Commercial Finance Manager Operations at British American Tobacco (BAT)

ROLE POSITIONING AND OBJECTIVES

The Commercial Finance Manager, Operations, supports the ESA Finance team and owns the end-to-end record to report process.  This role is responsible for coordinating and executing quality planning and reporting activities as well as managing controls and risks.  The role provides performance management and commercial support to Operations function outside of Finance and is the single point of contact between Global Business Services (GBS) and ESA.

Due to the Above Market nature of the role, the jobholder operates in a challenging and volatile environment which is quite complex. The incumbent is required to have a good grasp of the accounting and local laws and regulation in all the markets in order to develop, implement, and continuously improve processes and systems to ensure high quality support to all internal stakeholders while maintaining robust business controls.

The complexity of the operations in ESA, with different business streams and models, requires a Finance professional with a highly commercial approach, strong management and interpersonal skills. The individual should be capable of analysing the financial impact of any proposed changes in the financial accounting set-up as well as be able to demonstrate the need for, and ensure implementation of, appropriate systems and controls.

WHAT YOU WILL BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR

• Business partnering (provide insights on financial performance – Cost of goods sold, manufacturing cost, working capital,  CAPEX, Profit, Cash flows); forecast vs actual variance analyses
• BPC reporting: monthly target alignment, commentaries submissions (e.g. flash reporting, working capital, Operations overheads, management commentaries)
• Preparation of a financial pack for presentation at the ESA Finance Leadership Team meeting, Business Review Meeting and Sales & Operational Planning reporting/presentations.
• Ensure delivery of accurate financial information (Budgets, Forecasts and Actual results), in line with group accounting principles
• Compile commentary and ensure accuracy and articulation of variances appropriate.
• Ensuring Operations financial controls are implemented at the end market level
• Support internal and external audit within job holder’s responsibility.
• Provide support & training to budget holders & internal stakeholders as appropriate to ensure alignment to required BAT planning and reporting processes.
• Co-ordination, preparation and analysis of the financial accounts for ESA to help management monitor ongoing performance on an accurate and timely basis.
• Ensure a strong system of Internal controls within the Finance department in ESA.
• To proactively monitor key accounts in the balance sheet to improve the company’s working capital.
• If required, identify and initiate appropriate corrective action to prevent or address significant accounting issues.
• Manage and provide sufficient oversight, mentorship, development coaching and support to the Commercial Finance team in ESA.
• Proactively giving insights on financial performance to the ESA Leadership team including leading the compilation of the ESA’s company plan
• Continuously provide adequate support & training to budget holders and internal stakeholders as appropriate to ensure all stakeholders are aligned to required BAT way of work.
• Full optimisation of SAP and BPC capabilities to improve productivity and improve efficiency within the Finance function.
• Utilise internal processes and networks to ensure the dissemination of knowledge and learning throughout the organisation, to facilitate productivity gains and continuous improvements.
• Review and benchmark processes against BAT entities and develop initiatives to enhance performance.

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Qualified accountant (ACCA, CPA, ICEAW) qualified with at least 7 years progressive experience in Financial Reporting and Planning
• Experience in use of SAP (enterprise system) – added advantage
• Team player who collaborates and coordinates effectively within a DRBU with stakeholders at varying levels in the organisational hierarchy
• Should help identify and drive initiatives that have a business focus and are commercially viable
• Strong people management skills
• Excellent analytical skills
• Ability to work under pressure, prioritize and keep to tight deadlines
• This role requires strong communication skills and will need to liaise with Heads of Finance, Operations and GBS team.