About Company
Next Plc is a leading British multinational retailer, headquartered in Enderby, Leicestershire. With a rich history spanning decades, we have evolved into a cornerstone of the UK’s retail landscape, offering stylish and high-quality clothing, homeware, and beauty products across multiple channels, including our extensive store network, popular online platform, and Next International. Our success is driven by a commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and a robust financial strategy. At Next, we foster a dynamic and collaborative environment where talent is recognised, and opportunities for growth are abundant. Join a company that values its people and makes a tangible impact on millions of customers’ lives.
Job Description
We are actively seeking a highly analytical and detail-oriented Financial Analyst specialising in Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) to join our esteemed finance team in Leicester. This is a critical role that will significantly contribute to our strategic decision-making process, ensuring the financial health and sustainable growth of Next Plc. As an FP&A Financial Analyst, you will be instrumental in driving our budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning activities, providing insightful analysis to senior management across various departments.
Your expertise will be crucial in dissecting complex financial data, identifying trends, and presenting clear, actionable recommendations. You will work closely with departmental leaders to understand their operational needs and translate them into financial models that support effective resource allocation and performance measurement. This role offers a unique opportunity to gain comprehensive exposure to the intricacies of a large-scale retail operation, from sales performance and inventory management to capital expenditure and profitability analysis.
We are looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, possesses exceptional problem-solving skills, and has a keen eye for detail. You will be a key player in shaping our future financial direction, providing the analytical backbone necessary for informed strategic choices. If you are passionate about finance, eager to make a significant impact, and ready to advance your career within a prominent retail organisation, we encourage you to apply. This role is ‘Hiring Now’ because we need a proactive individual ready to hit the ground running and contribute from day one.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain detailed financial models for budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning.
- Conduct variance analysis (actual vs. budget/forecast) and provide insightful explanations for key business drivers.
- Prepare comprehensive financial reports and presentations for senior management, highlighting key trends and performance metrics.
- Collaborate with various business units to gather financial data, understand operational performance, and support strategic initiatives.
- Assist in the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and performance reviews.
- Identify opportunities for cost reduction, process improvement, and revenue enhancement.
- Perform ad-hoc financial analysis to support strategic projects and business decisions.
- Ensure accuracy and integrity of financial data and reports.
Required Skills
- Proven experience in a Financial Analyst or similar FP&A role.
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel (advanced formulas, pivot tables, data modelling).
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
- Ability to interpret complex financial data and communicate findings clearly and concisely.
- Solid understanding of accounting principles and financial statements.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of working effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field.
- Part-qualified or fully qualified ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent professional accounting qualification.
- Experience with large-scale ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and financial planning software.
- Experience within the retail sector or a similar fast-moving consumer goods environment.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive annual salary.
- Generous staff discount across Next products.
- Company pension scheme with employer contributions.
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with options to purchase additional days.
- On-site car parking.
- Subsidised on-site canteen and Starbucks.
- Life assurance and income protection.
- Access to a comprehensive well-being programme and employee assistance support.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by clicking on the application link below. Please ensure your CV and cover letter highlight your relevant FP&A experience and why you are a great fit for Next Plc. We look forward to reviewing your application.