About Network Rail
Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter
Vacancy : Finance Business Partner
Location : George Stephenson House York
Salary : £43,588 to £51,719
Role Type : 6 month Secondment/Fixed Term Contract
Network Rail Benefits - To find out about what benefits we offer, click here - At Network rail you will have a clear development path with access to training and additional qualifications. You can enjoy a range of employee benefits, such as up to 28 days annual leave, 75% of Leisure Travel and Season Ticket for travel, a range of pension options, flexible and agile working arrangements, healthcare, discounts on shopping, gym memberships and much more.
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. Click here to learn more.
We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments click here. 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
Join Network Rail's Eastern Routes Capital Programmes (ERCP) finance team and help shape the future of rail infrastructure across the Eastern Region. As a Finance Business Partner, you'll play a critical role in supporting the financial delivery of a portfolio worth approximately £1 billion, spanning major programmes like the East Coast Digital Programme to renewals and minor enhancements such as embankment works.
This role focuses on Operational Expenditure (OPEX) reporting within the capital function, managing an annual budget of around £60 million. You'll work closely with both delivery and support functions across the ERCP portfolio, providing financial insight, challenge, and strategic support to ensure affordability and effective delivery.
The role predominantly business partners the Senior Finance Business Partners across delivery and relevant Cost Centre Managers with opportunities to support with Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) reporting.
About the role (External)
Key Accountabilities
1. Lead and provide financial advice and guidance to senior budget holders in understanding the impact of the period results and forecasts against budges so they can understand their business better.
2. 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, relevant.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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
6. 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
7. 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.
8. Manage the performance of central accounting functions to deliver for the cost centre area to enable an efficiently and effective accounting service.
9. Collate, investigate and make recommendation for investment appraisals and business case analysis to aid business decisions.
10. Model and analyse cost base and identify and drive opportunities and efficiencies to achieve area targets.
Job Skills, Experience and Qualifications
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) or equivalent experience
* 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
* Understanding and experience of managing OPEX reporting in a project environment
* Extensive experience of Oracle based systems
* Degree or equivalent qualification in finance and accounting or business management or relevant experience
Please note: Applicants must provide proof of essential qualifications and/or competencies where required, or demonstrate active progress toward obtaining them, or evidence their applicable experience as a condition of employment
Don't meet every requirement?
Research suggests that individuals from underrepresented groups may be less likely to apply for a job if they don't meet all the listed criteria. We are building a diverse and inclusive place to work where people of all backgrounds can thrive. We encourage you to apply for this role. If this isn't the job for you, there may be other roles available in the wider team.
How to apply (External)
Salary: £43,588 to £51,719
Closing date: 22nd August, 2025 - Late applications will not be accepted.
Interviews to take place on 8th September 2025
Click apply now to apply.
This is a 6 month fixed term opportunity and has the potential to become permanent.
We are here to support you through every step of the recruitment process and to enable you to perform to the best of your ability. If you require any adjustments or modifications please contact Mark Holt at Mark.Holt@networkrail.co.uk. You can also visit Evenbreak's Career Hive for advice on accessibility support if you're unsure of the options available.
Network Rail Benefits - To find out about what benefits we offer, click here
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Click here for more information
***Some of our roles require face to face Drugs & Alcohol testing. Further details will be shared with you as part of your formal offer.**** #J-18808-Ljbffr