Finance Business Partner (6 month secondment / Fixed-Term Contract)

Network Rail; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 44,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Maternity/paternity/adoption leave

Flexible/hybrid working

Annual leave 28 days + statutory

Discounts at stations with NetworkRail

Defined benefit pension

75% off leisure train tickets

Interest-free travel loan

Volunteer leave

Job summary

Network Rail in Milton Keynes is seeking a Finance Business Partner within the Financial Planning, Performance & Analysis (FPP&A) team on a 6-month secondment with the potential to go permanent. You will partner with Route Services, support 2nd line assurance, financial reporting and budgeting in a dynamic, stakeholder-focused environment.

The role requires strong accounting knowledge, excellent Excel/data skills, and the ability to translate complex regulations into clear business language,

Qualifications

• Demonstrate strong understanding of business needs and relevant application of accounting standards.
• Membership (Or working towards a membership) of a relevant accounting body (CIMA/ACCA).
• Expert knowledge and experience of creating and maintaining accounts and annual budget.
• Significant experience within relevant finance disciplines.
• Strong excel skills and use of data manipulation.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to interpret technical accounting regulations into everyday language.
• Demonstrable effective influencing skills at a senior level.
• Significant understanding of financial control and risk.
• Excellent technical finance and accounting knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Support the Senior Finance Business Partners across a range of areas, including 2nd line assurance, financial reporting and internal efficiencies reporting.
• Assist in business planning and budget preparation for Route Services.
• Communicate financial information clearly to stakeholders and provide robust challenge where needed.

Skills

Accounting standards knowledge

CIMA/ACCA membership

Budgeting experience

Excel & data manipulation

Interpersonal & communication

Financial control & risk

Stakeholder management

Regulatory interpretation

Education

Degree in finance or accounting

Professional accounting qualification

Tools

Oracle

Job description

Who We Are

Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter

At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're not just part of a team - you're part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway.

Click here to learn more.

We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments click here. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process. You can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive for advice on accessibility support.

If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!

Some of our great benefits:

• We offer generous maternity, paternity, and adoption leave to support our employees during significant life moments
• Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered
• Generous annual leave up to 28 days plus statutory days (role dependant), with the option to buy/sell days
• Discounts at selected stations with your Network Rail pass
• Defined benefit pension scheme
• 75% off leisure train tickets for you and your dependents (subject to T&Cs)
• Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets
• Volunteer leave to make a positive impact

Plus more...

About the role

Duration:

6-month secondment with the potential to become permanent.

NB for internal applicants: Please note that secondments are subject to your line managers approval. Please discuss this opportunity with them prior to applying to avoid disappointment.

Location:

The Quadrant, Milton Keynes.

Band & Salary:

Band 4C, £43,588 - £53,167 per annum.

You will join the Financial Planning, Performance & Analysis (FPP&A) team, which has five key areas: performance reporting, financial reporting, 2nd line assurance, internal efficiencies reporting and leading the Route Services business planning process. The team works closely with both internal and external stakeholders, so strong business partnering and stakeholder management skills are essential. FPP&A acts as a critical friend to Route Services functions, providing constructive challenge and support to maintain a robust control environment and promote continuous improvement. The team's remit is varied and adaptable, covering business‑as‑usual activity as well as emerging priorities and topical issues. Flexibility, adaptability and a strong drive to remove blockers are therefore vital.

In this role, you will support the Senior Finance Business Partners across a range of areas, including 2nd line assurance, financial reporting, internal efficiencies reporting and business planning. The ideal individual will thrive on job variety, with success requiring the ability to manage multiple priorities, moving between tasks easily and quickly, proactive problem solving, and a real drive for improving things to deliver positive outcomes for Route Services.

Your experience and skills

Essential Criteria

• Demonstrate strong understanding of business needs and relevant application of accounting standards.
• Membership (Or working towards a membership) of a relevant accounting body (CIMA/ACCA).
• Expert knowledge and experience of creating and maintaining accounts and annual budget.
• Significant experience within relevant finance disciplines.
• Strong excel skills and use of data manipulation.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to interpret technical accounting regulations into everyday language.
• Demonstrable effective influencing skills at a senior level.
• Significant understanding of financial control and risk.
• Excellent technical finance and accounting knowledge.

Desirable

• Understanding of project management principles and experience of managing complex projects.
• Membership of a relevant accounting body.
• Extensive experience of Oracle based systems.
• Degree or equivalent qualification in finance and accounting or business management or experience.

Additional Information...

Contact:

If you have any questions or reasonable adjustments, please contact Resourcing Business Partner, Mark Powell - [e-mail]