Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the bid team with financial analysis and develop competitive tenders for bus franchises.
- Company: Join Metroline, a leader in transforming UK bus services through innovative franchising.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working options and opportunities for travel to exciting bidding locations.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving economic growth and improving public transport in the UK.
- Qualifications: Part-qualified ACCA, CIMA or equivalent; experience in accounts and finance systems is a plus.
- Other info: Ideal for self-motivated individuals who thrive under pressure and love data analysis.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Background
The UK government is determined to deliver better bus services, grow passenger numbers and kickstart economic growth, by supporting local authorities to take back control of their local bus services.
The UK Government is in the process of providing all Local Authorities (powers currently limited to Metro Regions) the powers to franchise bus services, as an alternative model for operating bus services, moving away from the existing deregulated model.
In a franchised bus scheme, the Local Authority determines the details of the service to be provided – where they run, when they run and the standards of services for example they will determine the route, timetable, fares and branding. Operators tender to run a Franchise and operate services under contract to the local authority.
Metroline successfully won four Franchises in the Greater Manchester region, the first region in the UK to introduce a Bus Franchising Scheme.The operation of the Franchises will commence on 5th January 2025.
Due to the increasing number of bus franchising opportunities arising in the UK and our ambitious growth targets, it has been decided to expand our bid team with the introduction of the position of Finance Business Partner who will help develop competitive tenders for new bus franchises in UK.
Location
ComfortDelGro House, Cricklewood, London, NW2 6JP with option of hybrid working
Whilst the Bid Team is centred in London, the role will require some travel and time spent in the locations of the bidding opportunities.
Job summary
- Support the bid team, by providing specialist assessment and analysis of physical and financial information relating to existing and proposed new Franchises.
- Provide first line financial support for workstream teams
- Work with the Head of Finance to deliver the requirements of the Financial Workstream in Bids
Main Responsibilities
Work with the Head of Finance – Bids & Tendering on the Finance workstreams within the Bids to deliver:
- Development and population of the Bid Model
- Population of client bid templates
- Completion of the Record of Assumptions
- Development of the KPI’s / Cost benchmarking
- Development of the Cap-Ex Plans
- Completion of the Balance Sheet
- Completion of the Working Capital
- Completion of the Funding Plan
- Development of the Risk and Opportunities matrix – using benchmarking and other information
- Develop a Performance model
- Prepare timely and accurate financial and commercial information.
- Provide insight and challenge in the development of a winning solution
- Work with other team members to ensure a joined up and methodical approach to the Bid.
- Contribute to the wider Bid (e.g cost modelling and reviewing)
Essential Criteria
- Part-qualified ACCA, CIMA or equivalent qualification or experience;
- Demonstrable experience of good all-around accounts experience including management accounts, analysis and balance sheet reconciliations;
- Skilled in the use of IT systems, specifically Finance Systems (e.g. Oracle, SAP etc) and also PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Sharepoint and Outlook;
- Knowledge of the UK bus market (desirable)
- Experience of working on bids / tenders (desirable)
Competencies & Skills
- Self-motivated, having determination and confidence
- Excellent problem-solving skills
- Solid data analysis, interpretation and evaluation abilities.
- Ability to work to deadlines, under pressure
- Ability to work on your own initiative and as part of a team
- Strong Data Analysis and Presentation Skills
- Good interpersonal and communication skills, including presentation and report writing skills
Finance Business Partner – Bids & Tenders employer: Metroline Ltd
Contact Detail:
Metroline Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner – Bids & Tenders
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the UK bus market and recent developments in bus franchising. Understanding the current landscape will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the transport and finance sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with people who can provide insights into the bidding process and potentially refer you to opportunities at StudySmarter.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your financial modeling skills, especially in relation to bids and tenders. Being able to showcase your ability to develop and analyze financial models will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with financial systems like Oracle or SAP. Highlighting your proficiency with these tools will demonstrate your readiness to contribute effectively to our bid team.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner – Bids & Tenders
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Finance Business Partner position. Understand the key responsibilities and essential criteria, especially the financial analysis and bid support aspects.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your experience with management accounts, financial modeling, and any previous work on bids or tenders. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills in these areas.
Showcase Technical Skills: Mention your proficiency in finance systems like Oracle or SAP, as well as your expertise in Excel and PowerPoint. Providing examples of how you've used these tools effectively can strengthen your application.
Tailor Your Application: Customize your cover letter to reflect your understanding of the UK bus market and the importance of franchising. Show your enthusiasm for contributing to the bid team's success and how your skills align with their goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Metroline Ltd
✨Understand the Bidding Process
Make sure you have a solid grasp of how the bidding process works, especially in the context of bus franchising. Familiarize yourself with the key components of a successful bid and be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to developing competitive tenders.
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
Prepare to demonstrate your financial analysis skills, particularly in relation to management accounts and balance sheet reconciliations. Be ready to provide examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed financial data or contributed to financial modeling.
✨Highlight Relevant Software Proficiency
Since the role requires proficiency in finance systems like Oracle or SAP, as well as Excel and PowerPoint, be prepared to discuss your experience with these tools. Consider bringing examples of reports or presentations you've created using these systems.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing complex financial concepts. Be prepared to answer questions about how you would present financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
