Merseyrail
Finance Business Partner (Maternity Cover)
Job Description
Description
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Merseyrail Finance Department as a Temporary Finance Business Partner for minimum 12 months to cover Maternity leave.
The purpose of the job is to provide a comprehensive finance service by leading and coordinating the business stakeholders in the production of month end results, quarterly and annual financial plans, with a particular focus on projects.
The successful candidate will further improve the ethos of business partnering to ensure consistency and quality of service to internal customers, maintaining strong relationships and to deliver insight that links financial reports to business strategies. Identify opportunities and make recommendations for the business to improve efficiency and improve the control environment of the business, review and evaluate investment decisions, business cases and precis.
Successful candidates may be invited to complete an online assessment and attend an interview.
For further information about this role, please contact by email, Jade Tran, Finance Manager, jtran@merseyrail.org
Key Responsibilities
- Produce accurate management accounts and financial information for the relevant departments in a timely manner. This will include areas of the P&L, including projects tracking/reconciliations, balance sheet analysis, in particular focusing on accruals/prepayments and providing justification on the provision.
- Prepare and develop the annual budget, forecasting models and other statistical/statutory information at functional level in conjunction with the relevant Directors, senior management teams and finance.
- Build a strong understanding of the project fundings, accounting and timing variances.
- Develop and maintain financial control processes at local level to ensure maximum value for money is obtained in line with business requirements.
- Act as a financial advisor to the Stakeholders, Directors and Senior Managers across all business functions of the Operating Company and their respective teams.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Qualified or Part-Qualified equivalent Accountant with at least 2/3 years Business Partner Experience
- A sound knowledge of current accounting practices and processes
- A sound knowledge and understanding of the operational environment or proven ability to business partner
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
- Experience of reporting complex financial data to non-finance managers
- Drive, enthusiasm & ability to hit the ground running
About Merseyrail
Merseyrail stands out as one of the most punctual and reliable rail networks in the UK. Over the last 15 years, we consistently achieve customer satisfaction scores above 90%, winning multiple national awards for our exceptional customer service and punctuality! With around 1,200 employees, we recognise that our team members play a vital role in our ongoing success. We’re committed to investing in the development of our people and fostering inclusive practices that empower everyone at Merseyrail to reach their full potential.
As a self-contained network, we proudly offer the most affordable fares in the country. We operate over 600 regular services daily to 69 stations throughout the Liverpool City Region, with our four underground stations running trains every few minutes. On average, more than 90,000 passengers travel with us weekdays, and Liverpool Central station ranks among the busiest stations outside of London.
We’ve modernised significantly in recent years, with our new state-of-the-art trains now on the network. These brand-new electric and environmentally friendly trains, designed specifically for the Merseyrail network, feature pioneering sliding step technology, making us one of the most accessible networks in the UK. We’ve also refurbished many of our city centre stations, achieving step-free access at two-thirds of Merseyrail stations. We are working closely with the LCRCA to achieve our Metro Mayor’s vision of a step-free network by 2030. We’re also developing use of online ticketing in the near future, to then be followed by the introduction of barriers requiring just a tap of a contactless bank card.
We are actively engaged in the continuous development of our network. In 2023 we opened Headbolt Lane station, which extends the Kirkby line and benefits many additional passengers in the local area. Additionally, plans are underway for a new station, Liverpool Baltic Station, located just south of Liverpool City Centre. This station will serve the Baltic Quarter, the city’s fastest-growing area, which is recognised as one of the UK’s coolest neighbourhoods.