Financial Planning and Analysis Manager

JR United Kingdom; Manchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic team as a Financial Planning and Analysis Manager in Manchester, where you will play a crucial role in shaping financial strategies for a leading bus operator. This position offers the opportunity to lead budgeting processes, construct forecasting models, and produce insightful management accounts. You will collaborate closely with finance and operational teams to drive continuous improvement in reporting and forecasting. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, this role promises a rewarding career path in a supportive environment that values your contributions. If you are passionate about finance and eager to make an impact, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Free bus travel for yourself and 3 companions

Free on-site parking

Pension scheme contributions

Benefits Hub access

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Free uniform

Qualifications

• 5+ years PQE as a qualified accountant with strong Excel skills.
• Experience in forecasting and reporting within a matrix structure.

Responsibilities

• Lead reforecasting and budgeting processes for operational units.
• Produce monthly management accounts and variance reports.

Skills

Financial Forecasting

Variance Analysis

Budgeting

Stakeholder Management

Excel Modeling

Education

Qualified Accountant (ACA/ACMA/ACCA)

Tools

Oracle

SAP

MS Office

Job description

Financial Planning and Analysis Manager, Manchester

Client: Metroline Manchester

Location: Manchester, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Views: 5

Posted: 05.05.2025

Expiry Date: 19.06.2025

Job Description:

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 formed in 1989, is the fourth largest bus operator in London, running about 17 percent of the city’s scheduled bus services, and has been part of the largest private land transport company, ComfortDelGro, since 2000. We are 6,000 colleagues strong across the UK, helping carry over one million customers daily. ComfortDelGro operates in 12 countries with a fleet of over 40,000 vehicles and more than 22,000 colleagues.

Job Summary

The Finance Planning and Analysis Manager will assist the Financial & Commercial Director in forecasting and reporting the results of the Metroline Manchester bus franchises in Greater Manchester. Responsibilities include monthly management accounts, variance analysis, and detailed depot packs for four operational units. The role involves leading the forecasting and budgeting process, building on existing processes and tailoring them for Manchester, working closely with finance business partners to develop detailed bottom-up forecasts.

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead reforecasting and budgeting processes.
• Construct and operate forecasting models for key business components such as driver costs, engineering headcount, and routine maintenance using a bottom-up methodology.
• Produce group monthly management accounts and depot packs, summarizing variances to expected results.
• Develop company reporting including financial and non-financial metrics, explaining variances.
• Drive continuous improvement in reporting and forecasting processes by identifying opportunities for standardization and enhancement.

Benefits

• Free bus travel for yourself and 3 (companion + 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 and Experience

• Qualified accountant (ACA/ACMA/ACCA) with at least 5 years PQE
• Experience in forecasting and reporting within a matrix structure, comfortable working with finance and non-finance stakeholders
• Proficient in IT systems, especially finance systems (e.g., Oracle, SAP), and MS Office tools
• Experience reporting under IFRS
• Strong Excel skills with the ability to model complex business problems
• Experience with Oracle is desirable but not essential

Hours of Work

Full-time, 38 hours per week, with flexibility required for hours/days, including weekends, based on operational needs.

To apply

Please email a cover letter and CV to the Manchester Talent Acquisition Team. Your application should include:

• The reasons for your interest in the role;
• Examples demonstrating your skills;
• Relevant qualifications or experience.