Job Title - Finance Business Partner 

Contract Type - Full-Time, Fixed Term 

About the role 

This role partners with local site teams, central functions, and acts as key support to the Financial Controller within the Local Business Unit. Responsibilities include contributing to the production of accurate and insightful management information, variance analysis, and commentary to support effective decision-making. The role plays an active part in the budgeting and forecasting process, ensuring operational teams are set ambitious yet achievable targets, while identifying risks, opportunities, and tracking progress. It also leads on improving financial processes and procedures to enhance the quality and timeliness of reporting. 

Accountabilities

• Business partner with operational, engineering and commercial managers
• Attend in person, be visible on site and build relationships with site/depot/divisional teams, actively participate in management meetings and any other meetings as requested by company management team/financial controllers
• Lead and coach the regional assistant accountant
• Ensure the timely delivery of the period end process
• Costing support as required, either for internal business cases, bids & tenders or external purposes
• Analysis of the management accounts and variances to budget/forecast and prior year, with supporting commentary to ensure managers understand drivers of performance. Use this information to highlight key risks and problems, and follow up to suggest profit improvements
• Support the financial controller with budgeting and forecasting as required
• Work with the data & analytics team and central commercial teams to ensure consistent data use and understanding of commercial business performance
• Responsible for reviewing the accuracy of all financial and non-financial records, working with the financial accountant and assistant management accountant to identify errors or inconsistencies

About you 

• Computer literate – advanced Excel, Word, PowerPoint. Power BI and SAP experience preferred but not essential.
• CIMA, ACCA or ACA qualified or equivalent – QBE considered
• Commitment to work to deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal skills, able to work well within the team, lead and coach direct reports
• High degree of attention to detail
• Ability to learn and take responsibility of tasks quickly
• Flexibility to be on site at least 4 days per month

Rewards & Benefits

• Your health is important to us which is why we offer Simply Health & Smart Health for you and your dependents at no cost to you! This offering includes cash back benefits across optical & dental as well as virtual GP appointments, mental health support and nutrition and fitness advise. Our EAP provision offers 24hr, 365 days a year mental health support
• We are also committed to your financial wellbeing, and we offer a platform with many discounts on high street brands and supermarkets etc
• Working at First you also receive discounted train travel for you and your family after 6 months service as well as a free bus pass
• Cycle to work scheme
• 25 days' holiday + bank holidays
• Pension scheme and chance to buy discounted First Group shares
• Enhanced maternity / paternity pay
• Flexible working

We put a big focus on physical and mental wellbeing at First Bus. We recognise that anyone can be affected by the stresses and strain of work, or life outside it. You'll find a range of health-promotion initiatives, and you will have 24/7 access to our confidential Employee Assistance Programme.

Please apply now. We look forward to receiving your application.

Public transport serves everyone, whatever their differences. At First Bus, we want to be an employer open to you, no matter what your differences are. We aspire to be an inclusive organisation because diverse backgrounds, thinking and experiences bring so many benefits to our customers, communities and people. We welcome applications from all.

Applicants are advised that background checks will be conducted as a standard part of our recruitment process.