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Senior Finance Manager

  • Job
    Full-time
    Senior & Expert Level
  • Business, Operations & Strategy
  • London

AI generated summary

  • You need to be a qualified accountant with significant PQE, strong Technology Finance experience, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to influence senior management collaboratively.
  • You will lead cost optimisation, develop business cases, manage a finance team, ensure financial governance, and support budget planning and reforecasts while driving continuous improvement.

Requirements

  • Qualified accountant with several years PQE in a commercial environment
  • Deep Technology Finance experience preferably Technology transformation, covering all areas of the run & investment cost base
  • Collaborative approach, with a natural style that builds credibility and a strong network across Digital & Technology and Finance
  • Commercial curiosity and a critical thinker with excellent analytical skills
  • Ability to influence and partner at senior and exec levels

Responsibilities

  • Finance lead for Cost Optimisation owning the development of a cost optimisation roadmap and driving clear ownership using the RAPID decision-making framework.
  • Team leadership and development: lead a Finance Manager, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth. Ensuring they are motivated, energised and upskilled and therefore delivering as a high performing team.
  • Develop the business case and roadmap for Cost Optimisation building on the benchmarking work completed to date, along with insightful analysis to implement the right financial controls to monitor progress and assure value realisation.
  • In partnership with the CTOO & team develop a new governance framework across all spend (run & investment) plus 3rd party supplier contracts. Delivering cost transparency within Digital & Technology, to the FDs & wider Finance plus each business area showing cost drivers, Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and options to drive sustainable cost out.
  • Support delivery of reforecasts and long term planning, including monthly R&Os, quarterly reforecasts, budget and 5 year strategic plans working cross-functionally to deliver each cycle. Drive continuous improvement through a relentless focus on cost optimisation & regular benchmarking at IT cost pool & tower level.

FAQs

What is the main focus of the Senior Finance Manager role?

The main focus of the Senior Finance Manager role is to transform Digital & Technology cost management, creating cost transparency, understanding expenditures, and driving cost optimisation initiatives.

What qualifications are required for this position?

The position requires a qualified accountant with several years of post-qualification experience (PQE) in a commercial environment, as well as deep Technology Finance experience, preferably in technology transformation.

What types of skills are essential for success in this role?

Essential skills include a collaborative approach, strong analytical and critical thinking abilities, commercial curiosity, and the capacity to influence and partner at senior executive levels.

Will there be leadership responsibilities in this role?

Yes, there will be leadership responsibilities, including leading a Finance Manager, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and developing the team's skills to ensure high performance.

How is the working environment structured in this role?

The working environment is hybrid, with support teams expected to be in the office three days a week to foster collaboration and creativity.

What are some of the benefits offered to employees in this role?

Benefits include a 20% colleague discount, competitive holiday entitlement, discretionary bonus schemes, a Defined Contribution Pension Scheme, access to wellbeing support, industry-leading parental policies, and a charity volunteer day.

What kind of approach is valued when working with stakeholders?

A collaborative and relationship-building approach is valued, particularly in a matrix stakeholder model, to ensure clear communication and effective partnership across Digital & Technology and Finance.

How often will financial planning and forecasting be conducted?

Financial planning and forecasting will be conducted on a regular basis, including monthly reforecasts, quarterly reforecasts, budgeting, and five-year strategic planning.

Is there an emphasis on continuous improvement in this role?

Yes, there is a strong emphasis on continuous improvement, particularly focused on cost optimisation and regular benchmarking at IT cost pool and tower levels.

What is the company's commitment to diversity and inclusion?

The company is committed to building diverse and representative teams, promoting an inclusive workplace where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and be at their best.

Forward thinking, future-focused and digital-first retail

Retail & Consumer Goods
Industry
10,001+
Employees
1884
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

We hold ourselves to a very high standard here at M&S. That much has never changed. Our attention to detail, forward thinking and passion for improvement has led to the creation of some of the nation’s most loved products. But a rapidly changing world demands that we change along with it. M&S has been at the forefront of social change for the past 134 years, and we’re determined to keep it that way. Setting bolder goals and giving our people the space and resources to achieve them. Today, we are a unique retailer delivering top quality food, clothing, home products and financial services. We employ over 80,000 colleagues who serve over 32 million customers. But what about tomorrow? We’ve put customer-focused digital innovation at the heart of our business, partnering with world-class technology firms to help shape the retail experience of the future. From digital transformation to empowering people to make a positive impact on wellbeing, communities and the planet, there’s never been a more exciting time to join us. Because if you become part of our journey today, you’ll be shaping the very future of our business.

Benefits

  • Colleague Discount

    Receive 20% discounts in-store for you and members of your household

  • Bonus

    We have discretionary bonus schemes depending on your role and our business performance

  • Pay

    Our salaries are competitive and reviewed every year

  • Life Assurance

    Life cover of twice your salary up to age 70 which is double when you join your M&S pension savings plan