Senior Finance Transition Manager

DFT Operator; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 59,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A public sector rail organization based in Greater London is seeking a Senior Finance Manager to lead the financial integration of new train operators into the group. This 2-year fixed-term role requires a seasoned finance professional to manage financial processes and support transition efforts. The successful candidate will liaise with multiple stakeholders to ensure a seamless transfer and alignment with regulatory frameworks. Competitive salary and benefits including annual leave starting at 25 days and a strong pension scheme are offered.

Benefits

Annual leave starting at 25 days

10% employer pension contribution

Opportunities for networking

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a managerial finance role required.
• Ability to manage teams effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong understanding of compliance and regulatory frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mobilisation efforts for incoming train operating companies.
• Support team in transitioning financial processes post-transfer.
• Engage with stakeholders to ensure financial readiness for Day 1.
• Review and guide finance-related services and processes.

Skills

Accounting Software

Time Management

Accounts Administration

Analytical Skills

Leadership Skills

Communication

Relationship Management

Budgeting Skills

Accounts Reconciliation

Team Player Spirit

Team Player Spirit

Budgeting Skills

Accounts Payable

Education

Professional Finance Qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

DFTO is the government’s public sector rail owning group. Its purpose is to bring all currently privately‑owned train operators into public ownership in advance of the creation of Great British Railways in 2027 – and deliver improvements in the here and now by unifying and integrating train operations under common public ownership.

DFTO has over 24,000 employees, runs over 6,500 services a day and delivers over 450 million customer journeys across its networks every year, accounting for 28 % of total UK passenger journeys and 32 % of passenger miles.

Major improvements are being delivered by DFTO train operators (TOCs) already under public ownership – LNER, Northern TransPennine Express (TPE), Southern, South Western Railway (SWR), c2c and Greater Anglia.

Our vision is to unify and strengthen train operators under the DFTO banner. By working collaboratively we aim to become industry‑leading in safety, customer service, financial and operational performance.

Vacancy Details:
Duration: 2‑Year FTC
Location: Hybrid
Salary: up to £70,000
Closing date: 6th January 2026
Report to: Director of Business Planning

Benefits:
Annual Leave starting at 25 days, rising by one day per year of service within the first five years to a maximum of 30 days.
DC Pension Scheme: 10 % employer contribution, 5 % employee contribution.
Opportunities to learn and network across the wider industry.

Primary Purpose of Job: This role will play a pivotal part for incoming TOCs to the DFTO Group. There are two arms to the role: mobilisation of the new TOCs and post‑transfer support, working alongside the incoming TOCs.

Finance Mobilisation: Tasks include setting up the financial transactional and operational requirements for the incoming TOC, ensuring the transfer is efficient with critical tasks in place for Day 1. The role leads the TOC finance and insurance (POTP) workstream and supervises Finance Transition managers on POTP activities.

Post‑Transfer: A Parachute Team supports incoming TOCs after the transfer date. This senior finance role utilises knowledge and skillset to ensure finance leadership teams understand changes in ways of working when joining the DFTO Group. The role acts as deputy to the Director of Business Planning, leading transition activity.

Key Competencies

• Ability to liaise with senior internal and external stakeholders working toward a common goal
• Pro‑active approach and motivation to continually improve business processes
• Microsoft suite competence
• Exceptional communication skills (verbal and non‑verbal)
• Good knowledge of compliance with internal and external management and regulatory control
• Proven track record of driving process efficiencies

Key Responsibilities

Main responsibilities but not exclusive:

• Deputise for the Finance Development Director and Business Planning Director where needed.
• Provide senior leadership to the mobilisation programme (pre‑ and post‑transfer) as the main point of contact.
• Manage a junior transition manager/partner and support escalations.
• Manage ad‑hoc projects and tasks as required.
• Lead the finance & insurance workstream (POTP).
• Supervise Finance Transition managers.
• Implement creation, assurance and training of bank accounts and Bankline, suppliers, cash collection, Direct Debits, BAC systems, credit/purchase cards, treasury workshops, purchase orders.
• Engage with the TOC and its third‑party merchant acquirers (fuel cards, PayPal, etc.), ensuring relevant account processes are in place.
• Review contract matrix list for finance‑related services and IT software, providing guidance to the contract POTP/DFTO workstream.
• Ensure readiness of HMRC‑related areas (Corp Tax, PAYE, VAT).
• Cash‑flow forecasting to guarantee payments for Day 1/Week 1.
• Prepare and implement the delegate authority pack on Day 1, aligned with DOHL TOC governance.
• Map TOC finance team functions and systems, carry out gap analysis and implement risk mitigation plans.
• Engage with insurance brokers and claim handlers to secure insurance on Day 1 and smooth post‑Day transition.
• Support the TOC during Milestone 2, ensuring smooth handover, training and assurance with the other senior finance transition partner.
• Keep tracker progress and risk reports up to date.
• Prepare agenda for POTP TOC DFTO meetings.

Post‑Transfer (Programme Leadership):

• Manage a team providing guidance and knowledge throughout the programme.
• Provide professional recommendations and financial guidance on accounting processes in line with regulations and DFTO Group finance policies.
• Influence, coach and challenge senior stakeholders to adopt new centralised ways of working; serve as DFTO Group Finance Lead.
• Proactively challenge processes and finances, providing advice and initiatives to save costs and improve efficiency.
• Foster and lead relationships with senior stakeholders in the incoming TOCs.
• Lead post‑transfer programme, helping TOCs settle into DFTO Group ways of working.
• Assist in reporting to the DFTO Finance Board on the programme.

Additional Information

Internal Only – Contact: If you have any questions or require reasonable adjustments, please contact HM / Resourcer.

About our people and the recruitment process – we are an inclusive employer of choice and welcome applications from everyone! We encourage flexible working; if you wish to consider flexible working, let us know and we’ll do our best to support a healthy work‑life balance.

Disclaimer: Candidates applying for this position on a secondment basis must inform their line manager prior to submitting their application to ensure transparency and facilitate any necessary discussions regarding workload and responsibilities.

Required Experience

Manager

Key Skills

Accounting Software, Time Management, Accounts Administration, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Reconciliation, Administrative Skill, Leadership skills, Accounting & Finance, Accounts Management, Communication, Analysis Skills, Relationship Management, Team Player Spirit, Budgeting Skills, Accounts Payable

Employment Type: Full‑Time

Experience: [years] – [information not specified]

Vacancy: 1

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Senior Finance Manager • London, England, UK