Job Description

Howdens Joinery, is the UKs No 1 Trade only Kitchen Supplier with over 850 depots, has built a reputation that builders can trust through offering best local price and providing product from local stock. We have achieved our substantial success by investing in our people which is why we have been awarded a place in the top 30 Best Big Companies to Work for in the Sunday Times for recognition of excellence in the workplace.



In Howdens the Depots are at the centre of everything we do, we have exciting growth plans for the future through expanding our Depot Network. To achieve this everyone in our Support functions shares the same aim of supporting the growth and continued success of our business.



The team are based in Croxley, Watford and work in the office 4 days a week with 1 day at home.

Senior Strategy and Risk Accountant

Based in our Watford offices and reporting to the Head of Trade Strategy and Capital Appraisal the purpose of this role is to Leveridge systems to support in the preparation and analysis of financial plans, forecasts and Key strategic initiatives. Focus will be on improving the operational efficiency in delivering key financial reporting to support effective decision making.



The Trade Division Finance team produces robust strategic financial plans that are tracked both in the short and long term, evaluate returns on investments on new initiatives and ensure risks are appropriately managed.

Areas of Responsibility

Annual Budgeting and Quarterly forecasts (P&L, Balance sheet and Cash flow, Capex) Medium and Long-term plans Improve exiting forecasting models to Implement Best Demonstrated Practises in the FP&A using BI systems Evaluate return on investment and create plans for New strategic initiatives Evaluate growth opportunities in Depot network (New Depots, Cannibalisation, Cities) Support the management of operational and financial risk (Trade insurance, depot expansions and property portfolio) Indirect Procurement for the trade division, support operational teams in negotiating new contracts, manage risk and deliver strong commercials. Support Trade Divisional director with strategic insight

Responsibilities in brief

Support the Head of Trade Strategy and Capital Appraisal in the production of financial strategic models and analysis. Ensure Top-down Strategic plans are translated into the operational depot plans for 850+ Depots. Continuously review the financial strategic models and make improvements working closely with Strategy/Risk Accountant and operational finance teams to ensure the depot models remain robust and evolve in line with the latest systems Increase departmental productivity by continually developing reporting and budgeting tools with more automation; eliminating duplications; coordinating information requirements. Ensure effective cross departmental communication with the relevant stakeholders. Provide information to management by assembling and summarising data; preparing reports; making presentations of findings, analysis, and recommendations on key strategic initiatives. Use of MVplus analytics (GIS Mapping software) to analyse potential future depot locations, to help shape informed decision making around depot locations and performance. Collaborate closely with our external partners (Adept Insight and any other consultants) to ensure any projects are completed on a timely manner and the key deliverables are met. Main point of contact for all Trade division wide indirect procurement contract Renewals. Ensure contracts are renewed in a timely and efficient manner, working closely with the internal and external stakeholders. Involvement in the annual insurance renewal process and quarterly updates, Deputise for Head of Trade Strategy and Capital Appraisal when required. Manage and Develop the Strategy and Risk Accountant

Skills and Experience

Qualified Accountant (PQE 5 Years +) (CIMA/ACCA/ACA) - With FP&A systems experience Previous experience in a financial planning and analysis role in a medium or large organisation Highly analytical with the ability to use reporting tools to draw insights from complex data and provide meaningful analysis and commentary. Advanced Excel Business Objects (Or Similar BI systems) and SAP

Personal Qualities

Ability to balance the need for detail with the bigger strategic goal Effective communicator, both written and oral, at any level Build effective relationships with a wide range of Stakeholders Ability and desire to think out of the box to find innovative solutions to challenges Enjoys considering and answering complex questions and scenarios Initiative-taker and collaborator willing and able to support others

Howdens deeply value team working and reward our people in line with individual and team success through a competitive package of benefits including;

Highly competitive salary Bonus (Company profit related) Matched contribution pension scheme Car Allowance Team incentives 25 days holiday

#LI-SW1