group finance manager

Poole UK / Hybrid

£45,000 plus

Diversity matters 

We are building a brand that represents the people of the world. It’s what you do that counts, and we are always looking to expand perspectives and voices to shape our future. 

Who we are

You might know us as the inventors of the bath bomb, but there’s more to this great-smelling, partly employee-owned, family-run company than pioneering cosmetics. We believe our business should put more back into the world than it takes and demonstrate that capitalism can be a force for good. We put our people first and fight cruel practices like animal testing, promote regeneration, and show that it is what’s inside that counts - whether that’s an ingredient in a product, or the minerals in a smartphone. 

The team

Lush has 870 retail stores in 50 countries and manufacturing facilities in 6 countries, generating a Brand turnover of £860m. All global subsidiaries report to the Group Finance Team, which is responsible for the consolidation and review of such information. The team is split into four areas, Financial Accounting, Tax, Treasury and Management Accounting where this role sits. 

The Role and Responsibilities:

• Market-by-market review of group management accounts including P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow. This will include the monthly actuals, changes to the forecast, and also a thorough review of market commentaries to ensure quality and accuracy.

• Preparation of a monthly finance commentary to cover the consolidated European P&L. This would explain key variances in sales and profitability and provide a wealth of market-level insight for the Group FD

• Work closely with the local finance teams and provide coaching where necessary to improve the accuracy and timeliness of all management reporting 

• Act as a consultant and ensure that best practice is adopted in all markets. Areas of focus include the efficiency of key financial processes and working towards a finance transformation by leveraging systems, technology, and automation 

• Support with the coordination and review of quarterly forecast submissions alongside the Retail, Digital, and Brand Finance Business Partners

• Assist and provide guidance to the local Financial Controllers on recruitment, pay, and performance management

• In reviewing the management accounts, identify opportunities for profit growth and cost efficiencies and work with the local finance teams to drive improvements

• Guide and encourage the local finance teams to adopt the UK best practice model for finance business partnering and operational support 

• Support the Group Tax and Audit Managers in all aspects 

• Significant ad hoc project work and support for the wider business

• Ad hoc analysis to support the Group FD

Skills and experience: 

• Qualified accountant ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent

• Experience in high volume, vertically integrated retail and digital operations including manufacturing environments 

• Managerial background and experience working within a retail finance team

• Experience with retail ERP systems and a passion for technology-driven process improvement

• Experience in commentary writing and the ability to effectively communicate finance to non-finance people

• Proficient in Excel/Google Sheets and the creation of engaging presentations in Google Slides

• Ability to build relationships quickly and work collaboratively with people across the business

• Willingness to travel abroad 

• Foreign languages are helpful but not essential

How to apply:

If all this sounds like you, please send us your CV and covering letter detailing why you want to become a part of the cosmetic revolution.

What’s it like working for Lush

People are at the heart of our business. We want you to enjoy and challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don’t know, so we’ve created a culture where your job description is a starting point, not an end goal. Our working style is flexible, fluid, supportive, and authentic - if you’ve got the drive to push yourself and try different things, you will have our support. You can find more information here - weare.lush.com

Employee perks:

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays

• *6 months’ full pay for parental leave (primary caregiver)

• *Enhanced paternity leave

• Bonus scheme

• Day off for weekday birthdays

• Holiday purchase scheme

• 50% discount on Lush products and spa treatments

• Cycle to work scheme

• Discounted rail and bus season tickets 

• Employee assistance programme

• Financial childcare support on return to work

• We’re 10% Employee Owned, our colleagues have the opportunity to influence positive change in the business and have their voice heard

• Support groups, film nights, yoga, meditation sessions and much more

*qualifying period required