Head of Financial Control & Analysis [Regions]

An initial 6-month secondment or FTC opportunity working in the Southern region Business Planning & Reporting team. The role will report to the Regional Head of Financial Control and Analysis – Business Planning & Reporting, working with the wider Route Finance teams and Finance Director. A key focus of the role will be carrying out a review of existing reporting processes, both within the region and into Group Finance, with the aim of simplifying and streamlining, wherever possible. The role will also represent the region on the national forums such as the FP&A forum which discusses future finance systems strategies and requirements. In addition, it will provide Finance support to regional priorities such as the ongoing implementation of maintenance modernisation and realising benefits from nationally enabled efficiency opportunities., 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. 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 efficiencies and challenge business partners 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.

10. Develop and improve the co-ordination with other functions, maintain positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders (incl. the government) to aid collaborative working and lead to cohesive and effective business performance.

· 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.

Desirable

· Wide and successful background either in rail or construction industry with extensive experience at a senior level

· Experience of working in the public sector

· Experience of dealing with third party funding arrangements

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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.