At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and control during a transformative period for our Bus business.
- Company: Join National Express, a leader in transport with a strong focus on health and safety.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, pension scheme, life assurance, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: This is a 9-month fixed term contract with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be a key player in driving financial transformation and operational stability.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with 5-7 years of experience in complex financial environments.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
At National Express, we are really proud of our health and safety record and as a result, we operate a Drugs and Alcohol Policy which is applicable to all employees. As part of your initial assessment, we will complete Drug and Alcohol testing and you may be subject to random tests during your employment.
Are you a strategic finance leader who thrives in times of change? National Express is on the hunt for an Interim Senior Finance Manager Bus to provide outstanding leadership and financial control during an exciting period of transformation. In this vital role, you will help steer our Bus business through a complex landscape of structural separation, system upgrades, and franchising transitions. You will be a key support to the Financial Controller, serve as a trusted business partner to senior stakeholders, and help lead the wider finance function to drive performance and ensure operational stability. Please note this is a 9 month fixed term contract.
What you will do
- Drive the Strategy: Define and execute the financial strategy for the Bus business while maintaining a robust business as usual control environment.
- Lead Financial Control: Direct the month end closing process, take accountability for balance sheet integrity, and ensure the strength of financial controls.
- Manage Cash Flow: Own the budget, forecast balance sheets, and ensure weekly 13 week cash flow forecasts submitted to Group Treasury are highly accurate.
- Optimize Systems: Lead the finance team in maximizing our reporting tools like Jedox and our core financial systems.
- Own the Accounting: Oversee statutory accounts, consolidations, fixed asset registers, and complex IFRS16 adjustments.
- Manage Audits & Tax: Lead external audit delivery, manage relationships with auditors, and compile crucial tax return data.
- Empower the Team: Direct and optimize our transactional processing teams across accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash, and banking.
What you will bring
- Professional Credentials: You are a fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) with advanced post qualification experience.
- Proven Experience: A minimum of 5 to 7 years of experience in a complex financial environment, ideally within a large or transitioning organization.
- Transformation Expertise: A track record of leading large scale financial transformations, system implementations, and change management projects.
- Technical Mastery: Deep knowledge of UK and international financial reporting standards (IFRS) and statutory compliance.
- Superb Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to translate complex data for non finance stakeholders and third party professionals.
- The Right Vibe: Advanced leadership capabilities, a strong work ethic, and a great sense of humor. Experience in a similar industry is a huge plus.
What you get for bringing the energy
- Free Travel: Free bus and coach travel across the National Express network for you.
- Travel for your Person: Complimentary travel for your nominated person or partner.
- Security: Access to our company pension scheme and life assurance.
- Wellbeing Support: Comprehensive support through our Employee Assistance Programme and a private online GP service.
Interim Senior Finance Manager in Birmingham employer: National Express Bus
At National Express, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work environment that champions health and safety while offering exceptional benefits like free travel across our network and comprehensive wellbeing support. As an Interim Senior Finance Manager, you'll not only lead financial transformations but also enjoy a culture that values employee growth and collaboration, making it an ideal place for strategic finance leaders looking to make a meaningful impact during a period of exciting change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Senior Finance Manager in Birmingham
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like National Express Bus.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like National Express Bus might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Senior Finance Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at National Express Bus will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at National Express Bus. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give National Express Bus confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Express Bus
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with National Express Bus.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure National Express Bus that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
