International Senior Commercial Finance Analyst (Occupation Costs)

At WHSmith, our people are at the heart of everything we do. They are the ones that go the extra mile for our customers. The ones that enable our growth. That’s why our International People team is passionate about creating an environment where people can be legally protected, compliant, and empowered to deliver their best work across our Rest of World (ROW) business.

Australia, Singapore, Spain – just three of the 30+ countries where you can find our stores. You’ll find us at airports, stations, hospitals and shopping malls all over the world, with stores run directly, through joint ventures or via ‘Franchise Partnership’ models. It’s an integral part of the company’s growth strategy.

We now have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Commercial Analyst to join our International team on a permanent basis, based at our Head Office in London. Reporting into the International Commercial Finance Manager, you'll play a key role in supporting Occupation costs reporting and analysis across the International Estate.

What you’ll do:

• Own the end-to-end process for reporting Occupation Costs across the International business.
• Preparation of the month end reporting. Presenting analysis of performance to both finance and non-finance stakeholders, up to Director level.
• Managing IFRS16 reporting and postings to ledger.
• Responsible for Balance Sheet reconciliations for Occupation Costs
• Business partnering with the Business Development team to understand new rental agreements and their impact. Ensuring models are updated for any changes to lease terms.
• Produce commercial analysis to identify opportunities to improve profit performance.
• Own forecasting of both P&L and Balance Sheet Occupation costs for the three financial budgeting cycles.
• Review of rent invoices to expectations before Finance Director approval.
• Preparation of annual audit certificates to be shared with landlords across the International estate.
• Responsible for Sales Reporting to landlords on a weekly and monthly basis.
• Supporting the rest of the team with ad hoc requests and working with non-finance stakeholders to ensure any ad hoc information they require is available in a timely manner.

Who we’re looking for:

• We are looking for someone that is a qualified or part qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ICAEW) with previous experience in a similar role beneficial.
• Experience within the retail industry would prove advantageous; however an interest in International Retail is vital.
• You will be an excellent communicator who can engage, communicate, and influence both financial and non-financial managers.
• Your planning and organisational skills will be strong and you’ll be able to prioritise a broad and extensive range of activities, and work well under pressure and to tight deadlines.
• An ability to pick things up quickly is also a must, as well as operating in a very fast paced environment.
• You’ll have excellent analytical skills and be an advanced user of Microsoft Excel.
• You must have a keen eye for detail and accuracy, to ensure all financial data is summarised in a logical and informative manner appropriate for a variety of audiences.

About us:

Celebrating 230 years, we’re proud to have grown and evolved into a globally recognised brand present in over 30 countries around the world, and we’re proud to be that air of familiarity people love and trust on their journey, both in life and through life. As a diverse group of over 5,000 colleagues, we are all on the same journey to a better business through our commitments to our planet, people and the communities we serve.

For UK and International Travel, our mission is simple – to create value for our stakeholders by providing a platform for global brands responsible for essentials and technology in airports (including our InMotion stores), hospitals, rail stations and other markets. Our office is based in a buzzing part of London close to Liverpool Street Station. We are an ambitious team that thrives on pace, collaboration and innovation, resulting in a real entrepreneurial culture at all levels. It’s perfect for people who are happy to use their initiative and embrace life outside their comfort zone.

At WHSmith, we’re all about creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace where everyone can be themselves and do their best. No matter your background, age, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, race or ethnicity, marital status, religion, sex, sexual orientation or anything else that makes you, you – you’re welcome here.

We’re also open to flexible working where possible, so if that’s something you need, let’s chat. And if you need any adjustments during the selection process, just let our Talent Acquisition team know – we’re happy to help!