Head of Financial Control & Analysis

To provide strategic oversight on leading the finance team/s that manage the financial analysis and accounting operations of the relevant business areas, to deliver budgets and financial forecasts, month-end reporting, year-end activities as well as financial and non-financial analysis to support strategic insight and enable sound business decisions to be made. The role leads on financial risk management and collaborates with senior leaders to create risk minimisation plans and contributes to enabling financial systems are fit for purpose. The role is key within the industry looking after the charging of nearly £1bn of energy costs and leading on initiatives to create savings., 1. Lead and direct the finance and corporate governance processes for the function, in accordance with statutory, regulatory, government and group financial policy and regulations, to remain compliant with Network Rail and relevant accounting standards (incl. International Financial Reporting Standards IFRS).

2. Leverage business and commercial acumen to suggest appropriate strategic options, where sustainable financial plans and objectives can be developed. Evaluate, justify, and embed strategic options using various innovative methods to implement strategy and manage change to effectively deliver business objectives.

3. For the industry energy costs managed by Network Rail, oversee all financial accounting, analysis, and reporting activities (incl. Profit & Loss, balance sheet, cashflow reporting), whilst enabling robust financial controls and governance for the associated function, with particular focus on managing public money principles to reduce risk to the business.

4. Lead the team to produce insightful management reporting and analysis. Advise and influence senior stakeholders on appropriate strategies to manage business and organisational performance in relation to business and finance risks, while communicating the impact effectively to influence strategic decisions.

5. Lead and coach the finance team in their day-to-day operations of the core financial and analytical activities and create a positive team environment by identifying strengths of individuals and empowering them to collaborate effectively.

6. Create policies and systems for internal financial control and challenge stakeholders to support the integrity of assets and the associated financial records, to reduce financial and reputational risks to the business.

7. Identify opportunities for industry-wide efficiencies and challenge business partners and external stakeholders on their value offering as part of the commitment towards continuous improvement and to enable more efficient and effective business decisions.

8. Lead the business planning process through strong business partnering and influencing stakeholder at all levels to optimally utilise taxpayer’s funds. Create innovative approaches towards directing effective budgeting and financial forecasting and monitoring to improve financial performance and trends to enable better business planning to allow for sound management decisions and effective use of public funds and resources.

9. Consult on the design and use of the latest technology and information systems for finance to evolve decision making and organisational performance in line with advancements in current technologies.

· Significant post qualification experience with relevant accounting institution (i.e. ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, or equivalent).

· Thorough knowledge of emerging risk management and governance procedures (incl. operating under Managing Public Money rules)

· Strong demonstrable commercial experience, with an understanding of investment regulations

· Significant experience in balancing stakeholder expectations against the needs and capabilities of the business and wider government.

· Expansive experience within multiple financial disciplines

· Strong ability to identify, evaluate and advise on alternate sources of business finance and different ways of raising finance.

· Influence and lead senior stakeholders through effective conflict resolution by positive challenge

· Significant experience in influencing wider business decisions.

· Experience of leading and motivating a team.

· Strong ability to manage people through periods of significant changes and business pressures., Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our Safety Vision

We're dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the passengers we serve. To achieve this, we're committed to becoming an open, diverse, and inclusive workplace, leveraging the skills and expertise of our talented workforce. Together, we strive to create a safe and accessible railway for everyone. Discover more about the importance of Diversity and Inclusion at Network Rail by clicking here.

Investing in our people is key to enhancing the safety, reliability, and efficiency of our railway system. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact, then this opportunity is for you!

About our people and the recruitment process - We're an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone! We encourage our colleagues to work flexibly, as we know traditional working patterns don't always fit. If you want to consider working flexibly, just let us know and we'll do our best to help and invest in your career with us, whilst you have a healthy work life balance.

Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.

Discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass.

Defined benefit pension scheme

75% subsidy on train tickets.

️ Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets.

️ Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.

Plus more….