Job Description
About the Company
Go-Ahead Group is a leading international public transport operator providing bus and rail services across the UK and internationally. With strong roots in the North East of England, we play an important role in connecting communities and helping people travel safely and sustainably every day.
About the Role
We are looking for a driven and ambitious individual at the early stage of their finance career to join the Group FP&A team at the Go‑Ahead Group. This role sits at the heart of Group Finance, providing critical support in analysing monthly performance, shaping the Group’s budgeting and forecasting cycles, and partnering with operating companies to deliver high‑quality financial insight.
Responsibilities
* Support the Group FP&A team with preparation of the consolidated Board reporting pack, providing high‑quality analysis and insight across all operating companies.
* Perform variance analysis against budget, forecast, and prior year, clearly explaining key performance drivers to senior stakeholders.
* Review financial and operational KPIs, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities that impact Group performance.
* Conduct trend analysis to support forward‑looking insights and inform Group budgeting and forecasting.
* Assist in the coordination, consolidation, and review of budgets, forecasts, and long‑term plans submitted by operating companies, and support the preparation of the Group’s three‑year plan (a key financial benchmark for the organisation and a core component of the budget paper submitted to the Board).
* Provide analytical support and constructive challenge to OpCo finance teams to ensure robust, high‑quality financial submissions.
* Support the enhancement of Group reporting tools, templates, and processes to drive standardisation and efficiency.
* Assist with ad‑hoc Group Finance projects, including investment appraisal, cost reviews, and performance deep‑dives.
* Build a strong understanding of the Group’s structure, operating model, and key financial drivers to support effective oversight and decision‑making.
Qualifications
* A recent university graduate (relevant numerate / core subject degree) seeking their first role in finance and looking to build strong analytical and commercial foundations; or
* A school‑leaver who has completed the AAT training, who is ready to take the next step in their finance career and broaden their exposure within a Group environment; or
* A part‑qualified ACCA accountant with relevant finance or FP&A experience who is looking to develop within a larger team and complete their ACCA qualification.
Required Skills
* Highly motivated.
* Strong numerical ability and analytical skills.
* Proficiency in excel.
* Excellent communication skills.
* Problem-solving mindset.
* Detail orientated.
* Accountability & integrity.
Preferred Skills
If you don’t meet every requirement but feel this role could be right for you, we still encourage you to apply.
Pay range and compensation package
* 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme for wellbeing, financial, and emotional support.
* Flexible working to balance your needs (reduced hours applications will be considered, however 4 days in the office is a requirement).
* 25 days holiday, pension, life Assurance travel pass, buy and sell holiday up to 5 days, Discount platform.
Equal Opportunity Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer that recognises the value of a diverse workforce. We are committed to creating an inclusive workforce where all our people feel valued, supported and able to succeed. All suitably qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective criteria and without regard to the following (which is a non-exhaustive list): age, race, religion or belief, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, caregiving responsibilities or other characteristics in accordance with the relevant governing laws.
We will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. If you require adjustments to participate in the application or interview process, please let us know at Ready to Take the First Step?
Apply today and start a rewarding career with Go-Ahead Group - keeping our communities moving.