Job Description

Established in 1981 with a single store in the Northwest of England, the JD Group is a leading omni-channel retailer of Sports Fashion, Outdoors and Gyms with our colleagues working in stores across several retail fascias in many markets around the world.



JD Sports Fashion Plc was listed on the London Stock Exchange in 1996 and has been a FTSE100 publicly quoted company since 2019 and continues to grow in the UK and internationally.



We want to be the leading global omnichannel retailer in the sports and outdoor industry. To be a part of this successful company and help us to achieve this you will have the desire to ingrain our strategic goals of being a people-led, innovative and customer-focused organisation which provides operational excellence whilst identifying new areas of growth as part of our day to day objectives.



As Finance Manager, you will play a key role in ensuring better communication and integration with overseas finance teams and the consistent application of accounting policies across the group. You will own the end to end process for key accounting processes including store impairment and an accounting policy alignment project, be the key point of contact with local finance teams and the component auditors, and be responsible for delivery of accounting training across the group.

This role requires experience in the practical application of IFRS accounting policies and an aptitude for process and data management and working with stakeholders at all levels of an organisation.

You will work closely with local finance teams across the UK, Europe, APAC and North America along with other group finance teams including External Reporting, Group Reporting, Finance Transformation, FP&A and Internal Controls, and our external auditors (Deloitte).

Key duties & responsibilities:

Stewardship and management:

o Own the end to end process for store impairment testing and other key accounting processes as required.

o Champion the delivery of accounting training across the group and coordination of the accounting policy alignment workstream.



Review and analysis

o Process and analyse large volumes of store-level P&L and balance sheet data in the course of performing store impairment testing.

o Review unit accounting processes to establish consistency with group policy.



Controls & governance:

o Own and operate controls relating to key financial processes.

o Play a key role in implementing the Group Internal Controls programme and ensure the successful operation and testing of controls.



Audit:

o Build and maintain relationships with the external auditor to manage component audit process and address emerging issues.

o Champion the audit of accounting matters within area of responsibility.



Collaboration with group and local finance teams:

o Build and maintain relationships with UK and overseas financial reporting teams to ensure successful delivery of key accounting deliverables.

o Support External Reporting, FP&A and other group finance teams in their delivery of key outputs as and when required e.g. financial statements disclosures.



This role requires a blend of reporting expertise, process management, and effective communication to drive successful outcomes.

Skills/Experience/Knowledge required:

Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or Equivalent) with a minimum of 3 years of post-qualification experience. Experience applying IFRS accounting policies, preferably including IAS 36 Financial Acumen:

o Strong knowledge of accounting principles, standards, and practices.

o Proficiency in using financial software, systems, and tools.

Analytical and Communication Skills:

o Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

o Attention to detail and effective communication skills with your team, senior management and Group departments



Time Management and Resilience:

o Comfortable working under pressure, meeting tight deadlines, and managing multiple projects and priorities.

Positive Attitude and Drive:

o Exhibit positivity, enthusiasm, resilience, and a proactive approach to challenges.



We know our colleagues work tirelessly to make JD Sports the success it is today and in turn, we offer them some amazing benefits including staff Discount On JD Group and other brands within the organisation and personal development opportunities to learn and develop at work.



Thank you for your time



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