At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial management and support strategic planning for a £70m revenue company.
- Company: Join Scottish Citylink, part of ComfortDelGro, a global leader in passenger transport.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping financial strategies while working with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: ACCA/CIMA/ACA qualified with proven finance leadership experience required.
- Other info: Based in Glasgow, this role offers a chance to influence major business decisions.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
Scottish Citylink is a subsidiary of Singapore based ComfortDelGro; one of the world’s largest passenger land transport companies. We are looking for a Head of Finance to oversee all financial tasks for Scottish Citylink Coaches Limited (SCCL), which generates annual revenue in the order of £70m per annum running bus and coach services across England, Scotland and Wales. Offices are based in Glasgow.
Job summary
Leading a small team focusing on financial performance and management, providing support for the business for backward looking performance management and forward-looking budgets and strategic planning. Team management is likely to be relatively small, managing one or two others, with a dotted line to other parts of Finance within the parent company, for example Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable.
Main Responsibilities
- Business partnering, within with the MD and leadership team to focus on the three main parts of the business: Scottish Citylink, megabus and Falcon Coaches
- Working with the SCCL Managing Director to ensure robust forecasts in place
- Preparation of monthly and annual accounts for SCCL
- Preparing VAT returns and liaising with HMRC
- Ensuring accounting practices comply with regulations
- Annual budgeting, forecasting and long-term planning
- Ensuring revenue and costs are correctly received and accounted for, including working with Transport Scotland for concessionary scheme revenue
- Approval of budgets and expenditure
- Risk management
- Cashflow management
- Profit and loss analysis
- Develop financial processes and controls
- Ensure accounting activities comply with financial regulations
- Consult board members regarding financial management
- Recommend on cost reduction / revenue generation opportunities
Competencies & Skills
- Proven track record as Head of Finance or similar
- Hands on experience of budgeting and risk management
- Understanding of cashflow management, bank reconciliation and bookkeeping
- Excellent written and spoken English with the ability to communicate clearly and at all levels
- Excellent attention for detail
- Ability to work well under pressure
- Organised, proactive, methodical and results orientated
- Ability to manage own workload effectively and work to strict deadlines
- Able to build lasting relationships with internal and external stakeholders/suppliers
- Ability to influence and persuade key decision makers
- Strong analytical and decision making skills
- Experience of accounting software
- Strong management reporting and budgeting experience
- Team player committed to ensuring that the overall team and business objectives are met
- ACCA / CIMA / ACA qualified
Hours of work: 38 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Head of Finance employer: Scottish Citylink Coaches
Contact Detail:
Scottish Citylink Coaches Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the financial landscape of the transport industry, particularly in the UK. Understanding the specific challenges and opportunities within this sector will help you demonstrate your expertise during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the finance and transport sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the role and company culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with budgeting and forecasting in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed financial performance and contributed to strategic planning in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Scottish Citylink and its parent company, ComfortDelGro. Understanding their business model, recent developments, and financial performance will allow you to tailor your conversations and show genuine interest in the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in finance management, budgeting, and team leadership. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage financial performance and strategic planning.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, address how your skills align with the responsibilities of the Head of Finance role. Mention your experience with cashflow management, risk management, and your ability to work under pressure.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Clearly state your ACCA, CIMA, or ACA qualifications in your application. Highlight any additional certifications or training that may be relevant to the role.
Demonstrate Communication Skills: Since excellent written and spoken English is crucial for this position, ensure your application is free from errors and clearly communicates your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Citylink Coaches
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
As a Head of Finance, it's crucial to demonstrate your expertise in financial management. Be prepared to discuss your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and risk management. Use specific examples from your past roles to illustrate how you've successfully navigated financial challenges.
✨Understand the Business Model
Familiarise yourself with Scottish Citylink's operations and revenue streams. Understanding how the company generates income and manages costs will allow you to speak knowledgeably about potential improvements and strategies during the interview.
✨Emphasise Team Leadership Skills
Since you'll be managing a small team, highlight your leadership style and experience. Discuss how you've motivated teams in the past, managed performance, and fostered collaboration. This will show that you're not just a numbers person but also a people person.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Prepare for scenarios related to cash flow management, compliance issues, or budget overruns. Think through your approach to these situations and be ready to articulate your thought process.