Finance Business Partner - Commercial (Coach)
Finance Business Partner - Commercial (Coach)

Finance Business Partner - Commercial (Coach)

Birmingham Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial insights and support strategic plans for our Coach business.
  • Company: Join National Express, a forward-thinking company with a £350m turnover.
  • Benefits: Enjoy free travel, life assurance, and a supportive work environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic role that drives commercial success.
  • Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with 3+ years PQE and strong analytical skills required.
  • Other info: We promote inclusivity and welcome applications from diverse backgrounds.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Are you a qualified finance professional with a passion for driving commercial success? Do you thrive in dynamic environments where your insight shapes strategic decisions? Join our Finance Planning & Analysis (FP&A) team as a Finance Business Partner supporting our Coach operating entities, with a turnover of approximately £350m.

About the Role

As Finance Business Partner, you’ll be the key finance contact for our Coach business leadership, providing commercial financial expertise and supporting delivery of our strategic plans. You’ll lead and develop a small team of finance professionals, working closely with sales, marketing, pricing, and operations to challenge performance and uncover growth opportunities.

You’ll influence decision-making by delivering timely insights into financial performance, budgeting, forecasting, and longer-term planning, ensuring the business maximizes profitability and operational efficiency.

What You’ll Do:

  • Partner with commercial teams to analyze performance, pricing, bids, tenders, and margin achievement
  • Support strategic initiatives including new product launches, marketing campaigns, and business improvement projects
  • Lead the production and accuracy of P&L reports, financial metrics, and Board reporting
  • Drive continuous improvement of financial processes and leverage technology to enhance FP&A capabilities
  • Manage, coach, and develop your finance team through regular 1:1s and performance reviews
  • Collaborate with senior leadership to identify and mitigate financial risks and opportunities

What We’re Looking For:

  • Qualified Accountant (ACCA/ACA/CIMA) with 3+ years PQE
  • Experience in transport or manufacturing sectors preferred
  • Strong commercial business partnering skills with senior stakeholders
  • Advanced analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial and non-financial data
  • Expert communicator with the ability to influence across all levels of the business
  • Advanced Excel and financial modelling capabilities

Why Join Us?

You’ll be part of a forward-thinking, ambitious business where your financial insight makes a real impact. We offer a supportive environment focused on growth and continuous improvement, plus a competitive salary and benefits package.

Ready to drive performance and influence the future of our Coach business? Apply now and be a vital part of our success story.

What we offer in return for your hard work and commitment…

  • Free Bus & Coach travel for yourself on the National Express network
  • Complimentary coach travel for a Nominated Person or complimentary bus travel for a Spouse or Partner on the National Express network
  • Life Assurance
  • Company pension
  • Employee Assistance programme
  • Private online GP service

National Express is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that reflects the diverse communities we serve and we positively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

We are a Disability Confident Committed employer and should you require any adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process please let us know.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we receive a high volume of applications before the advertised closed date.

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.

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Finance Business Partner - Commercial (Coach) employer: National Express Group PLC

At National Express, we pride ourselves on being a forward-thinking employer that values your financial expertise and insight. Our supportive work culture fosters growth and continuous improvement, offering competitive salaries and benefits such as free travel on our network and a comprehensive employee assistance programme. Join us in a dynamic environment where your contributions directly influence the success of our Coach business and enjoy ample opportunities for professional development.
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Contact Detail:

National Express Group PLC Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner - Commercial (Coach)

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the transport and manufacturing sectors, as this role prefers candidates with experience in these areas. Understanding industry-specific challenges and opportunities will help you engage more effectively during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Brush up on your advanced Excel and financial modelling skills. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency in these areas can set you apart from other candidates and show that you're ready to tackle the analytical demands of the role.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare examples of how you've successfully partnered with senior stakeholders in previous roles. Highlighting your ability to influence decision-making through financial insights will resonate well with the hiring team.

✨Tip Number 4

Research National Express's recent strategic initiatives and financial performance. Being knowledgeable about the company’s current position and future goals will allow you to tailor your discussions and show genuine interest in contributing to their success.

We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner - Commercial (Coach)

Qualified Accountant (ACCA/ACA/CIMA)
3+ years PQE
Strong commercial business partnering skills
Advanced analytical skills
Ability to interpret complex financial and non-financial data
Expert communication skills
Influencing skills across all levels of the business
Advanced Excel capabilities
Financial modelling expertise
Experience in transport or manufacturing sectors
Leadership and team development skills
Budgeting and forecasting experience
Strategic planning capabilities
Continuous improvement mindset

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your qualifications as a finance professional, particularly your experience in commercial business partnering and any relevant sectors like transport or manufacturing. Use specific examples to demonstrate your impact on financial performance.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for driving commercial success and how your insights can shape strategic decisions. Mention your experience with P&L reports, budgeting, and forecasting, and how these skills align with the role's requirements.

Showcase Analytical Skills: Emphasise your advanced analytical skills in both your CV and cover letter. Provide examples of how you've interpreted complex financial data to influence decision-making and drive improvements in previous roles.

Highlight Leadership Experience: If you have experience managing or coaching a team, make sure to highlight this. Discuss how you've developed finance professionals through regular feedback and performance reviews, as this is a key aspect of the role.

How to prepare for a job interview at National Express Group PLC

✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen

Be prepared to discuss specific examples where your financial insights have directly influenced commercial decisions. Highlight your experience in analysing performance and how it led to successful outcomes.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

As a Finance Business Partner, you'll be leading a team. Share your experiences in coaching and developing finance professionals, and how you've managed performance reviews to drive team success.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect questions on advanced Excel skills and financial modelling. Brush up on your technical knowledge and be ready to explain complex financial concepts clearly and concisely.

✨Understand the Business Context

Research National Express and its Coach operations thoroughly. Familiarise yourself with their strategic initiatives and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their goals and mitigate financial risks.

Finance Business Partner - Commercial (Coach)
National Express Group PLC
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  • Finance Business Partner - Commercial (Coach)

    Birmingham
    Full-Time
    43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-07-15

  • N

    National Express Group PLC

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