At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning and analysis for a major public sector rail operator.
- Company: Join DFTO, the government’s public sector rail owning group.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of rail services in the UK.
- Qualifications: Must have relevant professional qualifications and substantial 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.
Major improvements are being delivered by DFTO train operators (TOCs) that are already under public ownership - these are LNER, Northern, TransPennine Express (TPE), Southeastern, South Western Railway (SWR), c2c, Greater Anglia and WM Trains. 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: The Head of Financial Planning & Analysis role involves all aspects of management accounting including periodic corporate and subsidiary reporting, annual budgetary and forecast processing, as well as the contribution to internal policies and procedures. This role involves liaison with operating companies, shareholders and overseeing the Annual Business planning and quarterly forecasting and periodic reporting. As the Head of FP&A, you will be at the forefront of the standardisation of accounting across the group, while liaising with the Group’s Train Operating Companies (TOCs) and any external advisors. You will also support operators on the financial aspects of the annual business plan, reviewing the individual operating company submissions, along with the wider financial planning team, which will business partner the individual operators.
Key Competencies:
- Experienced in working in a rail operating environment, with a sound knowledge and understanding of the industry.
- Experienced in dealing with senior stakeholders.
- Ability to work to tightly defined deadlines, whilst also being self-driven and having a desire to improve on 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 managing financial control and forward planning.
- 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 financial planning team.
- Manage financial strategy for operating companies for the in-year and next year annual budget.
- Manage in-year forecasting and budgeting response for the rail operator portfolio, identifying the movements and ongoing trends.
- Provide technical and professional oversight of the periodic accounts, relevant analysis and preparation of business plans and budgets to enable the businesses to make effective decisions.
- Review periodic reporting regularly to identify trends and communicate position to wider teams.
- Understand financial systems and use technology to improve reporting timelines.
- Influence, coach and challenge senior budget holders across a range of operating companies.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills at all levels.
- 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 relevant post graduate professional body (CIMA/ACCA/ICAEW).
- 5 years plus PQE.
- Substantial experience within multiple finance disciplines.
- Experience of 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 5 completed 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.
If you have any questions or reasonable adjustments, please contact jason.blakemore@dftoperator.co.uk. Please do not email any CVs to us, your application must be made by clicking the 'Apply' button.
Head of Financial Planning and Analysis in London 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.
