About Us
First Bus is one of the UK's largest bus operators, providing vital public transport services across England, Scotland, and Wales. As a division of FirstGroup plc, a leading provider of transport services in the UK and North America, First Bus plays a crucial role in connecting communities, reducing congestion, and supporting sustainable travel.
Basic Purpose of Role
As a Management Accountant, you will play a pivotal role in supporting financial decision-making by delivering accurate and insightful financial analysis. Acting as a key business partner to both site and central teams, you will work closely with stakeholders to provide meaningful management information, variance analysis, and commentary that drive business performance.
In this role, you will support the Financial Controller, contributing to budgeting and forecasting processes to ensure operational teams have clear, challenging yet achievable targets. You will identify risks and opportunities, track progress against key actions, and play a leading role in improving financial processes and procedures to enhance reporting accuracy and efficiency.
Additionally, you will provide cover for the Financial Controller during periods of absence, ensuring continuity in financial operations. This is a great opportunity to influence financial strategy, optimise performance, and contribute to the ongoing success of the business.
Accountabilities
* Business partner with operational, engineering and commercial managers
* Attend 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 management 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 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
Company Responsibilities
* To undertake any additional duties at the request of your line manager, which is deemed to be within your competency.
* To adhere to all FirstGroup policies and procedures
* To undertake any training and development activities at the request of your line manager.
* To comply with all Group Injury Prevention policies and support new initiatives.
Health and Safety Responsibilities
* To always comply with your responsibilities of the Health and Safety Policy.
* To ensure compliance with legislation, company policies and Injury Prevention.
* To ensure that risk assessments are carried out for areas and activities under your control, that appropriate control measures are implemented, and the recommendations are communicated to all of those who may be at risk.
* To report incidents, near misses and dangerous occurrences in a timely manner and ensure effective remedial action is taken.
* To promote and implement, where appropriate, Injury Prevention and safe working practices by means of campaigns, initiatives and to promote a positive attitude to safety through personal leadership.
Environmental Responsibilities
* To support the Company's environmental campaigns and be aware of Group's annual environmental targets
Skills, Experience and Qualifications Required
* Computer literate - advanced Excel, Word, PowerPoint. Power BI and SAP experience preferred but not essential.
* CIMA, ACCA or ACA qualified - 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
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 advice. 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.
Salary: £35000 - £40000 per annum + Study + Hybrid working
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