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: Great opportunity for career development within a collaborative team.
- Why this job: Kickstart your finance career with hands-on experience and impactful projects in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Recent graduates or AAT qualified individuals ready to grow in finance.
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.
All suitably qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective criteria and without regard to the following (which is a non-exhaustive list): age, race, religion or belief, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, caregiving responsibilities or other characteristics in accordance with the relevant governing laws.
Apply today and start a rewarding career with Go-Ahead Group - keeping our communities moving.
Financial Planning and Analysis Analyst - 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 supportive work culture where new finance professionals can thrive. With flexible working arrangements, a comprehensive benefits package including 25 days of holiday and an Employee Assistance Programme, employees are empowered to balance their personal and professional lives while contributing to meaningful community connections through public transport services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Planning and Analysis Analyst - 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 help you land that FP&A Analyst role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your Excel skills and understanding financial concepts. We recommend practising common interview questions related to budgeting and forecasting so you can impress the hiring team with your knowledge.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills! During interviews, be ready to discuss how you've used data to make decisions or solve problems. This will demonstrate your fit for the role and your ability to provide high-quality financial insight.
✨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 genuinely interested in joining the Go-Ahead Group family.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Planning and Analysis Analyst - Remote in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Financial Planning and Analysis Analyst role. Highlight any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your analytical abilities and understanding of finance.
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 job description that excite you.
Showcase Your Excel Skills:Since proficiency in Excel is a must-have for this role, don’t forget to mention any relevant experience you have with data analysis, budgeting, or forecasting using Excel. If you’ve completed any projects or coursework that involved these skills, include them!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Go-Ahead Group!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Go-Ahead Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Planning and Analysis Analyst, you'll be dealing with numbers all day. Brush up on your financial concepts, variance analysis, and key performance indicators. Be ready to discuss how you would approach analysing monthly performance and what trends you might look for.
✨Research the Company
Get familiar with Go-Ahead Group's operations, especially their bus and rail services. Understanding their business model and recent developments will help you tailor your answers and show genuine interest in the role. Plus, it’ll give you a solid foundation for any questions they might throw your way.
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Think of specific instances where you've demonstrated analytical skills or tackled financial challenges. Whether it's a project from university or an AAT training experience, having concrete examples will help you illustrate your capabilities and how they align with the job requirements.
✨Excel Skills are Key
Since proficiency in Excel is a must-have for this role, make sure you're comfortable with functions, pivot tables, and data analysis tools. You might even want to prepare a few examples of how you've used Excel in past projects to showcase your skills during the interview.
