Assistant Accountant - Stock Application Deadline: 7 May 2024 Department: Finance Employment Type: Full Time Location: Poole - Head Office Compensation: £27,000 - £32,000 / year Description Diversity matters We are building a brand that represents the people of the world. It's what you do that counts, and we are always looking to expand perspectives and voices to shape our future. We see you, we celebrate you, we want you Who we are You might know us as the inventors of the bath bomb, but there's more to this great-smelling, partly employee-owned, family-run company than pioneering cosmetics. We believe our business should put more back into the world than it takes and demonstrate that capitalism can be a force for good. The Living Wage Foundation's statement 'a hard day's work deserves a fair day's pay' is one that we are proud to commit to in the UK. As an accredited Living Wage employer, we put our people first and fight cruel practices like animal testing, promote regeneration, and show that it is what's inside that counts - whether that's an ingredient in a product, or the minerals in a smartphone. The role Our UK Retail Finance team sits in the heart of our Head Office and looks after the 105 Lush shops in the UK & Ireland. We are now looking for a technically competent Assistant Accountant specialising in stock to join our team. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to build a successful career with us and bags of coaching. You will be working closely with the shop managers and offer them appropriate support and advice in regards to their stock control, margins and overall management accounts. Please note: We may close this vacancy early if we receive an overwhelming response or our business requirements change. Key Responsibilities Review & control of the SAM stock system Coordinate quarterly stock takes with stores Assist with year end audit, specifically the stocktake and stock related queries Produce monthly margin and sales mix analysis with commentary for review Analysis and insight into stock control and ways to improve Retail Stock processes Review of samples & waste posted by the stores, produce waste reports & postings to accounts system Assist with queries from store managers Other Ad Hoc projects including assistance with month end reporting & data analysis etc. Analysing the Management Accounts alongside the Manager's monthly commentary, and offering support and advice as necessary Assist with monthly purchases/COG forecast Skills, Knowledge and Expertise Experienced working in a finance team Studying towards a finance qualification (ACCA/CIMA/ACA) is desirable Understands the requirement to meet deadlines Strong Microsoft Excel Skills Communication & Teamwork - Month end reporting is a pressurised time. It is crucial that the individual has good people skills, and is prepared to willingly help and assist others within the team as necessary Enthusiasm & Drive - Individual will occupy a key role within a dedicated and hardworking team. It is vital that the individual is positive and focused in their approach, and provides support and encouragement to others in the team as appropriate Demonstrates the ability to build rapport quickly and to understand the needs, wants and expectations of the shop managers Manages challenging situations in a calm and appropriate manner Ability to remain calm under pressure Displays the highest levels of integrity, confidentiality and commitment Lead and drive work forward with minimal direction Analyse information quickly and communicate in a concise and articulate manner Well organised, attention to detail with the ability to prioritise Benefits 25 days holiday plus bank holidays 6 months' full pay for parental leave (primary caregiver) Enhanced paternity leave Bonus scheme Day off for weekday birthdays Holiday purchase scheme 50% discount on Lush products and spa treatments Cycle to work scheme Discounted rail and bus season tickets Employee assistance programme Financial childcare support on return to work We're 10% Employee Owned - all colleagues play a role in protecting our ethics, our independence, contributing ideas for the future and share in the rewards of success when the company is doing well. Support groups, film nights, yoga, meditation sessions and much more