Finance Associate - London, United Kingdom - AS Watson

Description

Who we are:

You may not have heard of us, but you'll know our brands AS Watson is the world's largest international health and beauty retailer with over 16,400 stores in 29 markets.

Each year, over 5.9 billion customers and members shop with our well-known retail brands, both online and offline, including the likes of Superdrug, Kruidvat, Watson's, Marionnaud, The Perfume Shop, and many more.

This role will be providing the necessary support and expertise to enable AS Watson businesses to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their business.

You'll be performing reviews and report on status of internal controls of AS Watson Group business units such as Superdrug, The Perfume Shop, Marionnaud and more

Lead in establishing and rolling out the Group's policies and procedures and operating standards, as well as tailoring solutions to specific problems faced by the businesses.

You will have scope to work on all facets of commercial/operational business, whilst collaborating with a variety of departments and functions.

You'll develop strong working relationships with stakeholders and have the ability to influence and present to a variety of stakeholders throughout the business.

This role will involve approximately 50% travel across Europe and within the UK.


A typical day in this role includes:

• Develop, analyse, and prepare large amounts of data in reporting documents required by the Group management on internal control activity. Coordinate quarterly update process on status of audit findings reported by the Internal Audit Group. Build the presentation for Group Management by liaising with Business units and Senior Associates.
• Commercial and financial reviews to determine the nature of each business' internal control environment. Work with management to support and advise in the development and implementation of effective, practical, and costeffective solutions.
• Conduct regular operational and financial audits to evaluate business (including adequacy, efficiency, financial exposure, and compliance thereof); finance policies and procedures; and compliance with ASW operational standards in the different business units.
• Provide advice and assurance to Group and line management on key process decisions (e

g:

commercial and financial processes) and reduce financial and operational risks focusing on highest value areas (margins, supplier funding and inventory).

• Special reviews requested by ASW Group Management or Business Unit Management, including support on ad hoc projects, post deal projects, principally in the areas of controls and procedures (initial control environment).
• Support the preparation of Retail Operating Standards selfassessment (completed by our businesses).
• You will interact with a variety of stakeholders from group functions to business unit process owners.
• The key stakeholders are FCS Management and group departments.
• The objectives of the role are to maintain the integrity of the internal control function and act as a consultant for business units on almost all financial and commercial related matters within the organisation.

This role would be a good fit for you if:

• You are able to self-organize and manage workload, focused on daily tasks and responsibilities.
• Have good project management skills and demonstrate an analytical mind.
• You're a creative problem solver able to demonstrate an eagerness to understand other's point of view (but unafraid to speak up when required).
• You enjoy travelling This role will require travel up to 50%.

What you'll need:

• Degree in Finance or Accounting or alternatively part ACA/ACCA qualified.

• Competent PC skills

• MS Excel & data analytical tools such as Tableau would be considered a plus.
• The ability to communicate in any other European languages would be desirable.

What you'll get from us:

• Competitive salary, benefits and bonus scheme.
• Discounts for you and your family from some our muchloved retailers, including Superdrug and The Perfume Shop.
• 25 days holiday with an option to buy More.
• Interest free season ticket and personal loans.
• Excellent referafriend scheme with up to £2000 up for grabs
• Free financial and mortgage advice from some of our partners.
• A fantastic learning and development offering to explore.
• Lots of opportunities to get involved in wellbeing initiatives to support your physical and mental health.

- plus much More