Commercial Finance Business Partner

GB Railfreight; Peterborough; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

GB Railfreight is seeking a Commercial Finance Business Partner to enhance business performance through financial insights. You will play a key role in budgeting, forecasting, and decision support, engaging with senior stakeholders and leading a junior team. The ideal candidate is a qualified accountant with several years of experience in finance roles, capable of building relationships and influencing decisions in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 2-3+ years post-qualification experience in a similar role.
• Comfortable challenging senior leaders and influencing decisions.
• Background in management accounting, FP&A, or cost analysis.

Responsibilities

• Be the primary finance contact for the Commercial Heads.
• Coach the team on finance concepts to improve decision-making.
• Prepare Month End Accruals for income and expenditure.

Skills

Business partnering

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Leadership

Education

Qualified Accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA)

Tools

MS Office

Power BI

Microsoft Business Central

Job description

Reporting to the Senior Commercial Finance Business Partner, the Commercial Finance Business Partner will collaborate with the Commercial Heads and the Account Management team. This role involves utilizing commercial finance knowledge and analytical skills to generate insights that enhance business performance.

This position offers exposure to senior stakeholders, budgeting, forecasting, bids & tenders, and performance analysis, supporting key business decisions. You will have one junior direct report and will jointly cover our Energy & Industrial and Construction, Waste & Major Project segments, including property revenue.

Candidates must be qualified Accountants with at least 2 years of post-qualification experience.

This role can be based in Doncaster or Peterborough. The salary range is £50,000 - £55,000.

Closing date: 4th August 2025.

Key Responsibilities

1. Be the primary finance contact for the Commercial Heads, offering advice and building trusted partnerships.
2. Coach the Commercial Heads and team on finance concepts to improve decision-making.
3. Review monthly performance, highlighting trends, risks, and opportunities within your segment.
4. Prepare Month End Accruals for income and expenditure.
5. Coordinate with management accountants on cost allocation.
6. Create monthly reporting packs, including KPIs, variance analysis, and commentary.
7. Support budgeting, forecasting, and rolling forecasts.
8. Assist with contract calculations, inflation, fuel escalators, and contractual increases.
9. Contribute to Cost Model development for new business.
10. Support Accounts Receivable and Payable with dispute resolution and credit control.
11. Review underperforming contracts quarterly with leadership.
12. Attend meetings with customers and suppliers, advising on efficiency and profitability improvements.
13. Monitor claims impacting your segment, providing supporting evidence as needed.

Candidate Requirements

• Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) with 2-3+ years post-qualification experience.
• Experience in a similar role, with proven business partnering skills.
• Comfortable challenging senior leaders and influencing decisions.
• Background in management accounting, FP&A, or cost analysis.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, bids & tenders, or business case development.
• Proficiency in MS Office; experience with analytical platforms like Power BI (desirable).
• Knowledge of Microsoft Business Central (desirable).
• Rail industry experience (desirable).

Personal Profile

• Leadership and team management skills.
• Proactive, independent worker.
• Excellent prioritization and multitasking abilities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to build relationships and influence at senior levels.

Our Values

Professionalism: Safety and security are fundamental to our high-achieving safety culture.

Support: We care for our people, encouraging mutual support.

Communication: Transparency is valued by colleagues and customers.

Trust and Empowerment: Openness and honesty foster trust and confidence.

Enjoyment: We promote a positive workplace environment.

At GB Railfreight, we value diversity and inclusion, aiming for a workforce that reflects society. We encourage applications from all backgrounds to foster innovation and representativeness.