Senior Strategy and Risk Accountant

Howdens Joinery Co.; Watford; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading trade-only kitchen supplier in Watford is seeking a Senior Strategy and Risk Accountant to oversee financial strategic models and provide insights for operational success. The ideal candidate should be a qualified accountant with extensive experience in financial planning and analysis, advanced analytical skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively across teams. The role offers benefits including a competitive salary, a bonus scheme, and a matched contribution pension.

Benefits

Highly competitive salary

Bonus (company-profit related)

Matched contribution pension scheme

Car allowance

Team incentives

25 days holiday

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with at least 5 years of experience in FP&A.
• Proven track record in financial planning and analysis.
• Must be highly analytical and proficient in using reporting tools.

Responsibilities

• Support annual budgeting and forecasts for the depots.
• Continuously improve financial strategic models.
• Provide management with detailed reports and recommendations.

Skills

Qualified accountant (PQE 5 years, CIMA/ACCA/ACA)

Financial planning and analysis

Highly analytical

Advanced Excel skills

Experience with Business Objects or SAP

Job description

Senior Strategy and Risk Accountant

Howdens Joinery is the UK’s No. 1 trade‑only kitchen supplier with over 850 depots and a reputation for providing the best local price and product from local stock. We have achieved our success by investing in our people, earning a place in the top 30 Best Big Companies to Work For in the Sunday Times.

In Howdens the depots are at the centre of everything we do. We have exciting growth plans for the future through expanding our depot network and the support functions share the goal of backing that growth.

The team is based in Croxley, Watford and works in the office four days a week with one day working from home.

Areas of Responsibility

• Annual budgeting and quarterly forecasts (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow, CapEx)
• Medium‑ and long‑term planning
• Improve existing forecasting models to implement best practices in FP&A using BI systems
• Evaluate return on investment and create plans for new strategic initiatives
• Assess growth opportunities in the depot network (new depots, cannibalisation, cities)
• Support the management of operational and financial risk (trade insurance, depot expansions, property portfolio)
• Indirect procurement support for the trade division: negotiate new contracts, manage risk and deliver strong commercials
• Provide strategic insight to the Trade Division Director

Responsibilities in Brief

• Support the Head of Trade Strategy and Capital Appraisal in producing financial strategic models and analysis; translate top‑down strategic plans into depot plans for 850 depots.
• Continuously review and improve financial strategic models with strategy/risk accountants and operational finance teams.
• Increase departmental productivity by developing reporting and budgeting tools, automating processes, eliminating duplication, and coordinating information requirements.
• Provide management with reports, presentations, and recommendations on key strategic initiatives.
• Use MVplus analytics (GIS mapping software) to analyse potential depot locations and support informed decisions.
• Collaborate with external partners (Adept Insight and other consultants) to ensure projects meet timelines and deliverables.
• Act as main point of contact for all trade‑division‑wide indirect procurement contract renewals.
• Participate in the annual insurance renewal process and quarterly updates.
• Deputise for the Head of Trade Strategy and Capital Appraisal when required.
• Manage and develop the Strategy and Risk Accountant.

Skills and Experience

• Qualified accountant (PQE 5 years, CIMA/ACCA/ACA) with FP&A system experience.
• Previous experience in financial planning and analysis in a medium or large organisation.
• Highly analytical with the ability to use reporting tools to draw insights from complex data.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Experience with Business Objects (or similar BI systems) and SAP.

Personal Qualities

• Ability to balance detail with the bigger strategic goal.
• Effective written and oral communicator at all levels.
• Builds effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Creative thinker who finds innovative solutions.
• Enjoys tackling complex questions and scenarios.
• Initiative‑taker and collaborator willing to support others.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary.
• Bonus (company‑profit related).
• Matched contribution pension scheme.
• Car allowance.
• Team incentives.
• 25 days holiday.

Employment Information

Employment type: Full‑time

Vacancies: 1

Key skills: Compliance management, administrative functions, oversight, budgeting, facilities management, account management, financial statements, annual budget.