Job Title - Financial Controller 

Contract Type - Full-Time, Permanent

About the role 

This role partners closely with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) of the Local Business Unit to provide financial insight, challenge, and support that drives performance and results. Acting as a financial subject matter expert, the role supports decision-making by evaluating risks, reviewing business cases, and identifying opportunities. Key responsibilities include leading the period-end close process, producing and reviewing management accounts, and delivering timely financial reporting. The role also oversees budgeting and forecasting, ensuring targets are both ambitious and achievable. Additionally, it maintains balance sheet control and leads, coaches, and develops a team of finance professionals across the LBU.

 Accountabilities

• Support the LBU in understanding and improving its financial performance
• Own the period end process and ensure the timely and accurate production of robust Management Accounts for the relevant operating companies
• Timely delivery of robust and insightful financial reporting and analysis to the relevant LBU management teams
• Leadership of the budgeting and forecasting process for the LBU ensuring that the submissions are achievable, robust, and challenging
• Provide financial support, guidance, understanding and challenge to LBU SLT's
• Support and champion the rollout and use of the OneStream system for both reporting and budgeting / forecasting
• Act as a Subject Matter Expert for the wider Management Accounting team on matters of Financial Accounting and governance
• Line Management and development of a team of finance professionals
• Lead the external audit response for the relevant statutory entities and support the response to the divisional audit
• Review and approve all Balance Sheet Reconciliations for the relevant statutory entities
• Proactively work with operational colleagues to identify and mitigate or deliver risks and opportunities
• Provide financial support to bids and tenders as required
• Work across the Management Accounting function to ensure consistency of approach across the Business Units and identify and deliver improvements to existing processes and ways of working.

About you 

• Financially and commercially astute, with significant experience of working in a senior finance role partnering with non-finance colleagues
• Qualified Accountant, either CIMA, ACA or ACCA or qualified by experience
• High integrity and builds trust at all levels
• Excellent communication skills and demonstrating influencing skills with the necessary gravitas and emotional intelligence
• Tenacious, with a willingness to act as ‘Devil's Advocate' as required
• Ability to deliver to tight deadlines without compromising quality
• Excellent oral, written and presentation skills
• Committed to organisational confidentiality and supportive of equality issues across the organisation

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.