Senior Finance Business Partner

Network Rail; Manchester; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

A major UK railway company is seeking a Senior Finance Business Partner for a 12-month fixed-term contract. The role involves providing financial insight, managing budget performance, and supporting senior leaders in decision-making. Ideal candidates will have strong financial acumen, experience in complex financial environments, and relevant accounting qualifications. The position is based in Manchester or other locations within the region.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Flexible working hours

Diverse and inclusive workplace

Qualifications

• Membership of a relevant accounting body (CIMA/ACCA/ICAEW) or equivalent experience.
• Experience in a complex financial environment.
• Strong technical Financial and Accounting knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Consolidating, reviewing and advising on financial results and forecasts.
• Leading the Financial Planning process for West Coast South Route.
• Coaching senior budget holders to manage results.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Budget management

Financial control

Analytical skills

Excellent communication

Education

Degree in accounting or finance

Tools

Oracle systems

Job description

About Network Rail

Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter

At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're not just part of a team - you're part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway.

We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process.

If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!

Brief Description

We're offering an exciting opportunity to join us as a Senior Finance Business Partner on a 12-month fixed-term contract.

In this role, you'll be an integral member of the Supported Business Senior Leadership Team, working at the heart of the business to proactively identify, plan, and meet financial needs that drive improved performance. You'll collaborate closely with the wider finance team and act as a trusted partner - providing insight, positively challenging senior leaders, budgets, and business activities to ensure the very best outcomes are delivered.

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact, shape key decisions, and contribute to the ongoing success of our business.

This role can be based in Manchester or anywhere within the West Coast South Route eg. London, Milton Keynes, Rugby, Stafford

About the role (External)

As Senior Finance Business Partner, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the leadership team by providing expert financial insight, challenge, and guidance. You'll ensure the business is financially and legally compliant, while proactively identifying risks, opportunities, and efficiencies to drive stronger performance and outcomes. Acting as a trusted partner, you'll help shape business plans, budgets, and investment decisions to enable effective, confident decision-making.

Key responsibilities

• Consolidating, reviewing, and advising on financial results, forecasts, and business plans.
• Leading the Financial Planning process for West Coast South Route.
• Providing professional recommendations on accounting standards and compliance.
• Coaching and challenging senior budget holders to manage results within limits.
• Identifying and reporting cost-saving initiatives, efficiencies, and new business opportunities.
• Leading key financial performance meetings, delivering clear analysis and professional advice.
• Driving delivery and continuous improvement of financial reporting, KPIs and highlighting risks, trends, and opportunities.

Job Skills, Experience and Qualifications

Essential

• Membership (or working towards membership) of a relevant accounting body (CIMA/ACCA/ICAEW) or equivalent experience
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills all levels. This should include Customers; 3 rd party representatives, other business & functional leaders and key support personnel.
• Successful relevant experience working in a complex financial environment including demonstrable experience in managing business risks, professional financial control and forward planning.
• Demonstrable record of budget management, governance and ability to understand and interpret commercial and financial landscapes (budgets, forecasts, actual status).
• Significant experience in managing ambiguity in a financial environment with strong evaluation and decision-making skills.
• Excellent technical Financial and Accounting knowledge and application of that knowledge in a complex and commercial environment.
• Educated to degree level in a relevant discipline, for example accounting and finance, business management or equivalent demonstrable experience in finance

Desirable

• Full membership of relevant post graduate professional body (CIMA/ACCA/ICAEW)
• Experience of Oracle based systems
• Substantial experience within multiple finance disciplines
• Knowledge and technical expertise of Government accounting and relevant financial governance
• Understanding of project management principles and experience of managing complex projects to successful conclusion.

How to apply (External)

Salary: £55,596 - £65,966 Band3C

Closing date: 10th December 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.

This is a 12 month FTC

Click apply now to apply.

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