Regional Bus Finance Business Partner

Arriva UK Bus; Thurmaston; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading transport provider in the Midlands is seeking a Finance Business Partner for a 6-month fixed-term contract. The role involves strategic financial insight to support decision-making across the region. Applicants should be qualified accountants or QBE with strong analytical skills, and be capable of handling multiple priorities. The position includes regular travel across regions and offers valuable employee benefits, including free bus travel for family members.

Benefits

Employee benefits platform

Free Arriva bus travel for you and a family member

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant (or QBE) with experience in financial planning and analysis.
• Strong business acumen and commercial thinking.
• Highly analytical, detail-driven, and solution-oriented.

Responsibilities

• Partner with depot and regional leadership teams for financial insight.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Coach depot managers to improve financial understanding.

Skills

Financial planning

Financial analysis

Commercial acumen

Communication skills

Excel skills

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Qualified accountant (or QBE)

Tools

Excel

Financial modelling

Job description

Finance Business Partner (6-Month Fixed-Term Contract)

Location: Midlands Region (Hybrid, with regular travel to depots and regional offices)

Business Area: Arriva UK Bus | Finance

Are you a commercially minded finance professional who thrives on analysis, insight, and influencing change? We're looking for a hands-on Finance Business Partner to join our team on a 6-month fixed-term contract, supporting strategic decision-making across the Midlands region.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a sharp analytical eye, a problem-solving mindset, and a drive to challenge the status quo in a fast-paced operational environment.

The Purpose of the Role

You’ll act as the vital link between finance and the wider business, turning data into action and financial insight into performance. Whether it’s budgeting, forecasting, or supporting operational leaders to make confident decisions, your impact will be seen and felt across the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Partnering with depot and regional leadership teams to provide strategic financial insight and challenge
• Leading on budgeting, forecasting, latest views and weekly estimates
• Delivering variance analysis and ensuring accurate P&L allocation of revenue and costs
• Supporting and developing business cases alongside project sponsors
• Linking KPIs to financial performance, identifying trends and opportunities for improvement
• Supporting regional franchising activity with clear financial modelling and insight
• Coaching depot managers to improve financial understanding and efficiency
• Collaborating with shared services and wider finance to drive standardisation and best practice
  
  

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified accountant (or QBE) with experience in financial planning, analysis and control
• Strong business acumen and commercial thinking
• Confident communicator with excellent influencing skills at all levels
• Highly analytical, detail-driven and solution-oriented
• Comfortable working under pressure, managing multiple priorities and deadlines
• Strong Excel and financial modelling skills
• Proven track record of cross-functional collaboration and continuous improvement
  
  

Additional Info

• This is a 6-month fixed-term contract
• Regular travel across the Midlands region is required
  
  

Why Join Arriva?

• Work for one of the UK’s leading transport providers, impacting communities across the Midlands
• Join a supportive, fast-paced team where your insight drives real performance
• Access to employee benefits platform and free Arriva bus travel for you and a family member
  
  

Apply today and help shape the future of finance at the heart of public transport.

Arriva is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.