Commercial Finance Manager

Commercial Finance Manager

Leading Retail Brand

£65,000 - £70,000 + bonus & great benefits

West London offices - hybrid 3 days pw office / 2 wfh

Key Responsibilities:

Retail & Property Finance Partnership

• Act as the main finance contact for the Retail Director, Regional Business Managers, and Property team ensuring strong alignment between operational strategy and financial planning.
• Deliver regular insights on retail performance, identifying risks and opportunities while supporting sales and profitability growth.
• Attend and contribute to weekly property board meetings and preparatory sessions, evaluating new store proposals and offering commercial challenge and support to ensure investment decisions are sound and well-substantiated.

Planning, Forecasting & Scenario Analysis

• Lead forecasting and budgeting for UK Retail and Property cost areas, including collaboration on key assumptions (e.g., national wage rates, utility costs).
• Develop and maintain scenario models to assess financial sensitivity across different trading and property conditions.
• Own the production of monthly cash flow forecasts and balance sheet projections related to property and store costs.

Performance Monitoring & Reporting

• Oversee monthly review routines, ensuring timely and accurate reporting on store-level expenses, retail overheads, and property-related costs.
• Support the creation of board-level financial reports, providing analysis and commentary that guide strategic decisions.
• Collaborate with the Retail Analyst on monthly close processes, financial reconciliations, and performance tracking across all retail channels.

Commercial Analysis & Decision Support

• Partner with cross-functional teams to assess business cases, conduct cost-benefit evaluations, and support broader commercial initiatives.
• Analyse store incentive schemes and deliver regular reporting on sales performance, margin trends, and stock efficiency.
• Engage in ad hoc financial analysis to support evolving business priorities and leadership requests.

Team Leadership & Development

• Directly manage and mentor the Retail Finance Analyst, supporting their growth and development.
• Contribute to broader team development initiatives in partnership with the Head of Commercial Finance.

What You'll Bring:

• Professional accounting qualification (CIMA, ACCA, ACA) with experience in commercial finance roles.
• Experience in a retail or consumer-facing business is preferred.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex financial information clearly and persuasively to both finance and non-finance stakeholders.
• Analytical mindset with high attention to detail and proficiency in working with large datasets and advanced modelling.
• Proactive and adaptable, with a problem-solving approach and the confidence to challenge the status quo.
• Advanced Excel skills and comfort working with financial systems.
• Experience in a retail or consumer-facing business is preferred.