At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial management and reporting for a major UK rail operation during its transition.
- Company: Join a high-profile team within Group Finance in Newcastle.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £75k, bonus, and hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact during a complex transition in the transport sector.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with strong financial reporting and management experience.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and regulated environment.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 75000 £ per year.
Location: Newcastle, hybrid working 4 days in the office, 1 day remote e/w
Salary: up to £75k + bonus and benefits
Duration: 2 year Fixed Term Contract
An opportunity has arisen for an experienced Financial Controller to lead the financial management and close out of one of the UK's largest train operating businesses as it transitions through the Government's renationalisation programme. This is a high profile role within Group Finance. You will take ownership of financial reporting, statutory accounts, and contract close out activity over a defined two year period. The role requires strong technical accounting expertise, confident stakeholder management, and the ability to lead through a complex transition.
Key Responsibilities of the Financial Controller:
- Lead the financial planning and execution of the business wind down following cessation of operations
- Develop and manage the financial close out plan, including final settlements, cost run off, provisions, and timelines
- Deliver financial scenario modelling relating to contract termination outcomes
- Act as the lead finance contact for Department for Transport financial reporting during the transition period
- Prepare and submit all required financial returns, reconciliations, and close out documentation
- Respond to financial reviews and queries with clear analysis and supporting evidence
- Lead the production of management accounts throughout the transition period
- Take ownership of the statutory accounts and all related disclosures
- Manage accounting judgements and estimates associated with cessation of operations
- Act as the main contact for external auditors and ensure an efficient audit process through to sign off
- Maintain strong financial controls and governance during the transition period
- Ensure full compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements
- Deliver robust balance sheet control and final ledger close
- Identify and manage financial risks linked to contract termination and operational wind down
- Partner with Group Finance teams across reporting, planning, and finance systems
- Collaborate with legal, HR, and operational teams supporting the transition
- Provide clear financial insight to senior stakeholders during a complex change programme
Fully qualified accountant, ACA, ACCA, or CIMA
Strong background in financial reporting and management accounting
Proven experience leading statutory accounts and external audit processes
Experience operating in a regulated environment such as rail, transport, utilities, or the public sector
Strong knowledge of financial controls, provisions, accruals, and contract accounting
Experience within the transport sector or direct exposure to government financial reporting is advantageous.
To be considered for this Financial Controller opportunity, you must APPLY NOW, making sure to attach your up-to-date CV.
*Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an initial telephone interview.
Finance Controller - Banking in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Morson Edge
Contact Detail:
Morson Edge Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Controller - Banking in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the finance sector! Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help land that dream job.
✨Ace the Informal Chat
Before any formal interviews, try to have informal chats with current or past employees of the company. This gives us insider knowledge about the culture and expectations, plus it shows your genuine interest in the role. It’s a great way to make a lasting impression!
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your financial expertise and how you've handled complex situations in the past. We want to see your problem-solving skills in action, so think of scenarios where you’ve led financial reporting or managed audits successfully.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, hit that apply button and let’s get started!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Controller - Banking in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in financial reporting and management accounting. We want to see how your skills align with the key responsibilities of the Financial Controller role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention your experience with statutory accounts and external audits, and how you can lead through complex transitions. Let us know what makes you tick!
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills: In this role, you'll be working with various stakeholders, so make sure to highlight your experience in managing relationships. We want to see examples of how you've effectively communicated financial insights to senior stakeholders in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Make sure to attach your up-to-date CV and any other relevant documents before hitting that submit button!
How to prepare for a job interview at Morson Edge
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your strong technical accounting expertise. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed financial reporting and statutory accounts in previous roles. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the numbers, but that you can lead financial management effectively.
✨Stakeholder Management Skills
This role requires confident stakeholder management, so think about examples from your past where you've successfully communicated complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders. Prepare to share these experiences during the interview to highlight your ability to provide clear financial insight.
✨Understand the Transition Process
Since this position involves leading through a complex transition, it’s crucial to understand the nuances of financial close-out plans and contract terminations. Familiarise yourself with the Government's renationalisation programme and be prepared to discuss how you would approach managing financial risks linked to operational wind down.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to financial controls, provisions, and accruals. Review relevant regulations and best practices in the transport sector or public sector finance. Being well-prepared will help you answer confidently and demonstrate your expertise in a regulated environment.