Brief Description You'll be joining our finance team, which is part of the corporate structure known as Finance and Business Support, this feeds into Route Services.
Your role involves supporting the function to deliver services that are vital to the running of the railway, deliver the provision of services agreed by the routes to allow them to benefit from economies of scale and the optimisation of our critical resources.We offer business partnering insight, guidance and financial support to 6 primary functions; Business Services, Commercial and Procurement, Information Technology, Asset Information Services, Supply Chain Operations, and Engineering Services, along with the Routes and Regions.
The Commercial and Procurement finance team complete periodic management accounting for the C&P directorate as well as key stakeholders in the approval and assurance of key contribution efficiency workstream delivery.
With a significant target to hit for CP7 the focus is primarily around value for money assessments and efficiency driving mindsets, ensuring that the business receives the most strategically effective service from our function.
A fast paced, dynamic, environment that has multiple touchpoints across the wider business with the opportunity to make a difference.To work with the supported business leadership team, under the direction of the Financial Controller/Senior Finance Business Partner, to deliver professional finance and accounting advise.
Provides proactive, value add finance support to the business leaders across the function/route.About the role (External)What will you be doing?Lead and provide financial advice and guidance to senior budget holders in understanding the impact of the period results and forecasts against budges so they can understand their business better.Be the expert in the function on accounting practices and advise on financial results and forecasts for budget holders, including preparing period accruals, transfers and adjustments to validate accounts are reflective, relevant.
Manage corporate governance throughout the cost centres they manage, conducting deep dives and reviewing compliance with financial regulations to protect the business from legal or negative consequences.Deliver expert and accurate business review information and reporting and highlight any significant issues with financial and other business results to enable informed decision making by the business area.
Engage and influence senior members of the team to help them understand their financial position and use professional expertise to guide in initiatives to improve business performance Build bottom up, detailed plans to manage and develop the production of business plans and budgets to enable good corporate governance and value add analysis for senior leadersIdentify and proactively manage commercial risks, including the financial suitability of new customers or suppliers reducing the potential risk impact on the business area and influencing decision makers.Manage the performance of central accounting functions to deliver for the cost centre area to enable an efficiently and effective accounting service.
Collate, investigate and make recommendation for investment appraisals and business case analysis to aid business decisions.Model and analyse cost base and identify and drive opportunities and efficiencies to achieve area targets.
Meet the essential criteria/ Apply today to join our team!EssentialDemonstrate strong understanding of business needs and relevant application of accounting standardsMembership (Or working towards a membership) of a relevant accounting body (CIMA/ACCA)Expert knowledge and experience of creating and maintaining accounts and annual budgetSignificant experience within relevant finance disciplines Strong excel skills and use of data manipulationStrong interpersonal and communication skills Ability to interpret technical accounting regulations into everyday languageDemonstrable effective influencing skills at a senior levelSignificant understanding of financial control and risk Excellent technical finance and accounting knowledgeDesirableUnderstanding of project management principles and experience of managing complex projectsMembership of a relevant accounting bodyExtensive experience of Oracle based systemsDegree or equivalent qualification in finance and accounting or business management or experience