At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning and analysis for a major public sector rail organisation.
- Company: Join DFTO, the government’s public sector rail owning group with over 30,000 employees.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Hybrid working available, promoting a healthy work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of rail transport in the UK.
- Qualifications: Must have relevant postgraduate qualifications and 5+ years of finance experience.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 106400 £ per year.
About DFTO
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 30,000 employees, runs over 8,500 services a day and delivers over 640 million customer journeys across its networks every year. 7,000 people joined the railway family in the last year.
Primary Purpose of the Role
The Head of Financial Planning & Analysis role involves all aspects of management accounting, including periodic corporate and subsidiary reporting, annual budgetary and forecast processing, and contributing to internal policies and procedures. The role liaises with operating companies, shareholders, and oversees the annual business planning and quarterly forecasting and periodic reporting. As the Head of FP&A, you will standardise accounting across the group, liaise with the Group’s Train Operating Companies (TOCs) and external advisors, and support operators on the financial aspects of the annual business plan. You will review operating company submissions and work with the wider financial planning team to business‑partner the operators.
Key Competencies
- Experience working in a rail operating environment with a sound knowledge and understanding of the industry.
- Experience dealing with senior stakeholders.
- Ability to work to tightly defined deadlines, be self‑driven and desire to improve existing activities.
- Significant experience in managing ambiguity in a financial environment with strong evaluation and decision‑making skills.
- Relevant successful experience working in a complex financial environment, including demonstrable experience in financial control and forward planning.
- Ability to work with colleagues at all levels across multiple organisations, influencing and challenging senior budget holders.
- Proven ability to effectively lead, coach, mentor and motivate at all levels within the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the team of Group financial business partners and the financial planning team.
- Develop financial strategy for operating companies for the current and next year’s annual budget.
- Manage in‑year forecasting and budgeting responses for the rail operator portfolio, identifying movements and trends.
- Provide technical and professional oversight of periodic accounts, relevant analysis and preparation of business plans and budgets to enable effective decision‑making.
- Review periodic reporting regularly to identify trends and communicate positions to wider teams.
- Understand financial systems and use technology to improve reporting timelines.
- Influence, coach and challenge senior budget holders across operating companies, helping the Managing Director understand the impact of period results and forecasts against budgets.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills at all levels, including DFTO customers, third‑party representatives, other business and functional leaders, and key support personnel.
- Support financial decision‑making for the company and group.
- Contribute to wider process mapping within the organisation.
- Work as part of the wider Finance team.
Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Technical Qualifications
- Full membership of a relevant postgraduate professional body (CIMA/ACCA/ICAEW).
- 5+ years of post‑qualification experience (PQE).
- Substantial experience within multiple finance disciplines.
- Experience in a similar multi‑entity reporting environment.
Vacancy Details
- Duration: Permanent
- Location: London Waterloo, Hybrid
- Salary: up to £90,000 – £106,400
- Closing date: 24th July 2026
DFTO Benefits
- Annual Leave – Starting at 25 days and rising to an additional day per year of service completed within the first five years, up to a maximum of 30 days.
- DC Pension Scheme – 10% Employer contribution, 5% Employee contribution.
- Opportunities to learn and network across the wider industry.
Additional Information
Disclaimer: Candidates applying for this position on a secondment basis must inform their line manager prior to submitting their application. This ensures transparency and facilitates any necessary discussions regarding workload and responsibilities.
Recruitment
We are an inclusive employer of choice and welcome applications from everyone. We encourage flexible working arrangements and are committed to supporting a healthy work‑life balance.
Contact
If you have any questions or require reasonable adjustments, please contact jason.blakemore@dftoperator.co.uk.
Head of Financial Planning and Analysis employer: DfT Operator
The DfT Operator is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration in the rail sector. With a strong focus on employee growth, generous annual leave, and a robust pension scheme, team members are supported in achieving both personal and professional goals while contributing to the significant transition to Great British Railways. The hybrid working model allows for flexibility, making it an attractive opportunity for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in London.
