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- Tasks: Lead and manage the Finance Applications team, providing support and development.
- Company: Join First Rail, a leading rail operator and part of FirstGroup.
- Benefits: Full-time role with a focus on inclusivity and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Be a trusted advisor and make a real impact in finance applications.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership and problem-solving skills, with finance systems knowledge.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace that values all backgrounds and experiences.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
First Rail, part of FirstGroup, is one of the leading rail operators and the largest bus operator in the UK.
About the job
- Lead and manage the Finance Applications team.
- Provide finance application support and development to business units within FirstGroup.
- Act as a trusted technical advisor to senior business stakeholders.
- Manage suppliers to support delivery of Finance applications.
Responsibilities
- Recruit, develop and manage a team on an ongoing basis.
- Set performance objectives and support development plans.
- Manage workload through a helpdesk ticketing tool.
- Manage first-line response support desk in line with SLAs.
- Work on projects and programmes as SME.
- Work with suppliers and internal teams to manage system changes compliantly.
- Manage finance applications through product lifecycle, ensuring compliance with security and audit requirements.
- Support improved business practices through an effective governance framework.
- Support senior stakeholders in developing strategy and improvement plans.
- Implement governance framework to review issues and implement best practice solutions.
- Work with other IT teams to advise on changes and deliver improvements.
- Manage supplier delivery to SLAs and contracts, build relationships and review service regularly.
Qualifications
- Leadership.
- Robust problem‑solving and analytical skills.
- Team management experience.
- Self‑starter, results‑driven with high motivation and initiative.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Work independently and as part of a team.
- Finance systems and processes knowledge.
- Experience working in a busy Finance environment.
- Applications development and management.
- Experience in IT Applications, preferably SAP.
- Background in a Finance environment.
- Knowledge of peripheral applications (payroll, revenue, engineering, payments).
- Understanding of server and networking architecture (advantage).
- Appropriate IT qualifications and experience.
Seniority level Director
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Information Technology
Industries Rail Transportation
Equal Employment Opportunity
We all belong at First Rail. FirstGroup’s vision is to provide an inclusive environment for all colleagues, across its group of businesses, ensuring all candidates have an equal opportunity to access meaningful employment. We value our differences such as age, gender, LGBTQIA+, ethnicity, religion, and disability. We maintain a zero tolerance towards any form of prejudice towards our colleagues, customers, and future talent. We celebrate and encourage diversity of thought, progressive ways of working and seeing all our colleagues grow and thrive. We review all roles and job descriptions to ensure they are accessible and, where possible, we support and provide flexible working options; we recommend that you refer to each vacancy description for further details. If you require additional support to complete your application due to a disability or neurodivergent condition, for example, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or autism, please follow the links below. We encourage you to share any additional needs you may require so we can provide a fair and equal process for all who apply.
Head of Application Support - Finance employer: First Rail
Contact Detail:
First Rail Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Application Support - Finance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and IT sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching First Rail and its finance applications. Understand their challenges and think about how your skills can help. We want you to show that you’re not just a fit for the role, but that you’re genuinely excited about contributing to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! Since this role involves managing a team and addressing technical issues, be ready to discuss how you've tackled similar challenges in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨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 take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, get your application in and let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Application Support - Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Application Support role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant finance systems knowledge. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and how you've improved processes in previous roles. This helps us see the impact you can make.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm for the position!
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 ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at First Rail
✨Know Your Finance Applications
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of finance applications, especially SAP. Understand how they work and their role in supporting business units. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're ready to lead the team effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight your ability to set performance objectives and support development plans. This is crucial for a Head of Application Support role, so be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you motivate your team.
✨Understand the Governance Framework
Familiarise yourself with governance frameworks and compliance requirements related to finance applications. Be prepared to discuss how you would implement best practices and improve business processes. This shows that you can not only manage but also enhance the existing systems.
✨Build Relationships with Stakeholders
Think about how you would approach building relationships with senior stakeholders and suppliers. Prepare to discuss strategies for effective communication and collaboration. This is key to being a trusted technical advisor, so have some examples ready to illustrate your approach.