Programme Finance Manager

Programme Finance Managers - based in London, Woking, Croydon, Birmingham, Derby and Cardiff

Network Rail is at the heart of revitalising Britain’s railway. From the rejuvenation of King’s Cross station and the upgrade and expansion of Thameslink, to Europe’s largest civil engineering project – Crossrail - we are involved in some of the most ambitious and diverse ventures the UK has ever seen. This will help us deliver the better railway that is vital for the economic prosperity of this country, transforming how people travel and make a massive difference to passengers and freight users right across Britain.

The Finance function is responsible for establishing Network Rail’s cash requirements through the planning process, securing the income requirements through the regulatory process and funding the Company’s borrowing requirements through the financial markets. It controls expenditure and provides clear and accurate management information. Providing value for money from suppliers through contracts and procurement the Finance function also mitigates the Company’s exposure to financial risk. In addition the function upholds sound financial control and regulation to meet all external statutory and regulatory financial reporting requirements that are expected of a major listed UK company.

Key Accountabilities

• Business partner to the programme managers / sponsor teams. This includes the provision of financial advice and support so that managers are informed of and understand project, function and company finances as well as the tax implications of financial decision making in projects.
• Manage the preparation of business plans, budgets and rolling forecast, providing specialist advice. Consolidate and challenge budget holder plan, budget submissions and rolling forecast.
• Develop and maintain budgetary control over the programme of works by the reporting, analysis and tracking of variances, utilisation and risks/opportunities to the functional directors and managers / sponsors in an appropriate format and timely manner. Consolidate and review periodic financial results and forecasts for function to identify, monitor and manage risks, opportunities and efficiencies.
• Manage and report on the opex cost centre performance for the programme sponsor / manager
• Develop and maintain accounting procedures to deliver integrity of costs, income, forecasts and budgets and complete all technical accounting tasks in line with current standards and rules.
• Liaison with the central project accounting team and the commercial & programme controls teams to drive understanding of project costs.
• Manage the collection of key data from other functions and co-ordinate and consolidate the production of financial review packs highlighting any significant issues and trends with financial and other business results.
• Embed corporate governance processes within projects and monitor compliance.
• Conduct investment and other project appraisals, including business case analysis.
• Manage the timely collection of business unit debts and payment of business unit creditors, as well as the supply of accurate periodic cash forecasts.
• Completion of accurate periodic cash flow forecasts

Essential

• Student/part membership (or equivalent) of the relevant professional body having progressed to the final stage of qualification, or possession of sufficient experience to fulfil the requirements of the role without membership of the relevant professional body.
• Experience in project accounting for large construction projects.

Desirable

• Full membership of relevant professional body.
• Experience of Oracle based systems.
• Relevant post qualification experience.
• Relevant experience within finance disciplines of Network Rail and/or external organisations.

What can we offer you….?

At Network Rail, you have the chance to develop a long, rewarding career. There are many different career paths - and many opportunities to fulfill your potential. After all, we believe that investing in our people via training and development is one of the most effective ways of improving the safety, reliability and efficiency of the railway. You can expect competitive pay, a bonus scheme and a choice of contributory pension schemes. We also offer a generous annual leave package, plus up to 75% discount on season rail tickets.