Senior Commercial Finance Manager - jd Europe

JD GROUP; Bury; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail company seeks a Senior Commercial Finance Manager in Bury, England. The successful candidate will guide the European Commercial Finance team and oversee the Joint Ventures. Strong analytical and leadership skills are required, along with a qualification in accountancy and experience in the retail or fashion sector. The role demands strategic thinking, decision-making, and collaboration with stakeholders across the group. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years post-qualification experience in commercial finance.
• Experience in the retail or fashion industry is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and standards.

Responsibilities

• Co-ordinate execution of European-wide initiatives.
• Lead and supervise the Joint Ventures Commercial Finance Team.
• Oversee Financial Planning and Analysis for European Businesses.
• Support financial modelling for new business initiatives.

Skills

Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or Equivalent)

Industry Expertise (Retail or Fashion)

Global Business Partnership

Financial Acumen

Analytical and Communication Skills

Leadership and Team Development

Time Management and Resilience

Passion for Sports Fashion

Positive Attitude and Drive

Education

Qualified Accountant

Tools

Financial software

Job description

Overview

Senior Commercial Finance Manager – JD Europe & Joint Ventures

Responsible to: Head of Commercial Finance – Europe

Department: Finance

Location: JD Group Head Office, Bury, Greater Manchester, BL9 8RR

Role Overview

As the Senior Commercial Finance Manager for JD Europe and its Joint Ventures, you will provide guidance, support, and coordination to the European Commercial Finance team, helping deliver on the Commercial Financial Director’s objectives. You will also be responsible for offering best-practice and strategic support to the Group’s Joint Venture businesses across Europe.

You will work closely with senior stakeholders, providing insight and guidance to support decision-making and recommend optimal outcomes. This will be achieved by building a strong network across the group, engaging with multiple departments to problem-solve collaboratively and distil expert perspectives into clear, concise communication. You will lead a small team to deliver these objectives, while supporting their continuous development. You will play a key role within the European finance team, delivering budgets and forecasts in line with group deadlines. This will be achieved through effective planning with both operational and finance teams, leveraging team strengths, and continuously improving and simplifying the overall approach. This role involves critical financial analysis, strategic thinking, and effective leadership to drive successful outcomes within the European business segment. Due to the nature of the role, there will be occasional ad hoc travel required into the markets you support.

Responsibilities

• Co-ordinate and ensure execution of European-wide initiatives and deliverables
  • Co-ordinate activities of the Commercial Finance Managers in JD Europe to deliver European level objectives & align on Group requirements
• Manage and oversee the Joint Ventures Commercial Finance Team:
  • Lead and supervise the Commercial Finance team responsible for Joint Ventures.
• Support Financial Planning and Analysis for European Businesses, including supporting the Joint Venture businesses in Europe:
  • Oversee all aspects of financial planning and analysis to align with the Group’s requirements and policies.
  • You will be the primary commercial finance contact and provide support to the Joint Venture businesses during their integration and alignment into Group-wide initiatives.
  • You will provide best practice advice and guidance in ensuing joint ventures align to the group
• Financial Modelling and Decision Support:
  • Support financial modelling from initiation to business-as-usual (BAU) for new business initiatives.
• Collaboration and Strategic Guidance:
  • Collaborate with other commercial and operational departments and Centres of Excellence (CoE’s) by producing financial models, conducting scenario analyses, and assessing risks to inform decision-making and business growth.
  • Comfortable challenging senior stakeholders by using robust analysis offering solutions
• Leadership and Team Development:
  • Lead by example, fostering a team culture aligned with the Group’s and Finance team’s core values.
  • Support ongoing development and growth within your team of 2.
• Reporting and Analysis:
  • Prepare and present weekly, monthly, and quarterly commercial reports and analyses.

This role requires a blend of financial expertise, leadership, and effective communication to drive successful outcomes

Essential Skills and Experience

• Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or Equivalent):
  • Possess a recognized accounting qualification with a minimum of 3 years of post-qualification experience in a commercial finance role.
• Industry Expertise (Retail or Fashion):
  • Ideally, have experience in the retail or fashion industry.
• Global Business Partnership:
  • Demonstrated experience working with business partners across Europe and globally is essential.
• Financial Acumen:
  • Strong knowledge of accounting principles, standards, and practices.
  • Proficiency in using financial software, systems, and tools.
• Analytical and Communication Skills:
  • Confident and clear communication skills
  • Ability to work with colleagues across all levels and geographies
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
  • Attention to detail and effective communication skills.
  • Comfortable in challenging senior stakeholders by using robust analysis offering other solutions
• Leadership and Team Development:
  • Ability to lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing finance team
• Time Management and Resilience:
  • Comfortable working under pressure, meeting tight deadlines, and managing multiple projects and priorities.
• Passion for Sports Fashion:
  • Enthusiasm for the sports fashion industry and awareness of its trends.
• Positive Attitude and Drive:
  • Exhibit positivity, enthusiasm, resilience, and a proactive approach to challenges.

This comprehensive skill set will contribute to success in the role and drive impactful outcomes.