Job Title:  Customer Development Finance Manager

No Relocation Assistance Offered
# 154885 - Surrey, England, United Kingdom

Location: Guildford, UK

Reporting to: Commercial Finance Director

Hey - Colgate is looking for you!

Do you want to come to work with a smile and leave with one as well? In between those smiles, your day consists of working in a global organization, continually learning and collaborating, having stimulating discussions, and making impactful contributions!

If this is how you see your career, Colgate is the place to be!

Our iconic household brands (like Colgate, Sanex, Palmolive, Ajax, Softlan and more), dedicated employees, and sustainability commitments make us a company passionate about building a future to smile about for our employees, consumers, and surrounding communities. The pride in our brand fuels a workplace that encourages creative thinking, champions experimentation, and promotes authenticity which has contributed to our enduring success.

If you want to work for a company that lives by their values, then give your career a reason to smile...every single day.

Now there is a fantastic opportunity for a curious and passionate Finance Manager to join our Northern Europe Hub Marketing Team. Could this be you? 

Job Purpose

• Act as a key business partner providing financial service and guidance to the Customer Development & Consumer Experience Teams, providing operational recommendations and advice, financial planning and analysis.
• Actively participating in account planning and monthly commercial reviews;
• Proactively assisting the Customer Development Managers (CDMs) to manage Account performance.
• Strict controlling of Gross To Net spending process (accruals, analysis, reconciliations).
• Proactive monitoring Accounts Receivable, and ensuring timely resolution of all Customer deductions.
• Ensuring that the financial processes in the UK comply with Colgate Financial Policies and local laws.

Main Responsibilities

• Providing financial direction and leadership to the Customer Development Team (CDT) by leveraging financial analysis in order to enhance demand through Colgate customers in a cost effective way. 
• Deduction validation and approval above a specific threshold, ensuring customer claims are valid and adhere to documentation requirements.
• Working closely with the Colgate Business Service (CBS) centre and the Customer Development teams to ensure timely resolution of all customer deductions.
• Monthly review of Trade payment accruals and proactively manage customer claims, to ensure adequate provisions exist.
• Work with Customer Development organisation to determine the Account profitability and recommend appropriate changes for improvements.
• Support during month end closing, ensuring completeness of rebates for GTN, adjusting where needed.
• Complete monthly SOX testing requirements, as well as provide support during audits (internal & external).
• Provide Customer Development teams with appropriate accounting treatment for different types of promotional spend.
• Monitoring Risks & Opportunities (Volume/ASP/Margin) against the Account budgets, proactively proposing solutions. Working with individual CDMs to analyse and resolve Account issues.
• Ensure effective internal controls are in place and monitored, for all customer related spend/discounts.
• Leading role within the monthly commercial controlling process to present latest estimates & ensure appropriate financial rigour.
• Work closely with CDMs and Consumer Experience to ensure that brand strategy is followed in a consistent and correct manner.
• Maximise financial return through promotional effectiveness analysis, proposing adjustments based on Pre & Post ROI evaluations.
• Support the Customer Development team in Customer negotiations & on-going evaluation of trade spend.
• Perform other duties as assigned, and be an active member of the Hub Finance team.

Personal Attributes

• The role is highly team based and requires highly developed interpersonal skills that enable a good team performance.
• It requires strong leadership skills to challenge and influence commercial teams.
• Strong communicator (verbal and written) and presentation skills.
• The role requires an ambitious, proactive, gregarious, innovative change agent capable of challenging all levels within the organisation.
• With many conflicting demands and aggressive timetables, the role requires a professional, planned, organised and prioritised approach to work, along with an objective and pragmatic manner.
• There is a requirement to “roll the sleeves up” and accept that, alongside the strategic work, there are day to day tasks to be completed.
• Credibility of the Team is generated by consistently accurate financial plans requiring attention to detail.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance (ACCA/CIMA/equivalent qualification preferred)
• Minimum 4 years relevant Accounting/Financial experience (Commercial Finance experience is preferred)

Key Competencies

• Analytical/Decision Making
• Results Oriented
• Consumer/Customer Focused
• Planning/Priority Setting
• Strategy/Vision
• Relationship Building
• Business/Global Perspective
• Self-awareness/Personal Impact

Key Challenges

To be able to play a pivotal role in determining and impacting the commercial direction of the company, whilst retaining and improving tight financial control.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Colgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status (United States positions), or any other characteristic protected by law.

Are you interested in working for Colgate-Palmolive? You can apply online and attach all relevant documents such as a cover letter and resume or CV. Applications received by e-mail are not considered in the selection process. Become part of our team. We look forward to your application.

Colgate-Palmolive is a leading global consumer products company, tightly focused on Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care and Pet Nutrition. Colgate sells its products in over 200 countries and territories around the world under such internationally recognized brand names as Colgate, Palmolive, elmex, Tom’s of Maine, Sorriso, Speed Stick, Lady Speed Stick, Softsoap, Irish Spring, Protex, Sanex, Elta MD, PCA Skin, Ajax, Axion, Fabuloso, Soupline and Suavitel, as well as Hill’s Science Diet and Hill’s Prescription Diet. 

For more information about Colgate’s global business, visit the Company’s web site at http://www.colgatepalmolive.com. To learn more about Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® oral health education program, please visit http://www.colgatebsbf.com. To learn more about Hill's and the Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love program please visit http://www.hillspet.com. To learn more about Tom’s of Maine  please visit  http://www.tomsofmaine.com.

Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities. Please contact Application_Accommodation@colpal.com with the subject "Accommodation Request" should you require accommodation.