At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Treasury operations, manage payments, and ensure financial accuracy.
- Company: Join Railpen, a leader in pension fund management with a community-focused mission.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, private medical insurance, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities and a commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while building a long-term career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Attention to detail, organisational skills, and a proactive approach to process improvements.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
Finance Analyst Intro
A very exciting opportunity has arisen for a Finance Analyst to join our Finance Team on a permanent basis in our Darlington offices.
This role operates in a hybrid working environment.
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.
To learn more about Railpen including our values, culture and purpose, visit our Linked In Life page here.
The role
The Finance Analyst will support the Treasury pillar within Accounting Operations, assisting with daily payments, bank reconciliations, and transactional processes.
You’ll be responsible for inputs into the sub ledger and general ledger close process, working within a robust financial control’s framework.
A key part of the role is working closely with finance teams as well as the wider business to ensure accuracy, compliance, and efficiency.
You will also identify opportunities for improvement across the process systems under your control.
This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK.
- What you’ll be doing
- Supporting the Treasury pillar within Accounting Operations.
- Assisting with daily payments, bank reconciliations, and transactional finance processes.
- Inputting and maintaining accurate records within the sub ledger and supporting the general ledger close process.
- Working within a robust financial controls framework to ensure compliance and accuracy.
- Collaborating with Finance colleagues and stakeholders across the wider business.
- Supporting the efficient operation of accounting processes and controls.
- Identifying opportunities to improve processes and systems under your control.
- Working to clear daily deadlines while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
- What we’re looking for
- Essential: Ability to work towards clear daily deadlines in a structured, process-driven environment.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
- Ability to support financial controls and transactional finance activities.
- A proactive approach to identifying process improvements.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to take ownership of your work.
- A collaborative approach and willingness to work with colleagues across Finance and the wider business.
- Motivation to build a long-term career in finance.
- Desirable: Experience within treasury, accounts receivable, accounts payable, or accounting operations.
- Experience of sub ledger and general ledger processes.
- Previous experience working within a transactional finance environment.
- Recent graduate status or early-career finance experience.
- Experience of working within a financial controls framework.
Our values
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
- Competitive salary (depending on experience)
- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Generous annual bonus plan
- We provide membership of the Railways Pension Scheme, a Defined Benefit arrangement under which you get a pension for life and a lump sum when you retire, based on your length of service and pay
- 4x Life Assurance cover
- Colleague referral scheme
- Health & Wellbeing
- Private Medical Insurance
- Employee assistance programme
- Health cash plan
- Eye care vouchers
- Flu vaccination
- Lifestyle support
- Hybrid and flexible working along with very generous family leave including 12 months full pay maternity leave and 6 months full pay paternity leave
- Buy and sell holidays
- Give as you earn scheme
- Paid volunteering days
- Flexible half days leave
- Electric vehicle leasing
- Cycle to work scheme
- Inclusive and diverse environment
Railpen is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment, we value diversity and welcome people from all backgrounds and walks of life.
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Finance Analyst Accounting Operations employer: Railpen
Railpen is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a competitive salary, generous benefits including a robust pension scheme, and a commitment to flexible working arrangements, employees can thrive in their roles while contributing to the meaningful mission of safeguarding the financial futures of the rail industry. Located in Darlington, this role provides a unique opportunity to be part of a team that values integrity and community, ensuring a rewarding career path for finance professionals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Analyst Accounting Operations
✨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 Finance Analyst Accounting Operations
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.
