Assistant Accountant

FirstGroup Internal; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK-based rail operator is seeking an Assistant Accountant for their Finance team in Newcastle upon Tyne. The successful candidate will support the Finance Manager with accounting and reporting activities, focusing on financial analysis and reporting. This role requires a proactive finance professional with an AAT qualification or part-qualified Accountant status, along with strong data analysis skills and experience in preparing management accounts.

Benefits

Defined Contribution Pension Scheme

Incentive Scheme/Bonus of up to 10%

Employee Assistance Programme

Free travel on Lumo services

Discounted Gym Membership

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Access to a digital GP 24/7

Qualifications

• Proactive and detail-driven finance professional required.
• Experience managing accounts and preparing reports essential.
• Ability to interpret financial data in a business context is crucial.

Responsibilities

• Support preparation of financial reports by cost centre.
• Assist with income statements and balance sheets.
• Manage and reconcile intercompany recharges.
• Recommend improvements to accounting processes.

Skills

AAT qualification or part-qualified Accountant (CIMA/ACCA)

Experience preparing and contributing to management accounts

Strong data analysis skills

Ability to build strong working relationships

Analysing and reconciling financial transactions

Strong analytical mindset and attention to detail

Knowledge of financial controls and reporting software

Commercial awareness

Education

AAT qualification or part-qualified Accountant

Tools

SAP S4

SAP BPC

Onestream

Job description

Who we are

First Rail Stirling is a brand-new enterprise and start-up rail operator that will run an exciting long-haul train service crossing the entire country. The service will run from London to Stirling, reuniting Stirling with a direct service to the West Coast of England during the day.

We are transforming the way people think about train travel, empowering our team from different backgrounds to make it a great experience for our customers. Together, we will revalue rail as a very special way to travel – relaxing, fast, efficient, and sustainable.

FirstRail Stirling, operating under Lumo is part of FirstGroup, the largest rail operator in the UK and second largest bus operator in the UK outside London. FirstGroup operates services throughout the UK and Ireland, with over 30,000 employees providing services that make travel smoother and life easier. FirstGroup works hard to reduce its impact on the environment, introducing cleaner and more environmentally responsible methods of transport.

About the role

We are looking for an Assistant Accountant to join our Finance team, supporting the Finance Manager with accounting and reporting for First Rail Stirling, while also providing support to East Coast Trains Limited. We have a permanent and fixed term contract available.

About You

We're seeking a proactive and detail-driven finance professional with the following:

• AAT qualification or part-qualified Accountant (CIMA/ACCA)
• Experience preparing and contributing to management accounts and financial reports
• Strong data analysis skills with the ability to present and communicate insights effectively
• A track record of building strong working relationships across different levels of an organisation
• Experience in analysing and reconciling financial transactions; preparing management accounts and financial statements
• Strong analytical mindset and attention to detail
• Good knowledge of financial controls, systems, and reporting software (e.g. SAP S4, SAP BPC, Onestream)
• Commercial awareness and the ability to interpret financial data in a business context

Key Accountabilities

In this role, you will:

• Support the preparation of financial reports by cost centre, including variance analysis against forecasts
• Assist with the preparation of income statements, balance sheets, cash forecasts, and other financial reporting for First Rail Stirling Ltd and East Coast Trains Limited
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of transactional elements within the P&L and balance sheet
• Manage and reconcile intercompany recharges (inbound and outbound) for First Rail Stirling, liaising with Group and TOCs
• Maintain the mapping of accounts in the general ledger (SAP) to the Group consolidation system (Onestream)
• Contribute to periodic reporting processes, performing ad-hoc reviews, reconciliations, and analysis, highlighting and resolving issues where necessary
• Recommend and support improvements to accounting processes and reporting practices

About the location

This role is based in Newcastle upon Tyne, and applicants must live within a 60-minute commute of the office

Working pattern

Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week

The Reward

• Defined Contribution Pension Scheme – We will pay in a minimum of 10% (5% employee contribution and 5% employer contribution) to a maximum total contribution of 20%.
• Incentive Scheme/Bonus of up to 10% of your annual salary
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Travel Offers – Free travel on Lumo services and travel offers for bus and rail tickets and Day Rover Rail tickets at a discounted price for friends and family (after 6 months of service).
• Shopping & Lifestyle Discounts
• Discounted Gym Membership
• Employee Share Plans (Save as you Earn and Buy as you Earn)
• NEXUS – Tyne and Wear Metro Discount
• Life Assurance Cover 4 x your annual salary
• Income Protection Scheme
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Access to a digital GP 24/7
• Tax Benefit Bike Scheme

We all belong at First Rail Stirling. FirstGroup's vision is to provide an inclusive environment for all colleagues, across its group of businesses, ensuring all candidates have an equal opportunity to access meaningful employment.

We value our differences such as age, gender, LGBTQIA+, ethnicity, religion, and disability. We maintain a zero tolerance towards any form of prejudice towards our colleagues, customers, and future talent.

We celebrate and encourage diversity of thought, progressive ways of working and seeing all our colleagues grow and thrive.

We review all roles and job descriptions to ensure they are accessible and, where possible, we support and provide flexible working options; we recommend that you refer to each vacancy description for further details.

If you require additional support to complete your application due to a disability or neurodivergent condition, for example, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or autism, please follow the links below. We encourage you to share any additional needs you may require so we can provide a fair and equal process for all who apply. The resources are provided for accessibility and inclusivity purposes.

https://exceptionalindividuals.com/neurodiversity/

https://www.healthassured.org/blog/neurodiversity