Senior Finance Analyst

Location - this role is based in Hammersmith 4 days per week

Overall Purpose of the Role

As part of the Regional EMEA finance team, the team is responsible for providing commercial, business development and financial planning support to the EMEA category teams.

Provide support to Finance Director, Senior Finance Manager and/or Finance Manager to enable effective business partnering to the business lead and their regional category Directors.

Support with the delivery of key aspects of the quarterly forecast and close process for the EMEA business, ensuring the financial planning and analysis (FP&A) key deadlines are met, the output is accurate and there is ongoing strong communication with key stakeholders.

Areas of Responsibility

Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)

• Support with the delivery of key aspects of the quarterly forecast and close process for the EMEA business, ensuring the FP&A key deadlines are met, the output is accurate and there is ongoing strong communication with key stakeholders
• Ensure all templates (licensee / category / upload) are set up accurately and on time
• Review licensee / category forecasts and ensure these are uploaded correctly
• Liaise with the local market finance teams and communicating regional deadlines
• Responsible for maintaining and managing key reporting tools for the regional and local finance teams to use, disseminating information in a timely manner
• Gather and analyse data, providing commentary on reasons for variances to prior periods and how business is trading across brands, retailers and markets
• Accurately track variances (‘True Up / True Down’) from licensee reporting, following the quarter close
• Prepare all necessary schedules and support Finance Manager / Senior Finance Manager on analysis, presentation decks, explanations, and ad-hoc requests in relation to the AOP, forecast and close cycles
• Lead close and forecast meetings for remit as agreed with Senior Finance Manager

Licensee Reporting / Systems

• Work closely with revenue accounting to manage data postings, resolving issues within scope of role and flagging to Finance Manager and other relevant stakeholders as needed
• Conduct guarantee shortfall analysis in line with deadlines as requested
• Build strong working knowledge of new report system (SRR), understanding impact on financials and business operations
• Responsible for timely and accurate use of key systems (LRS, Invision) to run reports and extract data

Commercial Support

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with category team
• Work closely with the regional finance and commercial team to provide updates and analysis / bespoke projects on the performance of the business by licensee, retailer, subcategory, market and franchise
• Assist the commercial team with the management of their key partners including business plan preparation for contract renewals and key account decks
• Responsible for providing analysis of market data to help assist with decision-making
• Prepare retailer Split Tool, providing insight to commercial teams regarding sales channels
• Ad hoc analysis and reporting as required

Training and Professional Development

• Operate with integrity, champion change and be a good ambassador for The Walt Disney Company (TWDC)
• Operate as part of an effective and inclusive team by demonstrating an awareness of others; welcoming and valuing unique perspectives and ideas; offering support, sharing knowledge and best practices in order to contribute to overall departmental commitments
• Take ownership of your professional development through regular career conversations with your line manager and utilising available resources such as D Learn, instructor-led courses and on the job learning
• Proactively suggest ways to improve departmental performance and processes, leveraging technological tools where applicable
• Build links with other TWDC functions to develop broader knowledge of the business
• Promote and maintain an inclusive workplace, championing diversity and inclusion and make use of available resources to extend knowledge and best practice

Areas of Accountability

• Accountable to Finance Manager/Senior Finance Manager/Finance Director
• Accountable for delivering on agreed performance commitments
• Accountable for ensuring all templates (licensee / category / upload) are set up accurately and on time
• Accountable for reviewing licensee / category forecasts and ensuring these are uploaded correctly
• Accountable for cultivating and maintaining productive relationships and collaborating across departments internally and externally to drive commercial opportunities
• Accountable for contributing to the success of the team

Experience and Professional Qualifications Required

• Degree-level education in a related field or equivalent work experience and accounting qualification (CIMA or ACA)
• Proven experience of building effective relationships and managing stakeholders within a large, multi-national, matrix organisation
• Previous experience in working in a consumer products organisation within retail / licensing sector, with strategy/business planning background
• Proven experience of an equivalent finance role, supporting commercial teams within relevant category (softlines/hardlines/FMCG/other retail category)
• Demonstrable track record of providing insightful, timely and responsive commercial support to a business partner

Skills Required

• Commercial acumen
• Strong collaboration skills with ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders at all levels
• Strong communication skills both verbal and written
• Ability to produce clear and insightful analysis that delivers key messaging at the appropriate level of detail
• Ability to run reports and extract data in a meaningful manner
• Numerate and analytical with a desire to think through and resolve problems
• Results focused and outcome driven
• Strong level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Strong organisational skills
• Flexible and adaptable with demonstrated ability to meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Computer literate with advanced Excel skills and working knowledge of PowerPoint and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) databases
• Cultural sensitivity and an understanding of local markets across EMEA

Additional Information

• Flexibility for UK, European or international travel may be required
• Contribution to ad-hoc projects as the business requires
• Flexible hours may be required to meet business needs