About Network Rail

Network Rail are dedicated to becoming one of Britain’s best employers and believe this starts with placing the people at the centre of everything we do!

Our ambition is to be responsive to passengers and freight users and we’re empowered to do the right thing for those who use the rail network. We actively challenge unsafe practices and take responsibility for addressing risks, resolving issues and protecting safety and wellbeing.

We care about people and we’re passionate about great service. We believe teamwork is key. For more information about Network Rail click here

In Wales and Western region, you will have the opportunity to join PROUD, our reward and recognition scheme where you can say thanks and recognise colleagues across the region who have demonstrated outstanding values and behaviours.

Brief Description

As a Finance Business Partner, you will 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)

 Key Accountabilities

1.     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.

2.     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. 

3.     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.

4.     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. 

5.     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

6.     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 leaders

7.     Identify 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.

8.     Manage the performance of central accounting functions to deliver for the cost centre area to enable an efficiently and effective accounting service.

9.     Collate, investigate and make recommendation for investment appraisals and business case analysis to aid business decisions.

10.   Model and analyse cost base and identify and drive opportunities and efficiencies to achieve area targets.

Essential

• Demonstrate strong understanding of business needs and relevant application of accounting

  standards

• Membership (Or working towards a membership) of a relevant accounting body (CIMA/ACCA) or

  equivalent experience

• Expert knowledge and experience of creating and maintaining accounts and annual budget

• Significant experience within relevant finance disciplines

• Strong excel skills and use of data manipulation

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Ability to interpret technical accounting regulations into everyday language

• Demonstrable effective influencing skills at a senior level

• Significant understanding of financial control and risk

• Excellent technical finance and accounting knowledge

Desirable

• Understanding of project management principles and experience of managing complex projects

• Membership of a relevant accounting body

• Extensive experience of Oracle based systems

• Degree or equivalent qualification in finance and accounting or business management or experience

How to apply (External)

Salary: £40,107 - £45,120

Closing date: 7th April 2022. Late applications will not be accepted, we do reserve the right to close the advert early should we be required to do so.

Click ‘apply now’ to apply.

All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Click here for more information

We're dedicated to creating an inclusive environment and we welcome applications from everyone!

Network Rail is a Disability Confident Leader and we’ll try our best to adapt the process and offer a reasonable alternative to help support people with disabilities access, apply and interview for roles. You can visit Evenbreak’s Career Hive for advice on accessibility support if you’re unsure of the options available. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please add a note to your application.

Network Rail Benefits – To find out about what benefits we offer, click here

All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Click here for more information