At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial insights and support strategic plans for our Coach business.
- Company: Join National Express, a leader in transport with a strong safety record.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, life assurance, pension, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic team focused on growth and improvement.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with 3+ years experience and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: We promote inclusivity and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
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.
Are you a qualified finance professional with a passion for driving commercial success? Do you thrive in dynamic environments where your insight shapes strategic decisions? Join our Finance Planning & Analysis (FP&A) team as a Finance Business Partner supporting our Coach operating entities, with a turnover of approximately £350m.
About the Role
As Finance Business Partner, you'll be the key finance contact for our Coach business leadership, providing commercial financial expertise and supporting delivery of our strategic plans. You'll lead and develop a small team of finance professionals, working closely with sales, marketing, pricing, and operations to challenge performance and uncover growth opportunities. You'll influence decision-making by delivering timely insights into financial performance, budgeting, forecasting, and longer-term planning, ensuring the business maximizes profitability and operational efficiency.
What You'll Do:
- Partner with commercial teams to analyze performance, pricing, bids, tenders, and margin achievement
- Support strategic initiatives including new product launches, marketing campaigns, and business improvement projects
- Lead the production and accuracy of P&L reports, financial metrics, and Board reporting
- Drive continuous improvement of financial processes and leverage technology to enhance FP&A capabilities
- Manage, coach, and develop your finance team through regular 1:1s and performance reviews
- Collaborate with senior leadership to identify and mitigate financial risks and opportunities
What We're Looking For:
- Qualified Accountant (ACCA/ACA/CIMA) with 3+ years PQE
- Experience in transport or manufacturing sectors preferred
- Strong commercial business partnering skills with senior stakeholders
- Advanced analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial and non-financial data
- Expert communicator with the ability to influence across all levels of the business
- Advanced Excel and financial modelling capabilities
Why Join Us?
You'll be part of a forward-thinking, ambitious business where your financial insight makes a real impact. We offer a supportive environment focused on growth and continuous improvement, plus a competitive salary and benefits package.
Ready to drive performance and influence the future of our Coach business? Apply now and be a vital part of our success story.
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.
Finance Business Partner - Commercial (Coach) employer: Maitland Selwyn
Contact Detail:
Maitland Selwyn Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner - Commercial (Coach)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the transport and manufacturing sectors, as experience in these areas is preferred. Understanding industry-specific challenges and opportunities will help you speak confidently about how your skills can drive commercial success.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in finance and commercial roles within the transport sector. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the company culture at National Express.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your advanced Excel and financial modelling skills. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency in these areas during interviews will set you apart, especially when discussing P&L reports and financial metrics.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading and developing finance teams. Highlight specific examples of how you've managed performance reviews and coaching sessions, as this aligns closely with the responsibilities of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner - Commercial (Coach)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your qualifications as a finance professional, particularly your experience in commercial business partnering and any relevant sectors like transport or manufacturing. Use specific examples to demonstrate your impact on financial performance.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for driving commercial success and how your insights can shape strategic decisions. Mention your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and leading finance teams, and how these skills align with the role at National Express.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your advanced analytical skills and proficiency in Excel and financial modelling. Provide examples of how you've used these skills to influence decision-making and improve financial processes in previous roles.
Showcase Your Communication Abilities: Since the role requires influencing senior stakeholders, include examples of your communication skills in your application. Describe situations where you successfully collaborated with leadership to identify financial risks and opportunities.
How to prepare for a job interview at Maitland Selwyn
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Finance Business Partner. Familiarise yourself with how this role supports commercial teams and drives strategic initiatives, as well as the importance of financial insights in decision-making.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss your advanced analytical skills and how you've used them in previous roles. Be ready to provide examples of how you've interpreted complex financial data to influence business decisions.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Since you'll be leading a small team, highlight your experience in managing and developing finance professionals. Discuss your approach to coaching and performance reviews, and how you've fostered a collaborative environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about past experiences where you've identified financial risks or opportunities and how you addressed them to drive growth.