Network Rail
Finance Business Partner
Location: Blackfriars, GB
Department Name: OE Kent Route Finance (338275) G1
About Network Rail
At Network Rail, we’re dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you’re not just part of a team – you’re part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway.
We’re committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we’ll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process.
If you’re ready to make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you!
Brief Description
Partnering closely with the business leadership team, and reporting to the Financial Controller/Senior Finance Business Partner, you will act as a trusted advisor, delivering smart, commercially focused finance and accounting guidance. You will provide proactive, value-adding financial insight, working at pace with leaders across the function/route to shape decisions, drive performance, and support the delivery of key business objectives.
What You’ll Do
- Lead and provide financial advice and guidance to senior budget holders in understanding the impact of the period results and forecasts against budgets 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 and 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 leaders.
- 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.
- Manage the performance of central accounting functions to deliver for the cost centre area to enable an efficient and effective accounting service.
- Collate, investigate, and make recommendations 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.
We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate the following essential & desirable criteria:
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).
- Expert knowledge and experience of creating and maintaining accounts and annual budgets.
- 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
Vacancy type: Permanent
Location: London Puddle Dock
Closing date: 08/05/26
Band & Salary: Band 4C £43,588 – £51,719
Network Rail Benefits
We’re an organisation where people matter. We matter to millions.
We offer excellent benefits, including:
- Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.
- Defined benefit pension scheme.
- 75% subsidy on rail and underground season tickets.
- Up to 75% off leisure travel.
- Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets.
- Discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass.
- Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.
- Carer’s leave to support those who matter.
- Healthcare Scheme, GymPass discounts, Cycle to work plus more.
- We offer generous maternity, paternity, and adoption leave to support our employees during significant life moments.
- Plus, more…
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.
