Finance Business Partner - Commercial (Coach)

National Express; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading transport company in Birmingham is seeking an experienced Finance Business Partner to support its Coach operations. The role involves providing financial insights, leading a finance team, and collaborating with stakeholders to enhance profitability. Ideal candidates will be qualified accountants with strong business partnering skills and a minimum of 3 years’ experience. A competitive salary and benefits package is offered, including free travel on the National Express network.

Benefits

Free Bus & Coach travel for yourself

Complimentary coach travel for a Nominated Person

Life Assurance

Company pension

Employee Assistance programme

Private online GP service

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years post-qualification experience (PQE) required.
• Experience in transport or manufacturing sectors preferred.
• Ability to interpret complex financial and non-financial data.

Responsibilities

• Analyze performance, pricing, and bids.
• Support new product launches and marketing campaigns.
• Lead production of P&L reports and financial metrics.
• Drive continuous improvement and enhance FP&A capabilities.

Skills

Commercial business partnering

Advanced analytical skills

Expert communication

Advanced Excel skills

Education

Qualified Accountant (ACCA/ACA/CIMA)

Tools

Financial modelling

Job description

Join us on the Journey...

Are you a qualified finance professional with a passion for driving commercial success? Do you thrive in dynamic environments where your insight shapes strategic decisions? Join our Finance Planning & Analysis (FP&A) team as a Finance Business Partner supporting our Coach operating entities, with a turnover of approximately £350m.

About the Role

As Finance Business Partner, you’ll be the key finance contact for our Coach business leadership, providing commercial financial expertise and supporting delivery of our strategic plans. You’ll lead and develop a small team of finance professionals, working closely with sales, marketing, pricing, and operations to challenge performance and uncover growth opportunities.

You’ll influence decision-making by delivering timely insights into financial performance, budgeting, forecasting, and longer-term planning, ensuring the business maximizes profitability and operational efficiency.

What You’ll Do:

• Partner with commercial teams to analyze performance, pricing, bids, tenders, and margin achievement
• Support strategic initiatives including new product launches, marketing campaigns, and business improvement projects
• Lead the production and accuracy of P&L reports, financial metrics, and Board reporting
• Drive continuous improvement of financial processes and leverage technology to enhance FP&A capabilities
• Manage, coach, and develop your finance team through regular 1:1s and performance reviews
• Collaborate with senior leadership to identify and mitigate financial risks and opportunities

What We’re Looking For:

• Qualified Accountant (ACCA/ACA/CIMA) with 3+ years PQE
• Experience in transport or manufacturing sectors preferred
• Strong commercial business partnering skills with senior stakeholders
• Advanced analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial and non-financial data
• Expert communicator with the ability to influence across all levels of the business
• Advanced Excel and financial modelling capabilities

Why Join Us?

You’ll be part of a forward-thinking, ambitious business where your financial insight makes a real impact. We offer a supportive environment focused on growth and continuous improvement, plus a competitive salary and benefits package.

Ready to drive performance and influence the future of our Coach business? Apply now and be a vital part of our success story.

What we offer in return for your hard work and commitment...

• Free Bus & Coach travel for yourself on the National Express network
• Complimentary coach travel for a Nominated Person or complimentary bus travel for a Spouse or Partner on the National Express network
• Life Assurance
• Company pension
• Employee Assistance programme
• Private online GP service

National Express is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that reflects the diverse communities we serve and we positively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

We are a Disability Confident Committed employer and should you require any adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process please let us know.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we receive a high volume of applications before the advertised closed date.

Things to Note...

At National Express, we are really proud of our health and safety record and as a result, we operate a Drugs and Alcohol Policy which is applicable to all employees.

As part of your initial assessment, we will complete Drug and Alcohol testing and you may be subject to random tests during your employment.