Financial Accountant

National Express Bus; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free bus travel

Travel pass for partner

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Private online GP service

Job summary

National Express Bus is seeking a detail oriented Financial Accountant to join our finance team in the Birmingham area. Reporting to the Financial Controller, you will maintain financial records, ensure statutory compliance and deliver accurate reporting across month ends, forecasts and audits.

The role requires a qualified accountant with UK IFRS knowledge, strong analytical skills and experience handling large data sets within complex finance environments.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with ACA, ACCA or CIMA credentials.
• 3+ years in a similar financial accounting role with large data sets.
• Solid understanding of UK and international financial reporting standards.
• Analytical thinking, problem solving and ability to present data clearly.
• Strong proficiency with accounting systems and data processes.

Responsibilities

• Deliver robust month end closing procedures and financial statements.
• Prepare weekly cash flow forecasts for Group Treasury and support budgets.
• Run monthly balance sheet reconciliations and manage fixed asset register (IFRS16).
• Prepare statutory accounts and support external audits with the team.
• Oversee transactional processing across AP, AR, cash and banking.
• Support tax data collection and maintain process documentation.

Skills

ACA/ACCA/CIMA

3+ years in financial accounting

UK IFRS knowledge

Analytical skills

Strong systems proficiency

Job description

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.

Are you a detail oriented finance pro who loves bringing order to complex numbers? National Express Bus is on the lookout for a Financial Accountant to join our dedicated finance team.

Reporting directly to the Financial Controller, you will play a vital role in maintaining our financial records, ensuring strict statutory compliance, and delivering accurate, reliable reporting. From month end procedures and cash flow forecasting to managing audit requirements and outsourced transactional teams, you will be right at the center of our finance team

What you will actually be doing

• Master the Close: Deliver robust month end closing procedures, prepare financial statements, and post closing balances with a sharp eye for accuracy.
• Manage Cash Flow & Group Submissions: Prepare weekly 13 week cash flow forecasts for Group Treasury alongside budget and forecast balance sheets.
• Reconciliation & Fixed Assets: Complete monthly balance sheet reconciliations and manage the fixed asset register, including IFRS16 adjustments and asset disposals.
• Statutory Accounts & Audit: Prepare statutory accounts and consolidations across Bus entities, delivering external audit requirements in tandem with the wider team.
• Transactional Oversight: Optimize and manage our transactional processing functions across AP, AR, cash, and banking.
• Tax & Process Documentation: Compile data for tax returns, maintain technical process notes, and spot continuous improvement opportunities.

What we need from you

• Professional Qualifications: Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA). Part qualified candidates actively pursuing completion within a reasonable timeframe will also be considered.
• Relevant Experience: At least 3 years in a similar financial accounting role, ideally with exposure to large data sets and complex finance environments.
• Technical & Standards Knowledge: Solid understanding of UK and international financial reporting standards.
• Analytical Skills: Excellent problem solving capabilities, strong systems proficiency, and the ability to simplify data into clear information.
• Great Mindset: Outstanding communication skills, a collaborative team player approach, and a good sense of humor. Industry experience or a background in finance change projects is a bonus!

The perks of joining us

• We look after our people with benefits that make a genuine difference:
• Free Travel: Free bus travel right across the National Express network for you.
• Travel for a Plus One: Complimentary travel pass for your partner.
• Peace of Mind: Solid company pension scheme and life assurance.
• Wellbeing Support: Access to our Employee Assistance Programme and a private online GP service.