Job Description

Management Accountant  
Head Office – Liverpool Street London  (hybrid working pattern)

Australia, Singapore, Spain – just three of the 30+ countries where you can find our stores. Our International business experienced rapid growth in recent years, with many more opportunities for expansion in the pipeline. You’ll find us at airports, stations, hospitals and shopping malls all over the world, with stores run directly, through joint ventures or via ‘Franchise Partnership’ models. It’s an integral part of the company’s growth strategy.  

We now have an exciting opportunity for a qualified Management Accountant to join our Finance team based at our Head Office in London. Reporting into the Financial Accounting Manager, you'll play a key role in ensuring the integrity of WHSmith’s International business’ accounts. 

What you’ll do: 

You’ll be responsible for the enhancement, coordination and preparation of Finance Reporting Packs, including: 

• Month end P&L Flash and commentary 
• Detailed Monthly Management Accounts Pack 
• Monthly Finance pages for the International Exec meeting 
• Support Financial Accounting Manager on other routine reporting requirements 
• You’ll be responsible for Head Office admin cost accounting and forecasting. You will ensure accurate accounting and month end reporting and full alignment with the functional directors 
• Support the Financial Accounting Manager to ensure the balance sheet is fully reconciled and controlled 
• Support the production of the 3 Year Plan, Budgets and Forecasts of the cash flow and balance sheets 
• Support the year end statutory accounts production and audit processes 
• Support the weekly cash forecasting processes 
• Conduct periodic visits to international businesses to ensure good financial governance and to assist in any matters arising throughout the year 

Who we’re looking for: 

We are looking for someone that is a Qualified accountant with previous experience in a similar role. Experience within the retail industry would prove advantageous; however an interest in International Retail is vital. You will be an excellent communicator who can engage, communicate and influence with both financial and non financial managers. Your planning and organisational skills will be excellent and you’ll be able to prioritise a broad and extensive range of activities.  

You’ll have excellent analytical skills and a strong user of Microsoft Excel, including Pivot Tables, V-Lookups and Sum Ifs. You must have a keen eye for detail and accuracy, to ensure all financial data is summarised in a logical and informative manner appropriate for a variety of audiences.

What we can offer you:
Cash/Car allowance
Annual bonus based on company performance
Hybrid working model from home and in the office
25 days holiday, plus your Birthday off, plus Bank Holidays with an opportunity to buy extra days holiday
Finish at 4pm on a Friday
Competitive pension contribution
Staff discount card for stores and online

About Us
WHSmith is a leading, global travel retailer with a smaller business located on UK high streets. Since 1792, we’ve grown and evolved into a globally recognised brand, and we’re proud to be that air of familiarity people love and trust on their journey, both in life and through life. Today, we have more than 1700 stores in over 30 countries across the globe, serving millions of customers every year, and you’ll find us at airports, railway stations, hospitals and on the high street.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, colour, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, and basis of disability. When we collect your personal information as part of a job application or offer of employment, we do so in accordance with industry standards and best practices and in compliance with applicable privacy laws.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and encourage them in particular from individuals from under-represented groups at WH Smith. This includes women and people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups.