Company Profile
LaSer UK is a subsidiary of the LaSer Group, jointly owned by BNP Paribas, the global retail and investment bank, and Galeries Lafayette, Europe’s leading retailer. The core business focus is to provide consumer credit products such as credit cards, store cards, gift cards, loyalty programmes and fixed term credit products.
With a head office in Solihull and operations in Solihull and Belfast, they employ over 600 employees, managing more than 3.5 million customers and financing over £1bn in credit per annum. They have an impressive client portfolio including Flybe, M&Co., Selfridges, Curry’s, PC World, DFS, Dell and many more high profile brands.
Unlike most businesses, LaSer UK has enjoyed substantial growth over recent years and throughout the downturn, with sales increasing by 35% in 2009. The future outlook is also strong with double digit growth expected over the next few years supported by several new client wins.
Role Description
This is a unique opportunity to become the Commercial Finance Manager during a very exciting time. Playing a pivotal role within the business, this position has responsibility for commercial finance which supports the company in understanding performance, making key commercial decisions and assisting the ongoing development of business strategies.
Job Description
Responsibilities:
- Coordinating and leading the production of budgets & forecasts for LaSer UK and to provide the advice and guidance to the business in order to link business decisions to company strategy.
- Coordinating and optimising the cost structure for LaSer UK in accordance with the strategic plan and the annual budget.
- Ensure financial planning and analysis activities comply with Group guidelines and requirements.
- Advise and support the Finance team and other areas of the business on financial planning and analysis issues.
- Work with the business area and other departments to develop, evaluate and implement strategy for driving profitability.
- Coordinate the monthly production of management accounts and KPIs for LaSer UK in accordance with the Group requirements and in order to support the business performance achievement.
- Provide analysis and reports on client P&L performance against forecasts to support decision-making for the Business.
- Analyse financial implications of business decisions and contribute to New Business Cases to ensure decisions are soundly based.
- Manage team to deliver the information and modelling that can be used by the business to drive performance.
- Liaise with corporate to discuss results, trends, opportunities and issues on both month end and budgets/forecasts.
- Recruit, lead, develop and motivate the teams in order to ensure that performance targets are achieved.
- Attend meetings both within the UK and Europe as and when needed.
- Work in conjunction with the Head of Finance to ensure joined up thinking within the Finance department.
- Deputise for the Head of Finance.
- Raise financial awareness and skills within own area of the business to improve standards of financial/P&L management.
- Contribute to cross-business projects to deliver defined business improvements.
Experience Required:
- Qualified Accountant ACA/CIMA/ACCA.
- Experience at senior management level including supervisory responsibilities.
- Experience of providing commercial decision support and presenting at board level.
- Experience of managing the budgeting and forecasting process with a solid understanding of pricing within a Financial Services environment.
- High level knowledge of Excel with an ability to carry out complex and detailed product profitability modelling.
Skills Required:
- Proven high level of competency and leadership skills.
- Ability to challenge and influence key decision makers.
- Strong systems background with an ability to interrogate data and concisely report findings and recommendations.
- Proactive attitude, consistently promoting a culture which identifies opportunities for improvement and efficiency.
- Enthusiastic, approachable and able to communicate at all levels.
- Ability to work to tight deadlines and perform complex tasks under pressure.
What's on offer:
The opportunity to work within a fast-paced dynamic business with future progression coupled with an excellent salary and package. This position is based in Solihull, West Midlands. A relocation package is also available.
All third party applications will be forwarded to Richard Smith at Alexander Daniels.