West Midlands Trains Hiring for Finance Business Partner [30136] Job at Birmingham, England Full Time

As part of the Abellio Group, West Midlands Trains delivers around 1,300 train journeys a day, for more than 60 million passengers a year, across our two brands – West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway.

We are committed to delivering a safe and reliable train service, by investing in our fleet of trains, stations and employees. As part of this investment, we are looking to recruit a Finance Business Partner on a full-time, permanent basis, based in Birmingham.

What does the job involve?

• Assist Gain detailed knowledge of relevant business activities and sales/cost drivers to continually develop reporting in order to identify opportunities to improve efficiency and profitability.
• Responsible for producing period end departmental management accounts and reporting to the appropriate directorate.
• Build good working relationships with directors, managers and staff and provide them with management information and analysis based on insight and enquiry.
• Responsible for influencing, deriving, justifying and reporting the business’ corporate plan and quarterly rolling forecasts for respective business areas.
• Manage and provide support to managers and directors to ensure funds for budgeted activities and projects are approved and projects are delivered as planned.
• Support for financial analysis of business cases.
• Understand the financial profile and modelling of the business and how to maximise profitability within these constraints.
• Work in conjunction with budget holders to analyse and challenge costs with the aim of contributing cost savings and efficiencies in line with cost budget targets.
• Liaise closely with the Financial Accounting function to ensure process improvements are efficiently implemented to improve the reliability, accuracy and timeliness of financial information.
• Provide adhoc support and analysis to the Head of Financial Planning & Analysis and the Finance Director as necessary.
• Provide guidance to management and support staff on finance matters in relevant business areas.
• Assist in preparing schedules for budget and forecast presentations to the Executive, Group Board and the DfT
• Produce management analysis on a periodic basis; ensure records are complete and accurate and reflect underlying business activities and objectives
• Develop and automate processes using applicable finance tools (e.g. Oracle Enterprise Planning and Budgeting Cloud Solution)
• Willingness to challenge current process and implement change

What skills and experience do I need to do the job?

• Degree or equivalent or qualified by experience.
• Qualified or part qualified in a recognised accountancy qualification (CIMA, ACA, ACCA).
• Substantial experience in a commercial environment including some time spent in an analytical or commercial finance role.
• Demonstrable understanding of financial aspects of a business
• Experience of budgeting and forecasting at an operating company level.
• Experience of rail or similar transport / franchise industry (desirable)
• Excellent analytical and financial modelling skills.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Open Accounts and Oracle EPBCS experience (desirable)

What are the salary and benefits?

• Competitive salary and excellent benefits
• Final salary pension – one of the best pension schemes available
• Free travel on all our trains and those of other train companies within our parent group company – for you, your partner and any dependent children
• 75% off all other train company travel tickets
• Retail discounts
• Career development opportunities

Due to the volume of applications, we receive, the advert may close earlier than the published closing date. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid missing out.

As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from all backgrounds and ensure no-one receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender, race/ethnicity, religion, belief and sexual orientation.

Applications will be considered from colleagues with 6 months experience, after completion of their probationary period and a full check of absence and disciplinary records.