At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial reporting, ensuring accuracy and compliance while driving process improvements.
- Company: Join Railpen, a key player in managing £34 billion in assets for the rail industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 28 days annual leave, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of integrity and community with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial reporting and community welfare in a leadership role.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with experience in financial reporting and team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
A newly created exciting opportunity to join the Finance team as the Head of Finance Reporting for a period of 12 months (FTC) based in our Darlington office (hybrid working).
Who we are
Railpen is responsible for the safekeeping and investment of around £34 billion in assets and the administration of several pension schemes, including the Railways Pension Scheme, one of the UK's largest and longest established pension funds. Our heritage of looking after the pension needs of the rail industry and its employees gives us our name and our unique outlook on how we serve our members. Railpen takes a holistic view, focusing on how we serve members today and how we can positively impact the communities and the world they will retire into.
The Role
The Head of Finance Reporting is responsible for leading the financial reporting function, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant financial reports. This role plays a critical leadership position within the finance team, overseeing statutory and management reporting, regulatory compliance, and strategic financial analysis—while leveraging technology and automation to improve accuracy, efficiency, and insight.
The Person
The successful candidate will be a qualified Accountant with significant experience of financial reporting, team leadership and process improvement. An effective working knowledge of UK GAAP and regulatory standards is key for this role, alongside expertise in ERP and reporting tools such as Workday, SAP, Oracle or Power BI. We are looking for someone with excellent analytical, problem solving and communication skills, alongside the ability to influence across departments and communicate financial data to non-financial stakeholders.
Our values of integrity, community and alignment are the guiding principles that influence our behaviour. They help us make decisions and shape our relationships with others. They’re what we stand for. You will actively demonstrate our values, helping to create a safe environment, to place the needs of the community above oneself and, through a culture of 'fair challenge', align to the best interests of our members.
What we can offer you
Rewarding you
A competitive salary, 28 days annual leave, plus
Head of Finance Reporting in Darlington employer: Railpen
Railpen is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead the Finance Reporting function in a supportive and community-focused environment. With a commitment to employee growth, hybrid working options, and a culture rooted in integrity and collaboration, Railpen empowers its team members to make a meaningful impact on the lives of its members and the wider community. Join us in Darlington and be part of a forward-thinking organisation that values your contributions and prioritises your professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance Reporting in Darlington
✨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 Railpen. 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 Head of Finance Reporting in Darlington
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 Railpen.
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 Railpen'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 Railpen
✨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 Railpen.
✨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 Railpen 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 Railpen 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.
