Job Description

• Our leading FMCG client is looking for a Commercial Financial Controller who will focus on managing and analyzing the financial aspects of trade spend, pricing, and revenue management within a commercial environment. 

Summary:

• As a Commercial Financial Controller, the focus will be on financial decision-making to drive profitability, cost optimization, and revenue growth, particularly through managing trade spend, pricing, and promotional strategies. The ideal candidate should have strong analytical, process-oriented skills, and be able to communicate financial insights effectively to influence business strategies. They should also have a deep understanding of FMCG or manufacturing financial practices and relevant qualifications.

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial Forecasting & Gap Analysis:
• Support the PS&OP (Sales, Operations, and Planning) forecasting process by analyzing income statements, working capital forecasts, and focusing on trade spend, pricing, and revenue growth.
• Management Accounts & Variance Analysis:
• Produce monthly management accounts and conduct variance analysis, especially focusing on trade spend, pricing, and product profitability.
• Budget Management:
• Oversee the annual budget process, ensuring alignment with revenue, margin, and cost optimization strategies.
• Decision-Making Reports:
• Provide essential reports for decision-making, such as product profitability analysis, trade spend efficiency, and post-project appraisals.
• Trade Spend & Discounting Efficiency:
• Continuously review accounting practices around trade spend, discounting, and promotional activities to enhance profitability.
• Costing & Trade Spend Feasibility:
• Assess product costings and trade spend feasibility monthly and on an ad-hoc basis, ensuring alignment with revenue and margin goals.
• Financial Policy Development:
• Develop cost-effective financial policies, focusing on trade spend management and risk mitigation.
• Compliance & Financial Best Practices:
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations and best practices to drive commercial outcomes.
• Lead Ad Hoc Projects:
• Manage special projects related to trade spend, pricing strategies, and revenue growth.

Ideal Competencies:

• Analytical Thinking:
• Strong at converting complex commercial scenarios (pricing, trade spend, discounting) into clear financial implications, enabling informed decision-making.
• Process Orientation:
• Continually review and improve financial processes, especially around trade spend and revenue management, applying a commercial lens.
• Continuous Improvement:
• Focus on optimizing net revenue and margin growth through innovative financial analysis and process improvements.
• Effective Communication:
• Deliver precise financial analysis and provide commercially driven insights to influence positive business decisions.
• Proactive and Driven:
• A self-starter who is energized to take on challenges and contribute to the commercial success and profitability of the business.

Preferred Experience:

Qualifications:

• CIMA ADV DIP MA or CA(SA) qualification is preferred.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of experience as a management accountant within an FMCG or manufacturing environment.

Software Experience:

• Experience in working with business management and accounting software.