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- Tasks: Collaborate with teams to enhance business performance through finance insights and analysis.
- Company: Join GB Railfreight, a leader in the rail industry focused on safety and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, supportive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Gain exposure to senior stakeholders and make impactful decisions in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified accountant with 2-3 years of post-qualification experience.
- Other info: This role can be based in Doncaster or Peterborough; applications from diverse backgrounds are encouraged.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 46000 £ per year.
Reporting to the Senior Commercial Finance Business Partner, the Commercial Finance Business Partner will collaborate with the Commercial Heads and the Account Management team. This role involves utilizing commercial finance knowledge and analytical skills to generate insights that enhance business performance.
This position offers exposure to senior stakeholders, budgeting, forecasting, bids & tenders, and performance analysis, supporting key business decisions. You will have one junior direct report and will jointly cover our Energy & Industrial and Construction, Waste & Major Project segments, including property revenue.
Candidates must be qualified Accountants with at least 2 years of post-qualification experience.
This role can be based in Doncaster or Peterborough. The salary range is £50,000 – £55,000.
Closing date: 4th August 2025.
Key Responsibilities
- Be the primary finance contact for the Commercial Heads, offering advice and building trusted partnerships.
- Coach the Commercial Heads and team on finance concepts to improve decision-making.
- Review monthly performance, highlighting trends, risks, and opportunities within your segment.
- Prepare Month End Accruals for income and expenditure.
- Coordinate with management accountants on cost allocation.
- Create monthly reporting packs, including KPIs, variance analysis, and commentary.
- Support budgeting, forecasting, and rolling forecasts.
- Assist with contract calculations, inflation, fuel escalators, and contractual increases.
- Contribute to Cost Model development for new business.
- Support Accounts Receivable and Payable with dispute resolution and credit control.
- Review underperforming contracts quarterly with leadership.
- Attend meetings with customers and suppliers, advising on efficiency and profitability improvements.
- Monitor claims impacting your segment, providing supporting evidence as needed.
Candidate Requirements
- Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) with 2-3+ years post-qualification experience.
- Experience in a similar role, with proven business partnering skills.
- Comfortable challenging senior leaders and influencing decisions.
- Background in management accounting, FP&A, or cost analysis.
- Experience with budgeting, forecasting, bids & tenders, or business case development.
- Proficiency in MS Office; experience with analytical platforms like Power BI (desirable).
- Knowledge of Microsoft Business Central (desirable).
- Rail industry experience (desirable).
Personal Profile
- Leadership and team management skills.
- Proactive, independent worker.
- Excellent prioritization and multitasking abilities.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to build relationships and influence at senior levels.
Our Values
Professionalism: Safety and security are fundamental to our high-achieving safety culture.
Support: We care for our people, encouraging mutual support.
Communication: Transparency is valued by colleagues and customers.
Trust and Empowerment: Openness and honesty foster trust and confidence.
Enjoyment: We promote a positive workplace environment.
At GB Railfreight, we value diversity and inclusion, aiming for a workforce that reflects society. We encourage applications from all backgrounds to foster innovation and representativeness.
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Commercial Finance Business Partner employer: GB Railfreight
Contact Detail:
GB Railfreight Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Finance Business Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. Understanding the specific tasks, such as preparing month-end accruals and creating monthly reporting packs, will help you demonstrate your relevant experience during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the commercial finance sector, especially those who have experience in business partnering roles. Engaging with them can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your analytical skills and become proficient in tools like Power BI. Being able to showcase your ability to generate insights from data will set you apart, especially since the role involves performance analysis and supporting key business decisions.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience in budgeting and forecasting, as well as any relevant projects you've worked on. Highlighting your ability to influence senior leaders and make data-driven decisions will resonate well with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Finance Business Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your qualifications as an accountant and your relevant experience in commercial finance. Emphasise your skills in budgeting, forecasting, and business partnering, as these are crucial for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, address how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the Commercial Finance Business Partner. Mention specific examples of how you've influenced senior leaders and improved decision-making in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your analytical skills and experience with tools like Power BI. If you have knowledge of Microsoft Business Central or rail industry experience, make sure to include that as well, as it will strengthen your application.
Showcase Leadership Abilities: Since the role involves managing a junior report, highlight any leadership or coaching experiences you have. Discuss how you've successfully built relationships and influenced decisions at senior levels in your previous positions.
How to prepare for a job interview at GB Railfreight
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of the responsibilities and expectations of the Commercial Finance Business Partner role. Familiarise yourself with key terms like budgeting, forecasting, and performance analysis, as well as the specific segments you'll be covering.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your analytical skills and how you've used them in previous roles. Bring examples of how you've generated insights that improved business performance, especially in relation to financial data and reporting.
✨Demonstrate Your Business Partnering Experience
Highlight your experience in collaborating with senior stakeholders and commercial heads. Share specific instances where you've influenced decisions or provided valuable financial advice that led to positive outcomes.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Have a list of insightful questions ready to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about the company's approach to financial strategy, how they measure success in this role, or what challenges the team is currently facing.
