At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse financial performance and support budgeting and forecasting for a leading transport operator.
- Company: Join Go-Ahead Group, a top public transport operator connecting communities across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 25 days holiday, and a supportive employee assistance programme.
- Other info: Fully remote role with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Kickstart your finance career with hands-on experience and impactful projects in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Recent graduates or AAT school-leavers ready to grow in finance; Excel proficiency required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Go-Ahead Group is a leading international public transport operator providing bus and rail services across the UK and internationally. With strong roots in the North East of England, we play an important role in connecting communities and helping people travel safely and sustainably every day.
We are looking for a driven and ambitious individual at the early stage of their finance career to join the Group FP&A team at the Go‑Ahead Group. This role sits at the heart of Group Finance, providing critical support in analysing monthly performance, shaping the Group’s budgeting and forecasting cycles, and partnering with operating companies to deliver high‑quality financial insight.
- Support the Group FP&A team with preparation of the consolidated Board reporting pack, providing high‑quality analysis and insight across all operating companies.
- Perform variance analysis against budget, forecast, and prior year, clearly explaining key performance drivers to senior stakeholders.
- Review financial and operational KPIs, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities that impact Group performance.
- Conduct trend analysis to support forward‑looking insights and inform Group budgeting and forecasting.
- Assist in the coordination, consolidation, and review of budgets, forecasts, and long‑term plans submitted by operating companies, and support the preparation of the Group’s three‑year plan (a key financial benchmark for the organisation and a core component of the budget paper submitted to the Board).
- Provide analytical support and constructive challenge to OpCo finance teams to ensure robust, high‑quality financial submissions.
- Assist with ad‑hoc Group Finance projects, including investment appraisal, cost reviews, and performance deep‑dives.
- Build a strong understanding of the Group’s structure, operating model, and key financial drivers to support effective oversight and decision‑making.
A recent university graduate (relevant numerate / core subject degree) seeking their first role in finance and looking to build strong analytical and commercial foundations; A school‑leaver who has completed the AAT training, who is ready to take the next step in their finance career and broaden their exposure within a Group environment; A part‑qualified ACCA accountant with relevant finance or FP&A experience who is looking to develop within a larger team and complete their ACCA qualification.
Proficiency in excel.
Pay range and compensation package:
- ~24/7 Employee Assistance Programme for wellbeing, financial, and emotional support.
- ~Flexible working to balance your needs (reduced hours applications will be considered, however 4 days in the office is a requirement).
- ~25 days holiday, pension, life Assurance travel pass, buy and sell holiday up to 5 days, Discount platform.
Apply today and start a rewarding career with Go-Ahead Group - keeping our communities moving.
Financial Planning Analyst- FULLY REMOTE in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: The Go-Ahead Group
Go-Ahead Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a fully remote Financial Planning Analyst role that allows for flexibility and work-life balance. With a strong commitment to connecting communities sustainably, employees benefit from a supportive work culture, comprehensive training opportunities, and a range of perks including a generous holiday allowance and an Employee Assistance Programme. Join us to kickstart your finance career in a dynamic environment where your contributions directly impact our mission.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Planning Analyst- FULLY REMOTE in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the finance industry, especially those working at Go-Ahead Group. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company’s values and recent projects. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in how you can contribute to Go-Ahead Group’s mission of connecting communities.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your analytical skills! Brush up on your Excel proficiency and be ready to discuss how you can use data to drive financial insights. We want to see that you can think critically about numbers and trends.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Go-Ahead Group team.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Planning Analyst- FULLY REMOTE in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Financial Planning Analyst role. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description, especially your analytical abilities and any finance-related coursework or projects.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about finance and how you can contribute to the Go-Ahead Group. Be sure to mention specific aspects of the role that excite you.
Showcase Your Excel Skills:Since proficiency in Excel is a must-have for this role, make sure to mention any relevant experience you have with Excel in your application. If you've worked on financial models or data analysis, don’t forget to include that!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, so don’t hesitate to hit that 'apply' button!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Go-Ahead Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Planning Analyst, you'll be dealing with numbers all day. Brush up on your financial concepts and be ready to discuss key performance indicators (KPIs) and variance analysis. Familiarise yourself with common financial metrics and how they relate to the role.
✨Research the Company
Dive deep into Go-Ahead Group's operations and values. Understand their role in public transport and how they contribute to community connectivity. This knowledge will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the company.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your analytical skills and problem-solving abilities. Think of examples from your studies or previous experiences where you've had to analyse data or make decisions based on financial information. Be ready to explain your thought process clearly.
✨Showcase Your Excel Skills
Since proficiency in Excel is crucial for this role, be prepared to discuss your experience with it. If possible, mention specific functions or tools you've used, like pivot tables or VLOOKUP. You might even want to practice a few Excel tasks beforehand to boost your confidence.
