It's great to work for a company whose products appeal to me - it wouldn't feel quite the same working for an engineering company; not to mention the really generous discount on all the lovely clothes and accessories! The friendly atmosphere, the opportunities to progress and the support for professional development are great too.
I applied for the role of Business Analyst just under 3 years ago after seeing an advert in Financial Management (the CIMA members’ magazine) as I had always wanted to work for Monsoon Accessorize. I attended two interviews – the first being a longer interview with the Head of Planning and Analysis to talk about my previous experience in detail and why I wanted to work for Monsoon. The second interview was less formal and more of an opportunity for me to meet my prospective line manager. In September of last year I passed my final TOPCIMA exam (hooray!) and I have now been promoted to the position of International Finance Control Manager.
I would definitely describe Monsoon as vibrant and informal in the sense that it is most definitely not about being “suited and booted.” People who work here have a genuine passion for the brands and a genuine love of their work which is why so many people stay at Monsoon for a long time.
My typical day: I arrive at work, grab a toasted marmite bagel from the canteen and make a cup of tea (I don’t function without tea!)
I spend the first part of the day preparing month end cost reports for the budget holders I look after. After lunch from the canteen and a quick read of Retail Week to catch up on the latest competitor and retail news, it’s onto a month-end meeting with Property budget holder (querying variances to budget and discussing accruals).
Then I’m updating the month end figures as required by the Senior Management Accountant and Head of Planning and Analysis for their flash P&L report and finishing off any queries requested by the Senior Management Accountant/Head of Planning and Analysis. If there are no month-end emergencies, at 5:30 I head home!