore, collect your items the next day for free from your place of work or local store
• Support Networks - Access to Network Groups to empower and celebrate each other
• Wellhub - Discounted flexible monthly gym memberships, with apps, PT sessions and more

Conditions apply to all benefits. These benefits are discretionary and subject to change.

We aim to support all candidates during the application process and are happy to provide workplace adjustments when necessary. Should you need support with your application due to a disability or long-term condition, feel free to get in touch with us by email headoffice_careers@next.co.uk (please include 'Workplace Adjustments' in the subject line), or call us on 0116 284 2486 and leave a voicemail.

Apply Before: 11/03/2024

For further information, and to apply, please visit our website via the “Apply” button below.