Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance integration for incoming train operators and ensure smooth transitions.
- Company: Join DfT Operator Ltd, enhancing rail journeys across the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working and opportunities to network within the industry.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public transport while developing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: AAT qualified or part qualified ACCA, CIMA, ACA; strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 ÂŁ per year.
About DfT Operator Ltd (Department for Transport Operator - DFTO) is the public sector owning group behind eight key train operators: LNER, Northern, Southeast, TransPennine Express, South Western Railway, c2c, Greater Anglia and WM Trains. We’re here to make your rail journeys smoother, safer, and more reliable. Since taking on LNER in 2018, we've focused on delivering better train services, enhancing customer experiences, and boosting performance across the network.
- 8,500 services each weekday
- 640 million customer journeys across the networks every year
- 30,000 employees
- 7,000 people joined the railway family in the last year
We work closely with the DfT but operate independently with our own governance and leadership teams. Our priority is ensuring efficient, dependable rail services for everyone.
Primary Purpose of Job
This role will play a pivotal part for integrating incoming Train Operating Companies (TOCs) into the DFTO Group, whose purpose is to bring all currently privately‑owned train operators into public ownership. There are two arms to the role: mobilisation and post‑transfer, both working alongside the incoming TOCs. The role will focus on one arm, but is flexible to work where required.
Key Responsibilities
Support mobilisation requirements and be accountable for ensuring all documentation is completed and kept up to date. Manage other ad hoc projects and tasks as required.
Finance Mobilisation
- Be the Finance & Insurance workstream lead (POP) while working through a listed tracker and ensuring it is up to date, including preparing agendas for key finance meetings.
- Set up and provide assurance for banking arrangements with NatWest including the opening of bank accounts, cash collection, BACS, credit/purchase cards.
- Liaise with the incoming TOC and its third‑party merchant acquirers (e.g. fuel card providers, PayPal) to ensure relevant accounts, agreements, and processes are in place.
- Support all activities related to the transfer and set‑up of HMRC‑related registrations.
- Understand the TOC’s finance teams, processes and finance systems, recording and documenting information that helps identify gaps and implement plans to mitigate risk post‑transfer.
- Support the TOC post‑transfer to ensure a smooth handover is carried out with the post‑transfer support team.
- Assist in preparation for any reporting to DFTO Finance Board on the Programme.
Post Transfer
- Act as the primary point of contact for TOC finance teams post‑transfer, providing timely support and responding to questions.
- Build strong, trusted relationships with TOC senior stakeholders to foster a positive and collaborative transition experience.
- Provide financial and accounting guidance to ensure compliance with DFTO Group policies, internal controls, and current accounting standards.
- Support the TOC in understanding new centralised ways of working and adopting new processes across key areas such as inter‑company accounting, treasury and cash flow, management accounting, financial reporting, VAT compliance and returns.
- Become a subject‑matter expert in DFTO Group’s finance processes by studying and applying the DFTO Process Handbook and supporting the continual updating of processes as required.
- Assist in the design and delivery of training sessions for TOC finance teams in line with DFTO’s process documentation and operational requirements.
- Act as a key communication link between the TOCs, DFTO Business‑as‑Usual Finance teams, and any relevant external providers (e.g. auditors, systems consultants, insurance brokers).
- Understand finance systems and contribute to the set‑up of new processes as required for ease of reporting, while supporting TOC on process development where required.
Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Technical Qualifications
Essential
- AAT qualified or part qualified ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills at all levels, including staff, management, senior stakeholders, both with TOCs and internally.
- Experience within multiple finance disciplines.
- Extremely organised and pro‑active approach to following up with key tasks to work toward a deadline.
- Effective time and project management skills.
- Microsoft (suite) competent.
Desirable
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related discipline.
- Knowledge and technical expertise of Government accounting and relevant financial governance.
- Project Management Experience.
Vacancy Details
- Duration: 2 year Fixed Term contract/secondment
- Location: London Waterloo/Hybrid
- Salary: up to ÂŁ50,000
- Closing date: 19th March 2026
DFTO Benefits
- Annual Leave: Starting at 25 days and rising to an additional day per year of service completed within the first 5 years, up to a maximum of 5 additional (30 days).
- DC Pension Scheme: 10% Employer contribution, 5% Employee contribution.
- Opportunities to learn and network across the wider industry.
Contact
If you have any questions or reasonable adjustments, please contact jason.blakemore@dftoperator.co.uk.
Finance Manager employer: DfT Operator
Contact Detail:
DfT Operator Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the finance sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand what DFTO is all about and how they operate. Tailor your answers to show how your skills align with their mission of providing efficient rail services.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common finance manager questions. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our process. So, go ahead and hit that apply button!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description, especially in finance disciplines and stakeholder engagement.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past experiences that align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Organisational Skills: Since the role requires an organised and proactive approach, make sure to mention any relevant projects or tasks where you successfully managed deadlines and priorities.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it!
How to prepare for a job interview at DfT Operator
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. Familiarise yourself with the DFTO's financial governance and accounting standards to show you’re aligned with their practices.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Strong stakeholder engagement is crucial for this role. Prepare examples of how you've successfully built relationships in previous positions. Think about how you can foster collaboration with TOC senior stakeholders and be ready to share your strategies for effective communication.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
This position requires an extremely organised and proactive approach. Be prepared to discuss your time management techniques and how you prioritise tasks. Consider sharing specific instances where your organisational skills led to successful project outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Adaptability
The role involves working flexibly across different arms of the finance function. Highlight your experience in adapting to new processes or systems, especially in a dynamic environment. Share examples of how you've successfully navigated change and supported teams through transitions.