Head of Finance - Coach

National Express Group PLC; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the transport sector is seeking a Financial Controller to lead their UK Coach Finance team. This pivotal role includes oversight of financial accounting, management reporting, and compliance, contributing to a dynamic and inclusive work environment. The successful candidate will have a strong track record in finance leadership and a commitment to excellence.

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

• 5–7+ years post-qualification experience in finance.
• Proven experience leading and motivating finance teams.
• Strong understanding of UK and international financial reporting standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the UK Coach Finance team, developing a high-performing function.
• Own the month-end close process ensuring accurate results.
• Coordinate statutory reporting including statutory accounts and tax submissions.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA)

Tools

Financial systems and reporting tools

Job description

• Salary: £85,000 - £90,000 per annum, plus car allowance & bonus

About the Role

We’re looking for a dynamic and hands-on Financial Controller to lead the UK Coach Finance team. This role covers financial accounting, management reporting, and statutory compliance for our Coach business. You’ll be a key partner to FP&A, Transactional Finance, and Group Finance teams, driving best-in-class financial control and insight.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, support and develop the Coach Finance team, building a high-performing and efficient function
• Set clear objectives, hold regular one-to-ones, and build a strong succession and talent development plan
• Own the month-end close process, ensuring accurate, timely results in collaboration with FP&A
• Oversee the preparation and review of group reporting, flash reports, and insightful management accounts
• Coordinate statutory reporting including statutory accounts, tax submissions, and group disclosures
• Act as the main point of contact for internal and external auditors, managing deliverables and timelines
• Cash Flow & Balance Sheet
• Develop and manage balance sheet and indirect cash flow reporting and forecasting
• Lead the preparation of detailed 13-week cash forecasts in collaboration with Group Treasury
• Ensure robust reconciliations and balance sheet reviews, including deep dives where necessary
• Controls & Process Improvement
• Drive continuous improvement across finance processes, partnering with Group, FP&A, and Transactional Finance
• Ensure compliance with the internal control framework and contribute to the UK Finance Manual and accounting policy documentation

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) with 5–7+ years post-qualification experience
• Proven experience leading and motivating finance teams
• Strong understanding of UK and international financial reporting standards
• Confident managing stakeholders, including auditors, Group Finance, and senior leadership
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical and communication skills
• Proficient in financial systems and reporting tools

Why Join Us?

You’ll be part of a high-impact team in a business that values integrity, innovation, and collaboration. We offer a supportive work environment, opportunities to grow, and the chance to make a real difference across a vital part of our organisation.

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.

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.