The role
We are looking to hire a Finance Manager to join our Finance team in London.
Working at WGSN
Together, we create tomorrow
A career with WGSN is fast-paced, exciting and full of opportunities to grow and develop. We're a team of consumer and design trend forecasters, content creators, designers, data analysts, advisory consultants and much more, united by a common goal: to create tomorrow.
WGSN's trusted consumer and design forecasts power outstanding product design, enabling our customers to create a better future. Our services cover consumer insights, beauty, consumer tech, fashion, interiors, lifestyle, food and drink forecasting, data analytics and expert advisory. If you are an expert in your field, we want to hear from you.
Role overview
The Finance Manager is a key member of the Group Financial Reporting team, both leading and providing wider support to those activities that result in the efficient and timely preparation of the external statutory accounts and accurate internal financial reporting.
WGSN is now under new ownership which provides a fantastic opportunity for a Finance Manager to join the team. It is an exciting time to join as we create and develop our new stand alone structure.
Key accountabilities
External reporting:
Responsible for project managing and coordinating the Group’s global statutory accounts process for c.35 entities and directly leading the preparation of c.12 UK entities under FRS101
Manage the relationship with the Group’s external auditors regarding the statutory accounts process, agreeing a realistic project plan and delivering against this - holding internal and external stakeholders to account to ensure timelines are met and fees are controlled
Identify improvement opportunities in the process and drive through changes to streamline the approach
Work closely with Company Secretarial and Group Tax to simplify the Group’s structure
Internal reporting:
Work with the Head of Group Financial reporting to ensure accurate, timely monthly reporting to the board
Ownership of Internal control policies
Monthly consolidation of all regions and intercompany reconciliation and elimination
Continuous improvement: Identify and propose improvements to existing processes
This list is not exhaustive and there may be other activities you are required to deliver.
Skills, experience & qualifications required
Excellent educational background including ACA qualification from a Top 6 firm with at least 2 years PQE
Sound technical accounting background including IFRS, FRS 101 and Companies Act reporting requirements
Experience of overseas audits and compliance (particularly in EMEA region) an advantage
Excellent organisational skills and ability to work in a time pressured environment with a high attention to detail
Skills to liaise effectively with all levels of management and other regional businesses
Passionate, energetic, high-drive and ambition as well as a high level of initiative and self- motivation
Proven experience in analysing complex issues and making decisions in a timely fashion, balancing priorities effectively to ensure deadlines are met
Deadline oriented
Good team player with a proactive attitude and high levels of intrinsic motivation
Good demonstrable skills in Microsoft Excel
Experience of HFM, Hyperion, Net Suite and Oracle financial systems would be advantageous
What we offer
Our benefits and wellbeing package offers flexible benefits you can tailor to your own personal needs, including:
25 days of holiday per year - with an option to buy/ sell up to 5 days
Pension, Life Assurance and Income Protection
Flexible benefits platform with options including Private Medical, Dental Insurance & Critical Illness
Employee assistance programme, season ticket loans and cycle to work scheme
Volunteering opportunities and charitable giving options
Great learning and development opportunities
More about WGSN
WGSN is the global authority on consumer trend forecasting.
We help brands around the world create the right products at the right time for tomorrow’s consumer.
Our values
We Are Everywhere
The future is everything, it happens everywhere. WGSN is the world-leading forecaster because we track and analyse consumer behaviours, product innovation, design and creativity, everywhere.
We Are Future Focused
We utilise our global resources and intelligence to research, source and analyse quantitative and qualitative data to produce our forecasts. Everything we do is focused on working with our customers to create a successful and positive tomorrow.
We Are Rigorous
We source, review and assess quantitative and qualitative data to produce robust, actionable forecasts. To provide credible insights and design solutions for our clients, it is essential that rigour runs through everything we do.
Our culture
An inclusive culture is one of our key priorities. We want our people to truly be themselves and thrive. We love having a diverse team of people who bring new ideas, different strengths and perspectives & reflect the global audience we work with.
Inclusive workforce
We are committed to supporting the environment and sustainability, including ensuring our pension plan defaults to sustainable options and striving to be net zero by 2030.
Recognising great performance is a key part of our culture. Our Awards schemes recognise and reward the brilliant achievements of our people.
We have a truly flexible working environment with a wide range of flexible, hybrid and agile-working arrangements. Conversations about flexible working have always been - and will continue to be - actively encouraged here.
We want to ensure everyone has the opportunity to perform their best when interviewing, so if you require any reasonable adjustments that would make you more comfortable during the process, please let us know so that we can do our best to support you.
