GTR
GTR is recruiting a Finance Business Partner
This is a great opportunity for an individual with a proven track record to work for one of the country’s busiest and award-winning rail companies.
Purpose of role
Provide high-quality annual business plan, forecast, period end reporting and analysis within a defined area of the business ensuring that relevant execs, directors and managers have timely, accurate and appropriate financial information and insights to deliver financial objectives and support business decision-making.
Under the NRC contract this is an important role to ensure cost budget and revenue targets are delivered and performance-based fee (PBF) is maximised through end-to-end management of the financials for the defined accountable business area. The Finance Business Partner will be sought out by the business as an internal trusted advisor/consultant for critical business decisions. Support the Senior FBPs in providing critical challenge to drive down subsidy and to support GTR in delivering the ‘Spend Wisely and Work Smarter’ Strategy. A trusted critical friend to budget holders and directors.
Anticipated interview dates
First stage: w/c 06 July 2026 (Teams)
Second stage: w/c 05 August (in person, Monument Place)
Key Accountabilities
- Production and maintenance of accurate forecasts and business plans to meet the annual budget target and NRC requirements within a defined business area
- Preparation of periodic end journals within defined timetable for business areas with a high level of accuracy and strong auditable supporting evidence and ensure costs/income are recognised according to accounting standards
- Produce clear and concise financial review packs highlighting material variances and causes and proactively work with business areas to identify financial risks and opportunities and track mitigation plans
- Present within the periodic financial review meetings and provide insights and financial guidance to the discussions to support effective decision making
- Work actively, in collaboration with budget holders and directors, becoming a critical friend and focusing on driving efficiencies.
- Develop strong relationships with directors and budget holders to collaborate on delivery of key outputs, annual business plan and strategic objectives
- Liaise with budget holders to identify/recommend and report cost efficiency initiations within their business activities as part of PBF evidence to DfT
- Supports the financial audit for queries related to your specific business area
- Providing financial inputs, support and governance within key processes across the business (e.g. supply chain, projects)
Knowledge
- Management Accounting: Strong understanding of budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and cost control.
- Financial Reporting & Analysis: Ability to interpret financial statements, KPIs, and performance metrics.
- Business Acumen: Understanding of the industry, commercial drivers, and strategic priorities of the business.
- Finance Systems: Familiarity with ERP systems, Excel, and BI tools.
- Regulatory & Compliance Awareness: General understanding of accounting standards and relevant financial governance.
Skills
- Stakeholder Management: Confident working with senior non-finance stakeholders, challenging decisions constructively, and influencing outcomes.
- Analytical Thinking: Ability to interpret data, draw insights, and support strategic decisions with financial evidence.
- Communication Skills: Clear, concise communication—able to explain financial concepts to non-financial teams.
- Problem-Solving: Proactive mindset to identify financial risks/opportunities and suggest actions.
- Commercial Awareness: Ability to link financial analysis to operational performance and market trends.
- Project Support: Partnering on business cases, investments, cost-saving initiatives, and strategic planning.
Experience
- ACCA / CIMA / ACA (or international equivalent) qualified.
- Ideally experience in a rail sector
- Experience in a Business Partnering Role: Proven track record of partnering with non-finance teams (e.g., operations, marketing, supply chain).
- Budgeting and Forecasting: Experience preparing and presenting budgets, reforecasts, and long-range plans.
- Change or Transformation Projects (optional but valued): Experience contributing to finance transformation, system implementation, or process improvement.
What we can offer you:
- Final salary pension
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Healthcare
- Free travel on GTR and sister groups for you and your family
- 75% off travel on other train operating companies for you, and leisure for your family
- Discounted Oyster Card
- GTR offers maternity, paternity and adoption leave and time off for prenatal care, as well as shared parental leave – all part of our commitment to family friendly policies
- StarHub – our great benefits package which, for example, includes discounts with many retailers.
