Commercial Finance Manager

First Bus; City Of London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading bus operator in London is seeking a Commercial Financial Manager to drive financial performance through contract tendering and operational analysis. You'll partner with teams to develop competitive bids, monitor contract performance, and lead financial modelling and reporting. The ideal candidate is a qualified accountant with strong financial skills and proven leadership experience. Join us in shaping the success of London’s transport contracts.

Qualifications

• Experience in contract tendering, bids or project finance.
• Ability to turn data into actionable insight.
• Track record of developing people.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial modelling and analysis for contracts.
• Develop competitive bids with teams.
• Monitor contract performance for improvements.

Skills

Financial modelling

Advanced Excel skills

Commercial acumen

Communication

Leadership

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

Job description

Are you a commercially minded finance professional ready to make a real impact? Join one of London's leading bus operators and help shape the success of contracts that keep the capital moving.

We're looking for a Commercial Financial Manager to drive the financial and commercial performance of our business through contract tendering, bid support and operational analysis. This is a high-profile role where your expertise will directly influence our growth and success.

What you'll do:

• Lead financial modelling and analysis for Transport for London (TfL) and other contract tenders.
• Partner with Commercial and Operations teams to develop competitive, well-structured bids.
• Provide scenario planning, sensitivity analysis and risk assessments for strategic decisions.
• Monitor contract performance, identifying opportunities to improve profitability and operations.
• Prepare business cases and investment appraisals for fleet, depot and technology initiatives.
• Manage and develop a direct report, ensuring high standards and career growth.
• Drive continuous improvement in financial processes, reporting and decision-making.
• Support month-end delivery and succession planning across the finance team.
• Act as a trusted business partner, influencing commercial and operational decisions.

What we're looking for:

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Strong financial modelling and advanced Excel skills.
• Experience in contract tendering, bids or project finance (transport experience a plus).
• Commercially astute with the ability to turn complex data into actionable insight.
• Confident communicator able to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven leadership skills, with a track record of developing people.
• Resilient, detail-focused and able to thrive under pressure.

Vacancy Closes: 03/10/2025