For over 35 years, Aesop has carefully cultivated an inspiring and inclusive environment in which our employees are supported and encouraged to thrive. As a global retail organisation, we offer professional development and advancement opportunities to complement career goals and aspirations.
Our approach to skin care involves meticulous attention to detail, using only the most efficacious ingredients to create formulations which stir the self and senses. The same meticulous approach is taken during our recruitment process, seeking out considered and inspired individuals with a wealth of perspectives who bring out the best in themselves and others.
We aim to strike the right balance between people, planet and profit, actively reducing our footprint on the planet that generously sustains us. So far, this journey has led us to become a certified B Corp. We are committed to building a more sustainable and inclusive society.
Armed with strong financial, commercial and analytical skills, the Finance Business Partner – Marketing, will partner with the DMI & functional departments within the marketing, creative and product teams on a global level, on all commercial and finance related topics.
As a member of the extended Marketing leadership team, the successful candidate will act as a strong connector with the Finance community. Reporting into the Head of Finance Business Partnering, you will be expected to improve financial awareness within the supported functions, strengthen the finance agenda and implement processes and control improvements in fields such as:
Controllership
Business partnering & decision support
Financial and Analytical Modelling
Management reporting, budgeting & forecasting
Creation of financial plans which align with company strategy
Role responsibilities include, but are not limited to –
Business partnering, decision support and Financial Analytical Modelling
As a trusted team member, this role will support the Marketing global functions by providing commercial support, financial insight, analytical rigour and communication support with key stakeholders across the business, including Directors of Product, Marketing and Communications and Engagement, among others.
You will also be involved in the support of ad-hoc projects, both tactical and strategic, as required by the business. Working closely with the relevant teams, the successful candidate will ensure robust challenging, delivery and reporting of Return on Investment for these projects.
Establish strong partnership with budget holders and their broader teams to operate as one team in delivering the day-to-day operations and long-term strategic plans
Ensure consistency of partnering approach to the overall strategic vision and goals of the company
Manage the appraisal, preparation and presentation of new investment business cases to key stakeholders and decision-makers
Oversee the planning, reporting and controlling of financial expenditure (Capex and Opex) of advertising and promotional spend, working closely with key stakeholders and flagging any material deviation from initial plans
Provide analysis and insight to drive improved business decision making
Ensuring campaign spend is tied to budget and delivers expected returns in terms of sales uplift and customer acquisition / retention
Working as a key conduit in ensuring the marketing activities are aligned with the sales launches and supply chain capability
Attribution modelling
Management reporting, budgeting & forecasting
The role will provide financial insight to the Marketing leadership team to support decision-making processes by sharing regular and relevant financial information, providing value-adding commentary and insight.
The successful candidate is also expected to operate the financial control of the Marketing teams’ budget, manage the completion of the planning cycles throughout the year (forecast, budget and strategic plan) and pro-actively identify risks and opportunities through their detailed understanding of the function and its challenges.
Engage with all key stakeholders to ensure financial results are regularly communicated in a timely manner and risks/opportunities are identified and discussed, with appropriate actions put in place and followed upon
Work with accounting team to continuously improve processes to support a smooth delivery of the month-end close and reporting activities
Working with the business partnering team to manage the preparation, review and communication of the functional budgets and reforecasts, ensuring appropriate allocation of resources
Work closely with the business planning and reporting team (FP&A) to develop strategies and processes which support the overall planning cycle
Support the continuous improvement of planning, budgeting and forecasting processes
Drive the strategic planning cycle within the supported functions
This is a full-time position operating with a hybrid working pattern, including 3 days on-site per week at Aesop’s Global Head Office, based in London Bridge.
Open mindset and deep curiosity seeking to understand others, listen without judgement and act on diverse perspectives
Commitment to fostering an inclusive and psychologically safe work environment
Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively convey messages and explain technical financial data to non-finance audiences
Demonstrated knowledge and experience with budgeting, forecasting and relevant accounting & financial procedures
Excellent problem solving and process improvement skills
Organisational and prioritisation skills
Critical analysis capability
The ability to build strong working relationships with key stakeholders
Ability to actively provide and promote service culture through personal leadership
Experience with NetSuite and Anaplan an advantage
University degree in business related subject or equivalent
Finance/Accounting Qualification (CA, CPA, CMA or equivalent)
Relevant finance partnering experience, preferably in the Marketing & Creative space
We take a holistic approach to employment, promoting professional development, career growth, employee wellbeing initiatives and encouraging deep connections with the local community through the Aesop Foundation, volunteering and matched giving programs. Employee benefits include –
Flexible, hybrid working pattern
Generous product discount allowance and bi-annual complimentary product allocation
Paid volunteering allowance for all employees
Bonus opportunity based on personal, and business, performance
Suite of options to aid development, including complimentary access to LinkedIn Learning, in-house Product and Core skills training and study support opportunities
Access to employee assistance programmes, complimentary subscription to Headspace mindfulness app and summer hours options
Aesop is committed to attracting, developing and retaining the very best people by offering a creative and inclusive workplace where talent is truly recognised and rewarded. We are committed to promoting inclusion for all with the belief that diversity, inclusion and belonging plays an important role in the success of our organisation. We actively encourage everyone to consider becoming a part of our journey.