Finance Business Partner - Retail

My client, a multinational manufacturing company based in Slough, is currently seeking a fully qualified Finance Business Partner to join their Retail Sales and Marketing function on a 6 month contract.

Role Description

Provide proactive financial support and leadership to the Retail Sales and Marketing function, including Business Partnering Key Accounts Sales Managers. This involves helping the business to maximise financial outcomes, e.g. through the financial evaluation of annual Customer Trading Terms and promotional evaluations. To provide decision support and financial analysis to the Retail Marketing Team in relation to product development.

Responsibilities

• Build great relationships with the Retail Sales Team, acting as the key Finance Business Partner to the Retail Sales Managers through the provision of high quality challenge and finance support.
• Provide financial modelling for Trading Terms discussions, including modelling scenarios for Customer Rebates and Allowances, and providing recommendations to improve Customer / Channel Profitability.
• Ensure that trading terms are robustly evaluated and pre-approved before being presented to the customers.
• Provide financial modelling (Pre- and Post-) of promotions and ensure authorisation routes are followed.
• Ensure sales related opportunities are funnelled through the forecasting process.
• Provide financial evaluation of major opportunities and vulnerabilities within the Retail Demand stream through effective business partnering of the Retail Sales team.
• Provide financial insight about any significant fixed costs / investments (including publicity) within the Retail Sales arena.
• Ensure controls processes are in place to keep a record of all commitments with the customer and that backup is maintained should a dispute arise
• Maintain R&A reconciliations (actual and forecast) for customer teams so the business is aware of the financial position and that the R&A model reflects the latest view
• Follow up on payment disputes and assist in resolution alongside customer teams and credit control
• Provide decision support and financial analysis to the Retail Marketing Team in relation to product development

Skills & Requirements

• Qualified accountant (ACA or CIMA) with 2-3 years post-qual experience
• Experience in a commercial environment
• Able to communicate effectively with both senior and junior finance and non-finance colleagues
• Proven ability to understand and interrogate data and challenge assumptions
• Knowledge and experience of SAP & Cognos systems
• Advanced Excel skills and strong analytical skills
• Excellent Powerpoint and communication skills, a confident presenter
• Able to influence non finance mgrs and knows when and how to say no
• Delivers credible analysis & supports decision making, ensures aligned to strategy
• Understands customer needs, culture and how to get things done
• Able to provide insightful reporting and to communicate complex issues clearly to finance and non-finance people
• Demonstrates a strategic capability in thinking
• The biggest challenge this person will encounter will be around the conflicting priorities and work load pressures. Prioritisation of work to meet customer's needs will be crucial
• High degree of autonomy, responsibility to own and drive areas of responsibility