Rail Finance Associate

Do you have excellent numeracy skills and a high attention to detail? Are you seeking an opportunity that provides future career progression within the Finance Profession?

If so, we are looking for an ambitious individual to join our In-Life Finance team, and we would love to hear from you!

Job description

Our team is responsible for ensuring the Train Operating Companies (TOC) can demonstrate financially that they are acting as a 'Good and Efficient Operator’, delivering value for the taxpayer, actively exploring new opportunities and avenues to deliver service improvements, and acting in accordance with their contractual obligations.  We are also responsible for monitoring the TOC management accounts, reviewing and challenging variances against budget, and reporting progress against TOC budgets and other financial matters under the contracts to the directorate and to various internal stakeholders.

As Rail Finance Associate, you will provide day-to-day support with core financial activities and processes, including periodic management accounts, monthly returns and budget, and forecasts. You will produce periodic payments paperwork and supporting evidence as well as briefing senior management.

In this varied and interesting role, you will gain valuable and rewarding experience in a commercial environment, working collaboratively with colleagues at all levels across the Department and the Rail Industry.

In taking on this role, you will be required to study towards completing a Finance level 7 professional qualification (ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA) either via an apprenticeship or supported self-study. An apprenticeship is a great way for you to combine theoretical learning with practical skills building ‘on-the-job’ and the department will also support you with allowing you dedicated time each week to focus on your apprenticeship studies, but self-study could be considered where an apprenticeship is not appropriate.  

Your key duties and responsibilities will include:

• Completing sections of Central Finance monthly returns, ensuring accurate insightful commentary and agreeing the numbers being reported, as well as understanding any impact to the full year budget.
• Ensuring risks and opportunities are clearly highlighted and resolving or escalating issues promptly.
• Challenging senior budget holders and promoting accountability and value for money to contribute to the production of robust forecasts.
• Taking ownership of accurate reporting and managing this complex process on a periodic and annual basis.
• Leading on activities which support successful financial management of the Passenger Services Programme budget, reporting and updating of accruals, journals, purchase orders and invoices using the Department’s financial systems.
• Developing continuous improvement of key finance processes to generate quality, timely and accurate reports, analysis and recommendations.
• Producing TOC payment forms, accurate supporting evidence, and co-ordinating approvals whilst working with central finance teams to ensure payments are processed accurately and promptly.

About You 

You will be highly numerate, with a high attention to detail and accuracy to produce quality financial information and forecasts.You will be proficient with Microsoft Office Excel, and have the capability to analyse and interpret financial data and confidently produce findings.

You will display excellent interpersonal skills to confidently engage with and build positive relationships at all levels within and outside of the Department. You will be proactive, with excellent planning and organisation skills, work well independently and as part of a team to deliver quality outputs and balance competing priorities.