Finance Business Partner – Reporting & Central Overheads in Birmingham

Want a finance role where your insight shapes the direction of a major UK transport business? We’re looking for a Finance Business Partner, on an initial 12 month FTC, who can turn complex numbers into clear stories, challenge the status quo, and bring sharp commercial thinking to the heart of our Bus division. If you thrive on partnering with senior leaders, influencing decisions, and driving cost discipline across a large, multi‑functional organisation, this is a role where your impact will be felt every day. You’ll own reporting and insight for our central functions including HR, IT, Finance and lead executive‑level reporting for the consolidated Bus P&L and capex. This is a high‑visibility, high‑trust role where accuracy, clarity and strategic thinking really matter.

What you’ll do:

• Produce monthly, quarterly and annual reporting that’s accurate, insightful and impossible to ignore.
• Lead KPI development and performance metrics for central overheads and capital projects.
• Present financial performance and key insights to senior leaders and executive stakeholders.
• Run the full executive reporting cycle - monthly packs, budgets, forecasts - ensuring everything lands on time and to a high standard.
• Support audit processes and coordinate the going‑concern review.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting and long‑range planning for central overhead functions.
• Build financial models that support strategic initiatives, investment decisions and business cases.
• Act as the go‑to finance partner for central function leaders, challenging spend and driving efficiency.
• Monitor overhead and capex spend, ensuring strong governance and compliance.
• Improve data quality, reporting processes and financial controls across the division.
• Provide matrix leadership to the FP&A team to ensure aligned, high‑quality delivery.
• Support the Finance Director and CFO on strategic and ad‑hoc projects.

What you’ll bring:

• A recognised accounting qualification (ACCA/ACA/CIMA) with 3+ years’ PQE.
• Experience in transport, manufacturing or similarly complex operational environments.
• Proven business partnering experience with senior stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills and confidence working with large, complex data sets.
• Exceptional communication skills and able to simplify the complex and influence at all levels.
• Advanced Excel capability and a disciplined, insight‑driven mindset.

What you get for bringing your expertise:

• Free bus and coach travel across the National Express network for you.
• Complimentary travel for your nominated person (or bus travel for your partner).
• Life assurance and a strong company pension.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme.
• A private online GP service for quick, stress‑free support.

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. If you need adjustments during the recruitment process, just let us know - we’re here to support you. A quick heads‑up: if we receive a high number of applications, we may close the advert early. If this role feels like your next move, now’s the time to apply. 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.