FP&A Accountant

Howdens has exciting growth plans for the future through our Depot Network. To support these ambitious growth plans, the Trade Division Finance team needs to produce robust strategic financial plans that are tracked both in the short and long term, returns on investments evaluated on new initiatives and risks appropriately managed.

Trade FP&A Accountant

Reporting to the Head of Trade Strategy and Capital Appraisal the purpose of this role is to develop the preparation and analysis of financial plans, forecasts and Key strategic initiatives in line with the continued company investment in reporting and BI systems. Focus will be on improving the operational efficiency in delivering key financial reporting to support effective decision making.

Areas of Responsibility

• Annual Budgeting and Quarterly forecasts (P&L, Balance sheet and Cash flow, Capex)
• Medium and Long-term plans
• Evaluate return on investment and create plans for New strategic initiatives
• Evaluate growth opportunities in Depot network (Location planning, New Depots, Cannibalisation, Cities)
• Support the management of operational and financial risk (Trade insurance, depot expansions and property portfolio)
• Indirect Procurement for the trade division, support operational teams in negotiating new contracts, manage risk and deliver strong commercials.
• Support Trade Divisional director with strategic insight

Responsibilities in brief

• Support the Head of Trade Strategy and Capital Appraisal in the production of financial strategic models and analysis. Ensure Top-down Strategic plans are translated into the operational depot plans for 850+ Depots.
• Review the financial strategic models and make improvements working closely with Strategy and Risk Accountant and the operational finance teams to ensure the depot models remain robust and evolve in line with the latest systems
• Increase departmental productivity by continually developing reporting and budgeting tools with more automation; eliminating duplications; coordinating information requirements. Ensure effective cross departmental communication with the relevant stakeholders.
• Provide information to management by assembling and summarising data; preparing reports; making presentations of findings, analysis, and recommendations on key strategic initiatives.
• Use of MVplus analytics (GIS Mapping software) to analyse potential future depot locations, to help shape informed decision making around depot locations and performance.
• Collaborate closely with our external partners (Adept Insight and any other consultants) to ensure any projects are completed on a timely manner and the key deliverables are met.
• Main point of contact for all Trade division wide indirect procurement contract Renewals. Ensure contracts are renewed in a timely and efficient manner, working closely with the Indirect procurement Team and external stakeholders.
• Involvement in the annual insurance renewal process and quarterly updates,
• Deputise for Head of Trade Strategy and Capital Appraisal as and when required.

Skills and Experience

• Qualified Accountant (CIMA/ACCA/ACA)
• Previous experience in a financial planning and analysis role in a medium or large organisation
• Highly analytical with the ability to use reporting tools to draw insights from complex data and provide meaningful analysis and commentary.
• Advanced Excel
• Business Objects (Or Similar BI systems) and SAP

Personal Qualities

• Ability to balance the need for detail with the bigger strategic goal
• Effective communicator, both written and oral, at any level
• Build effective relationships with a wide range of Stakeholders
• Ability and desire to think out of the box to find innovative solutions to challenges
• Enjoys considering and answering complex questions and developing scenarios
• Initiative-taker and collaborator willing and able to support others

What we can offer you:

• Grade 4 role
• Competitive salary and company bonus
• Excellent pension scheme (company contribution of up to 12%)
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays 
• Staff Discount
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional Reward and Recognition events

How to apply

 Good luck with your application.  Before you apply, please speak to your manager, so that they are aware of your interest in this role.  You will also need to attach a CV as part of your application.  Please take note that this advert is a summary of the main duties and responsibilities and may be subject to change.  If you have any questions or need further support or information, please contact Sam Wiggins in the recruitment team.