Finance Planning and Analysis Manager [MM038]

Metroline; Manchester; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading transportation company seeks a Finance Planning and Analysis Manager to oversee budgeting and forecasting for its bus franchises in Manchester. This role requires a qualified accountant with significant experience in financial reporting within a complex organizational structure. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical abilities and proficiency with relevant IT systems like Oracle and Excel. The position offers a competitive salary and various employee benefits including free bus travel.

Benefits

Free bus travel for employee + 3

Free on-site parking

Pension scheme contributions

Benefits Hub access

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Free uniform

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with at least 5 years post-qualification experience.
• Experience in a matrix organization with finance and non-finance stakeholders.
• Strong Excel modeling skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead reforecasting and budgeting processes.
• Prepare monthly management accounts and analyze variances.
• Enhance reporting with financial and non-financial metrics.

Skills

Forecasting

Reporting

Stakeholder Management

Excel Modeling

Analytical Skills

Education

ACA/ACMA/ACCA Qualification

Tools

Oracle

SAP

MS Office Suite

Job description

Finance Planning and Analysis Manager [MM038]

Department: Manchester

Location: Manchester (M12 6JS)

About us

Metroline Manchester is a recently formed subsidiary of ComfortDelGro. In March 2024, we were awarded contracts to operate four franchises and join the Bee Network in Greater Manchester by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA). Metroline was established in 1989 and is the fourth largest bus operator in London, operating about 17 percent of the city’s scheduled bus services. It has been part of the larger private land transport company ComfortDelGro since 2000. With 6,000 colleagues across the UK, we help carry over one million customers daily. ComfortDelGro operates in 12 countries with a fleet of over 40,000 vehicles and more than 22,000 employees.

Job Summary

The Finance Planning and Analysis Manager will support the Financial & Commercial Director in forecasting and reporting the results of the Metroline Manchester bus franchises in Greater Manchester.

This role involves preparing monthly management accounts, analyzing variances to budget and forecast, and producing detailed depot packs for four operational units. The manager will lead the forecasting and budgeting process, adapting processes from London to suit Manchester operations, and develop a detailed bottom-up approach in collaboration with finance business partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead reforecasting and budgeting processes.
• Develop forecasting models for key areas such as driver costs, engineering headcount, and routine maintenance using a bottom-up methodology.
• Prepare group monthly management accounts and depot packs, analyzing variances.
• Enhance reporting to include financial and non-financial metrics, explaining operational variances.
• Drive continuous improvements in reporting and forecasting processes, standardizing where possible.

Benefits

• Free bus travel for employee + 3 (partner and 2 children or 3 children)
• Free on-site parking
• Pension scheme contributions
• Benefits Hub access
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Free uniform

Qualifications & Experience

• Qualified accountant (ACA/ACMA/ACCA) with at least 5 years post-qualification experience.
• Experience in forecasting and reporting within a matrix organization, working effectively with both finance and non-finance stakeholders.
• Proficiency with IT systems, including finance systems (e.g., Oracle, SAP), and MS Office suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook).
• Experience reporting under IFRS.
• Strong Excel modeling skills, capable of building or modifying complex business models.
• Oracle experience is desirable but not essential.

Hours of Work

Full-time, 38 hours per week, permanent contract. Flexibility required for hours/days worked, including weekends, based on operational needs.

Application Instructions

• Explain why you are interested in this role.
• Provide examples demonstrating how you meet the required skills.
• List relevant qualifications and experience.

We are committed to delivering safe, reliable, and sustainable transport to our communities.