Finance Accountant

Job Description

The Role

Our Commercial Finance team is at the heart of that momentum. We are looking for a qualified Accountant to join our Retail Cost team. This is a role for someone who wants to own their work and help the business grow by managing the financial landscape of our physical estate and large-scale projects. In this position, you will find incredible variation. You won't just be looking at data; you will be getting under the skin of our operations, collaborating with teams across the business to ensure our 460+ stores and international distribution centres remain global leaders.

What You’ll Take On

You will lead the accounting and management of capital expenditure and maintenance, providing the clarity and insight needed for senior management to make informed decisions.

• Group Capital Expenditure: With a forecast spend of over £200m on capex projects next year, you will be the central point of contact. You’ll lead monthly updates with Retail, Warehousing, and Systems finance teams, ensuring our full-year forecasts are accurate and transparent.
• Store Maintenance: Our stores are the face of NEXT. You will support the teams that keep them in peak condition by monitoring and managing expenditure on repairs and equipment, reporting directly to the Property Director.

Strategic Forecasting: You will provide critical cash flow forecasts to the Treasury team. The accuracy of your work is paramount, as it directly affects the Group's liquidity management and long-term financial planning.

Financial Integrity: You will work closely with Group Finance to prepare Fixed Assets management account notes. You’ll also manage monthly balance sheet reconciliations, identifying risks and opportunities within your scope.

Reinventing Processes: Standing still isn't an option here. You will be expected to suggest and lead the implementation of process improvements, ensuring our reporting and workflows are as efficient as possible.

Accountability: You will proactively assist with external and internal audit queries, maintaining the high standards of financial integrity that NEXT is known for.

What You’ll Bring

We believe everyone is at their best when they are being themselves. We are looking for a professional who speaks with conviction and possesses the quiet confidence to step into leadership responsibilities when required.

• Qualified Professional: You are CIMA, ACCA, or ACA qualified with a strong grasp of financial principles. Capital Expenditure experience is desirable but by no means essential.

Technical Expertise: You have advanced Excel skills and an excellent eye for detail.

Analytical Thinker: You can take complex information and communicate it clearly and purposefully to stakeholders at all levels.

Proactive Organiser: You have the planning skills to deliver high-quality work to tight timescales and the ability to prioritise your own workload in a dynamic environment.

About Us

You know Next, but did you know we’re a FTSE-100 retail company employing over 35,000 people across the UK and Ireland. We’re the UK’s 2nd largest fashion retailer and for Kidswear we’re the market leader. At the last count we have over 500 stores, plus the Next Online and it’s now possible to buy on-line from over 70 countries around the world! So we’ve gone global!

About The Team

• 25% off most NEXT, MADE*, Lipsy*, Gap* and Victoria's Secret* products (*when purchased through NEXT)
• Company performance based bonus
• Sharesave scheme
• On-site Nursery available; OFSTED outstanding in all areas
• 10% off most partner brands & up to 15% off Branded Beauty
• Early VIP access to sale stock

Access to fantastic discounts at our Staff Shops

Restaurants with great food at amazing prices

Access a digital GP and other free health and wellbeing services

Free on-site parking

Financial Wellbeing - Save, track and enhance your financial wellbeing

Apprenticeship - Grow and develop on the job whilst gaining a qualification

Direct to Work - Discount online and instore, collect your items the next day for free from your place of work or local store

Support Networks - Access to Network Groups to empower and celebrate each other

Wellhub - Discounted flexible monthly gym memberships, with apps, PT sessions and more

Conditions apply to all benefits. These benefits are discretionary and subject to change.

We aim to support all candidates during the application process and are happy to provide workplace adjustments when necessary. Should you need support with your application due to a disability or long-term condition, feel free to get in touch with us by email headoffice_careers@next.co.uk (please include 'Workplace Adjustments' in the subject line), or call us on 0116 284 2486 and leave a voicemail.