This is a wide-ranging role, in the FT Asia finance team, supporting the commercial departments. The postholder will work closely with a number of senior non-finance colleagues in Asia, business analysts globally, and the Asia Finance Director. The role includes management responsibility of the FT Asia Assistant Management Accountant. The role is based in Hong Kong and the expected duration is 15 months, starting October 1st.
The main purpose of the role is:
1. To monitor, report and analyse business performance for the Asia region
2. To be responsible for the Asia financial forecasting / budgeting processes and its output
3. To provide ad-hoc analysis on business performance and support the Asia senior management team
Key Responsibilities
• To track business performance, identifying emerging trends and risks, and assess their impact on profitability and cashflow
• Management and development of the FT Asia Assistant Management Accountant
• Facilitation role for the Manila based management accounting team with regular travel to Manila
• Management of forecasts and budgeting for Asia region including print circulation copies and revenue, advertising volumes and revenue, distribution costs, department overheads, and marketing and PR spend
• To conduct ad hoc analysis such as circulation profitability reviews, print site reviews and advertising trend analysis
• To seek improvements and enhancements in existing work practices, processes, analysis and reports
• Management of bonus and commission objectives and payments for circulation and advertising teams
Required Knowledge and Experience
• A senior professional accountant with experience of business analysis in a large diverse organisation
• High proficiency in the use of Microsoft Excel for data modelling and analysis
• Highly developed analysis skills, able to interrogate multiple data sources, analyse results and present findings either verbally or in written form
• Excellent communication skills – able to communicate an issue clearly and concisely, and quickly win the respect of senior colleagues
• Proficient in the use of a variety of finance and business information systems
• Organisation and planning skills to manage both short term imperatives and long term planning
• Enthusiasm, resilience, drive and commitment, capable of working effectively in a constantly changing and pressured environment
Finance Function Competencies particularly relevant to the job
Influencing and Persuading - Able to present sound and well-reasoned arguments to convince others and constantly develops and expands own sources of influence. Has thought through issues and has responses to counter-arguments.
Managing Relationships - Builds and maintains effective working relationships across the broad business community.
Flexibility - Adapts and works effectively with a variety of situations, individuals or groups. Is able to understand and appreciate different and opposing perspectives on an issue, to adapt an approach as the requirements of a situation change. Continuously seeks better ways of doing things and is prepared to try and implement change even in adverse circumstances.
Planning and Organising - Able to establish an efficient and appropriate course of action for self and others. Can cope with a large and demanding workload. Has the ability to allocate work to ensure optimum effectiveness of the whole team, and can juggle their workload to meet deadlines.
Strategic Thinking - Can identify a vision along with the plans which need to be implemented to meet the end goal.
Decision Making - Originates action and takes responsibility for decisions made.
Communication - Able to communicate clearly by adopting a range of styles, tools and techniques adapting as relevant to individual audiences.
