At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive financial performance and provide actionable insights to enhance decision-making.
- Company: Join Southeastern, a leading train operator committed to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, free rail travel, and a final salary pension.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career growth and mentoring.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on customer experience while developing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in finance and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Are you looking for a career where you can make a real difference in people's day? We are seeking a Junior Finance Business Partner to join our team based from our Head Office in London Bridge (hybrid working). In this role, you will partner with key business areas to provide a high-quality insight-led financial analysis service that drives value, controls costs and supports informed decision-making.
Working with the Senior Leadership team in Customer Experience, you will translate data into clear, actionable insight on performance, risks and opportunities, while taking ownership of financial performance. You will support budgeting and forecasting, challenging plans and aligning them to strategy, whilst building strong relationships with finance and non-finance stakeholders. You will also provide practical financial guidance and drive improvements in reporting, systems and processes through data, automation and new technologies.
What you'll do:
- Own financial performance for designated areas, delivering clear analysis of results, forecasts and plans.
- Translate financial data into actionable insight, highlighting risks, opportunities and recommendations.
- Support stakeholders in understanding performance drivers to enable better decision-making.
- Contribute to budgeting, forecasting and medium-term planning, including scenario and sensitivity analysis.
- Constructively challenge assumptions to ensure robust and realistic financial plans.
- Partner with operational teams to track KPIs and drive performance accountability.
- Support business cases, investment appraisals and cost optimisation initiatives.
- Improve reporting through automation, standardisation and simplification.
- Develop insight-led dashboards using data visualisation tools (e.g. Power BI).
- Leverage data, analytics and emerging technologies to enhance forecasting and insight.
- Act as a key link between FP&A, Financial Accounting and operational teams.
- Build strong stakeholder relationships, influencing decisions with data-led insight.
- Provide informal support and mentoring to developing finance professionals where appropriate.
The experience you'll need:
- A Finance Pro: You hold a degree and are qualified or near qualified in a recognised accountancy qualification (CIMA/ACCA or equivalent).
- You have strong commerciality and demonstrate a solid understanding of how financial performance drives business outcomes.
- Planning & forecasting is your thing: You have experience leading or supporting budgeting and forecasting at a directorate level.
- You are able to influence: You have excellent presentation skills and can communicate complex financial information to a range of stakeholders, including non-finance.
- You know the systems we use: You are confident working with finance systems; experience with Oracle and IBM TM1 is a bonus.
- Industry awareness: You understand track and train environments with an appreciation of its commercial and operational environment (desirable).
This vacancy may close early if we receive a large number of applications. So, make sure you get yours in early. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references, a right to work verification, a basic criminal record check, and a pre-employment medical assessment. Work visa sponsorship isn't available for this role.
What you'll get in return:
- A final salary pension.
- 25 days annual leave allowance (plus bank holidays).
- Free rail travel across our networks.
A bit about Southeastern: We're one of Britain's busiest train operators, serving London, Kent and parts of East Sussex. We run over 1,700 trains a day, carrying more than 500,000 passengers and serving 180 stations. However, working on our railway is more than getting passengers from A to B. It's about all the little moments that make a difference to their journey.
Junior Finance Business Partner - Customer Experience employer: SE Trains Ltd
Southeastern is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London Bridge with hybrid working options. Employees benefit from a supportive culture that prioritises inclusivity and professional growth, alongside a comprehensive rewards package including a final salary pension, generous annual leave, and free rail travel across our networks. Join us to make a meaningful impact on customer experiences while developing your career in a company that values every contribution.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Finance Business Partner - Customer Experience
✨Get Involved with Campus Finance Societies
Join your university's finance or investment society — they're a goldmine for networking, guest lectures, and career fairs. These societies often host employers looking for entry-level talent like you, so get involved and make yourself known!
✨Attend Industry Workshops and Webinars
Look for workshops and webinars focused on banking and financial services. These events not only boost your knowledge but also let you connect with industry professionals who could help you land that entry-level role at places like SE Trains Ltd.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Informational Interviews
Take advantage of LinkedIn to reach out to professionals working in banking, especially those who've started in entry-level positions. Politely ask for a quick chat about their experience and any advice they might have on breaking into the field.
✨Apply Directly through Company Websites
Don't just rely on job boards. Head directly to SE Trains Ltd's careers page and look for their entry-level openings. They might have opportunities that aren’t advertised widely, so keep checking back for new listings!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Finance Business Partner - Customer Experience
Some tips for your application 🫡
Splash Your Skills on Your CV:In the banking and financial services realm, it's all about numbers and analysis. Make sure to highlight any relevant coursework, internships, or projects where you've used skills like financial modelling, data analysis, or risk assessment. Show us you can crunch those numbers!
Educational Achievements Matter:For an entry-level role, your grades and academic accomplishments are key. If you have any certifications, like CFA Level 1 or something similar, don’t forget to include them. We love seeing ambition and commitment to the industry, so flaunt those achievements!
Craft a Personal Touch in Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to show us your enthusiasm for banking and finance! Share why you're passionate about the industry and how your studies or previous experiences have prepared you for this role. We want to see that spark and motivation!
Use the Right Format and Language:In banking, clarity is king. Use a clean, professional format for your CV and cover letter. Make sure to avoid jargon, but don’t shy away from technical terms where appropriate – just keep it all clear and easy to read. Let’s see your professionalism shine through!
How to prepare for a job interview at SE Trains Ltd
✨Brush Up on Your Financial Knowledge
Since you're diving into the banking and financial services industry, make sure you're up to speed with current market trends and financial concepts. Be prepared to discuss things like interest rates and investment strategies, as you might get some technical questions that gauge your understanding.
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Analytical skills are key in banking, so be ready to showcase how you've used them in your studies or any relevant projects. Prepare to tackle case studies or hypothetical financial scenarios during the interview that require you to analyse data and make informed decisions.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
As this is an entry-level role, they’ll likely look for how well you can collaborate and fit into their team. Think of examples from group projects or internships where you successfully worked with others. It'll help show that you're keen to learn and grow in a team-oriented environment.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Approach your interview with curiosity! Prepare insightful questions that reflect your knowledge of the industry, such as asking about the latest technology being implemented in their services. It shows you're genuinely interested in the company's operations and future.