Financial Controller, Temporary 12 Months

Not your average role….

With more than 5,000 employees, ScotRail plays a vital role in serving the people and communities of Scotland.  We recognise a modern and diverse workforce, encouraged to use their talents, and develop their skills, is integral to our success in serving and reflecting the communities of Scotland.  We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and have also set ourselves ambitious sustainability targets including having a carbon-free railway in Scotland by 2035. 

The Interim Financial Controller will take a key role within the Finance team, being the Finance lead on critical, strategic business projects and the capital spend portfolio across the business, as well as work collaboratively with the Senior Financial Accountant on internal and external reporting requirements, financial controls and working capital management. This role will also provide support to the Head of Finance with line management responsibilities for the senior team within the Financial Accounting department.

Key Responsibilities

• Finance lead on key strategic projects, including but not limited to fleet strategy workstreams.
• Support the Head of Finance in providing quality analysis for strategic projects, as well as engage with the project team on the transactional services insourcing project being delivered early 2027.
• Link effectively with the PMO function to ensure capital forecasting and reporting is robust. This includes effective management of the Project Accounting sub-team within the finance department.
• Provide technical support and guidance for more complex accounting judgements and treatments as required.
• Collaborate with the Senior Financial Accountant to ensure the Financial Accounting department functions effectively, maintaining accurate and robust outputs. This includes periodic reporting packs (P&L, cash flow, balance sheet and capital projects), external statutory reporting, tax and other regulatory submissions as well as working capital responsibilities.
• Support the Head of Finance with line management responsibilities for the senior team within the Financial Accounting department.
• Any other reasonable duties assigned, commensurate with the grade and level of responsibility of this post. 

What you bring

Essential

• An accounting qualification, with relevant post qualified experience in a related role.
• Ability to communicate at all levels of the wider finance function and the overall business – from Directors to clerical colleagues. 
• The role is varied and demanding with tight timescales and quality standards to be met.  It requires someone who can be flexible in approach to tasks to streamline their execution, define and implement new ideas and take a wide view of the business.
• Ability to take an overview, highlight key business risks and problem solving.
• Experience in being finance lead on strategic business projects, including capital spend management.
• Experience of modern management techniques.

Desirable

• Experience working in the rail industry.

This role works Monday – Friday, 35 hours per week, and is based in Atrium Court with hybrid arrangements available (3 days in office minimum). 

Salary is negotiable and dependant on skillset of the candidate, ranging between £75-84k.

What we offer you:

ScotRail offer an excellent rewards package including:

• Contributory Final Salary Pension scheme.
• Free and reduced rate rail travel for you and your family.
• Generous holiday allowance.
• Enhanced company sick pay and family leave including maternity, paternity and adoption.
• Life Insurance cover for 4 x annual salary.
• Contributory lifestyle benefit options including discounts at hundreds of retailers, cycle to work scheme, discounted gym memberships and healthcare cashback plan.

Selection Process

Candidates short-listed will be invited to attend a competency-based interview.  All external offers are subject to passing our pre-employment checks which include a criminal record check, medical and referencing.

Equal Opportunities

ScotRail is seven times accredited as a Top Employer and is a Disability Confident Employer.  We value, celebrate, and respect the diversity our people and aim to inspire, attract, retain, and develop the best talent.  Because we value diversity and the benefits it brings, we want to continue improving the diversity of our people and particularly welcome applications from women, young people, LGBT+ people, people with a disability, and people from ethnically diverse background.