About us
Porterbrook is the UK's leading rolling stock financier and asset management company. We've been at the heart of the rail network for over three decades with 4000 vehicles in our diverse portfolio of passenger and freight trains.
As a partner that adds value to the railway today and for the future, we've invested over £3.5bn in new rolling stock and we're actively looking to invest a further £1bn in the years ahead. Since 2020, this includes over £550 million in new trains, fleet upgrades, traction innovation and rail infrastructure.
Sustainability is embedded in our decision making, and we've been named the global sector leader in the annual GRESB sustainability assessment for the last four years.
Our teams are leading some of the most exciting innovations taking place in the railway today at our offices in Derby and London, and the Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre in Warwickshire. The 135-acre site is an invaluable asset for the railway to test and trial new traction technologies.
The Porterbrook group of companies is wholly owned by supportive long-term institutional investors, fully committed to the future of the UK rail sector.
Our values
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About the team
Our Finance team have responsibility for our accounts, purchase ledger, budgets and maintenance forecasts for our assets, to name a few.
About the role
A great opportunity for an exceptional Head of Financial Reporting, to join the Porterbrook team.
Role Purpose
* Ensure all financial reporting requirements are met for both internal and external stakeholders Maintain dialogue with external auditors
* Maintain taxation advisors and government bodies related to these processes (desirable)
* Manage the debt compliance processes.
* Assist the Finance Director with any department activities
* Manage the financial accounts team on a day-to-day basis
Key Responsibilities
Monthly and Quarterly Reporting
* Prepare Tax, Financial Reporting and Financing section of the FD report
* Prepare information for investor reporting at quarterly intervals and any adhoc requests
* Review all Tax, Financial Reporting and Financing information prepared by FA
* Review all short, medium and long term cashflow reporting to ensure maximised cash returns
Internal controls
* Periodically review the key finance processes and compare against the associated documentation
* Identify and implement improvements in the processes and key controls in a regular, but structured manner
* Liaise with the Head of Audit and Risk in the testing of key controls
* Review journal process on a monthly basis and ensure all documentation provided
Budgeting and Forecasting
* Responsible for production of the treasury and tax related items
* Assisting in the review of the budget update process, to ensure all inputs are correctly reflected
Year-end and interim financial statements and audit
* Responsible for the relationship with the external auditors
* Work with the auditors to ensure they complete their whole process in an efficient manner
* Responsible for all statutory financial statements, compliance certificates and significant accounting judgements
* Responsible for the preparation of all documents for the A&R committee
* Present documents at committee meetings
Taxation
* Manage the relationship with the taxation advisors
* Responsible for all indirect and direct tax workings
* Maintain ongoing dialogue with HMRC and ensure that we meet SAO requirements
Management
* Line management of the financial reporting team
Pension
* Assist the FD with the triennial valuation process for the defined benefit scheme
* Provide day to day assistance on DB and DC scheme to the HR team
Other duties
* Ad hoc tasks within the finance function as required
* Support and back up FD and HoF as and when required
* Assist HoF with any payroll related queries
Skills / Experience
General requirements are for a qualified accountant with at least three to five years' post qualification experience of either industry IFRS reporting or equivalent audit practice experience.
What you'll need to have
* ACCA or ACA, working towards FCA or FCCA
* ACT Treasury Management
* Thorough, up-to-date knowledge of accountancy principles and concepts, achievement of professional accountancy qualification
* Thorough knowledge of Oracle Financial System and its ledgers and functions
* Knowledge of Business Objects software
* Knowledge of Microsoft Office IT packages
* Knowledge of Railway Industry would be advantageous
It would be great if you also had
* Proven track record of quality financial reporting and control
* Experienced manager of teams and the ability to contribute to the larger team effort
* Ability to review processes and then identify and resolve problems
* Strong written, oral and graphical presentation skills
* The ability to interact, influence and obtain information both financial and non financial from all levels and functions within the business
A great place to work
People are the heart of Porterbrook. Our close knit team is diverse, supportive and flexible. We have a collaborative work ethic both within the company and with our customers and suppliers. In recognition of this we have been awarded:
* Investors in People Gold accreditation
* Investors in People 'We Invest in Wellbeing' Gold accreditation
* National Rail Awards 2023 Fleet Achievement of the Year
* National Rail Awards 2023 Safety Achievement of the Year
These accolades reflect the company's dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace where employees are empowered to thrive.
To learn more about why Porterbrook is a great place to work please visit our website and follow us on social media.
Our benefits
We are seeking the very best talent to join the team, and offer an excellent salary, along with bonus and benefits. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a great organisation with outstanding people and a road map for the future to grow and develop the business. Some of our benefits are listed below:
* 1.5x employer contributory pension scheme
* Financial wellbeing support
* Flexible working
* Enhanced family friendly policies
* Adoption & Shared Parental Leave benefits
* Enhanced Armed Forces policies
* Ongoing support with professional and personal development
* Long service awards
* Porterbrook Star awards
* Life assurance
* Healthcare cash plan
* 25 days' annual leave + Bank Holidays + option to buy and sell up to 5 days' additional leave
* Additional days annual leave for long service
* Season ticket loan
Should you be suitable for the role, the full benefits package will be discussed in more detail during your screening call.
Equal Opportunities
We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us on our journey.
Accessibility
We're committed to helping you perform at your best throughout the recruitment process. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please get in touch with us at recruitment@porterbrook.co.uk We'll be happy to discuss how we can assist.
To apply
Please follow the link at the top of this page to send your CV and a covering email with full details of why you would be a great addition to the Porterbrook team, along with details of your current salary and notice period.
This vacancy may close at any time once sufficient applications have been received. Early submission of your application is therefore encouraged.
What happens next?
Once your application has been reviewed, our recruitment team will be in contact.
Our interview process is typically two stages to ensure a thorough evaluation while providing a chance for you to showcase your skills and fit for our team. This approach allows us to engage in meaningful discussions, assess your qualifications more comprehensively, and ensure a mutual alignment with our company values. If you're ready to take the next step in your career, we look forward to meeting you!
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