Finance Business Partner

First Bus; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

First Bus is seeking a Finance Business Partner to join their finance team in Scotland. This role involves providing financial insights, supporting decision-making, and mentoring staff. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills and be a qualified accountant. A hybrid work model is offered, along with various benefits focused on health and financial wellbeing.

Benefits

Simply Health & Smart Health

Discounted Train Travel

Free Bus Pass

Cycle to Work Scheme

25 Days' Holiday + Bank Holidays

Pension Scheme

Flexible Working

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant or equivalent experience required.
• Strong analytical skills with management accounting experience.

Responsibilities

• Partner with operational teams to provide financial insights.
• Prepare and analyze management accounts with variance analysis.
• Support budgeting and forecasting processes.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Attention to Detail

Education

Qualified Accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

SAP

Power BI

Job description

Drive Financial Excellence with First Bus

At First Bus, we are committed to delivering high-quality, sustainable transport solutions that connect communities across Scotland and beyond. Behind every successful journey, there is a dedicated team ensuring our business operates efficiently, and finance is at the heart of it.

We are looking for a Finance Business Partner to join our Finance team in Scotland, partnering closely with local site teams and central functions to provide insightful financial analysis and drive business performance. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, have a passion for data-driven decision-making, and enjoy working closely with operational teams, this is the role for you.

Role Overview

Whilst this role will oversee many responsibilities of a Management Accountant, the Finance Business Partner will serve and play an important role as a key business partner to local site teams and central functions, supporting financial planning, performance analysis, and process improvement. This position requires strong analytical capabilities, commercial awareness, and the ability to build effective relationships with key stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with operational, engineering, and commercial managers to provide financial insights and support decision-making.
• Attend site meetings, build strong working relationships with local teams, and contribute to strategic discussions.
• Lead and mentor the Regional Assistant Accountant, ensuring high-quality financial support across the region.
• Oversee the period-end process, ensuring timely and accurate reporting.
• Prepare and analyse management accounts, including variance analysis and commentary to highlight key performance drivers.
• Support budgeting and forecasting processes, ensuring operational teams are set challenging yet achievable targets.
• Work closely with the Data & Analytics team and central commercial teams to ensure consistency in data usage and business performance evaluation.
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial records in collaboration with the wider finance team.
• Provide costing support for internal business cases, bids, tenders, and external reporting as required.
  
  

Essential

Skills, Experience, and Qualifications

• Qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA) or equivalent experience (QBE considered).
• Strong analytical skills with experience in management accounting, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence decision-making.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage multiple priorities.
• Willingness and ability to travel on-site at least four days per month.
  
  

Desirable

• Experience with SAP and Power BI or similar financial and data analysis tools.
• Previous experience in the transport or infrastructure sector.
  
  

What First Bus Offers

• A dynamic and collaborative work environment within a major UK transport provider.
• Hybrid working arrangements with flexibility for remote work.
• Opportunities for career development and professional growth.
• Exposure to senior stakeholders and key decision-making processes.
  
  

Rewards & Benefits

• Your health is important to us which is why we offer Simply Health & Smart Health for you and your dependents at no cost to you! This offering includes cash back benefits across optical & dental as well as virtual GP appointments, mental health support and nutrition and fitness advise. Our EAP provision offers 24hr, 365 days a year mental health support
• We are also committed to your financial wellbeing, and we offer a platform with many discounts on high street brands and supermarkets etc
• Working at First you also receive discounted train travel for you and your family after 6 months service as well as a free bus pass
• Cycle to work scheme
• 25 days' holiday + bank holidays
• Pension scheme and chance to buy discounted First Group shares
• Enhanced maternity / paternity pay
• Flexible working
  
  

We put a big focus on physical and mental wellbeing at First Bus. We recognise that anyone can be affected by the stresses and strain of work, or life outside it. You'll find a range of health-promotion initiatives, and you will have 24/7 access to our confidential Employee Assistance Programme.

Please apply now. We look forward to receiving your application.

Public transport serves everyone, whatever their differences. At First Bus, we want to be an employer open to you, no matter what your differences are. We aspire to be an inclusive organisation because diverse backgrounds, thinking and experiences bring so many benefits to our customers, communities and people. We welcome applications from all.

Applicants are advised that background checks will be conducted as a standard part of our recruitment process.