At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive financial performance and support garage teams in achieving their goals.
- Company: Join National Express, a leader in transport with a focus on community.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, life assurance, and a solid pension scheme.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with a commitment to health and safety.
- Why this job: Shape local business decisions and make a real impact in operations.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with strong interpersonal and Excel skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Want to drive financial performance where it matters most? National Express is on the hunt for a Garage Finance Business Partner who loves getting out of the spreadsheets and into the heart of our operations. You will be the commercial expert for our West Midlands bus garages, providing the clear reporting, analysis, and insight needed to both support and challenge the business. This is your chance to move beyond standard month-end processing and truly shape local business decisions. If you are looking for a role that connects finance directly with day to day operations, this is it.
Location: Based at National Express House, with regular travel required to spend time at our various garages across the West Midlands.
What you’ll do:
- Partner with local management to help garage teams hit their commercial and financial objectives.
- Lead monthly performance reviews, clearly explaining monthly results, budget/forecast variances, and the key actions required to stay on track.
- Own the month-end narrative, producing garage P&Ls, variance analysis, route performance reports, and essential balance sheet adjustments (accruals/prepayments).
- Shape future planning by assisting with detailed modelling and analysis for annual budgets, quarterly forecasts, and rolling projections.
- Evaluate real-world changes, assessing the financial impact of route alterations, service revisions, and commercial pricing for new tendered services.
- Drive profitability, proactively identifying, analysing and recommending new initiatives for cost savings, operational efficiencies and revenue generation.
Professional Credentials:
You are a fully Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with strong academics to degree level.
Key Skills:
- Translator Skillset: Excellent interpersonal skills with the unique ability to make complex financial information clear and actionable for non-financial garage managers.
- Technical Excellence: Advanced Excel skills coupled with a sharp eye for detailed financial modelling and bridging key movements.
- An Innovative Mindset: A proactive, adaptable approach with passion for streamlining tools, refining processes, and diving into ad-hoc projects.
- Team Energy: Enthusiasm for working collaboratively in a busy operational finance environment.
- Safety Awareness: A proactive commitment to embedding safety-first principles across your workplace and operations.
Benefits:
- Free bus and coach travel across the National Express Bus and Coach network for you.
- Complimentary travel for a nominated person (or bus travel for your partner).
- Life assurance and a solid company pension scheme.
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme.
- A private online GP service for quick, stress-free health support.
We're building an inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve, and we actively welcome applications from everyone. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, just let us know. 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.
Garage Finance Business Partner in Birmingham employer: National Express Ltd
National Express is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and well-being, offering a dynamic work culture where finance meets operations. As a Garage Finance Business Partner, you will enjoy benefits such as free travel across our network, a solid pension scheme, and access to health support services, all while working collaboratively in a supportive environment that values safety and inclusivity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Garage Finance Business Partner in Birmingham
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like National Express Ltd. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Garage Finance Business Partner in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to National Express Ltd.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on National Express Ltd's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Express Ltd
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with National Express Ltd.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at National Express Ltd will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former National Express Ltd employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
