Head of Commercial Finance [31863]

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As part of the Transport UK Group, West Midlands Trains delivers around 1,300 train journeys a day, for more than 60 million passengers a year, across our two brands - West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway.

We are committed to delivering a safe and reliable train service, by investing in our fleet of trains, stations and employees. As part of this investment we are looking to recruit a Head of Commercial Finance, on a full-time, permanent basis, based in Birmingham.

What does the job involve?

• Provide leadership, strategic direction and coaching to Professional Accountants and Accountancy Staff, acting as role model for performance and behavioural standards
• Accountable for all aspects of finance activity in liaison with DfT on capital and infrastructure activities.
• Develop systems and procedures to ensure the efficient and effective management of the company's finances, ensuring accounting policies comply with the relevant accounting standards and that group policies are followed.
• Act as the main point of contact to external auditors on capital schemes and provide all required information
• Management of client Business Plan and capital work commitments from a financial perspective.
• Update and maintain knowledge on financial developments and regulations, briefing the business and relevant colleagues and making recommendations and proposals for change that will improve the company's financial performance and financial controls
• Work cross-functionally with other departments supporting business initiatives, aimed at improving company's customer focus and profitability
• Any other duties commensurate with the post, which may be relevant as required by the company.

What skills and experience do I need to do the job?

• Accountancy / Management accountancy qualification with significant post qualification experience.
• Experienced and highly credible leader with people and leadership skills gained in at a senior level, with the ability to lead, develop and motivate a team to deliver results.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills at all levels of the business, with an ability to explain complex financial issues to a non-Finance audience.
• Experience of rail or similar transport / franchise industry.
• Honesty and Integrity - Is transparent and honest and takes full responsibility for actions.
• Commercial awareness - demonstrates a broad-based view of issues, events and activities and a perception of their longer-term impact or wider implications.
• Excellent quantitative and analytical skills.

What are the salary and benefits?

• Salary - Up to £85,000 depending on experience
• Defined Benefit pension - one of the best in the UK
• Free travel on all our trains and those of other train companies within our parent group company - for you, your partner and any dependent children
• 75% off all other train company travel tickets
• Retail discounts
• Career development opportunities

Due to the volume of applications we receive the advert may close earlier than the published closing date. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid missing out.

As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from all backgrounds and ensure no-one receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender, race/ethnicity, religion, belief and sexual orientation.

Applications will be considered from colleagues with 6 months experience, after completion of their probationary period and a full check of absence and disciplinary records.