Job Description

- At Network rail you will have a clear development path with access to training and additional qualifications. You can enjoy a range of employee benefits, such as up to 28 days annual leave, 75% of Leisure Travel and Season Ticket for travel, a range of pension options, flexible and agile working arrangements, healthcare, discounts on shopping, gym memberships and much more
At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're not just part of a team - you're part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway.
We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process.
If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!
Brief Description
This role is part of the East Coast Digital Programme, which is a 3.1bn scheme working with a number of industry railway partners to deliver a no signals railway. It includes the infrastructure alongside the track, the fitment of a number of vehicles for Freight and Passenger trains and Business Change activity in terms of training new drivers and ensuring Network Rail and our industry partners are operationally ready to manage the new technology.
You will provide key financial support, to proactively identify, plan and meet the finance needs of the programme, whilst improving business performance. Positively challenging Senior Leaders, budgets and business activities to ensure the best business outcomes are delivered. A key focus on efficiency, providing insight, driving the actions required, delivering a positive outcome.
About the role (External)
Key Accountabilities

• Consolidate, critically review and provide technical advice and guidance on periodic financial results and forecasts to Identify and monitor risks, opportunities and efficiencies to minimise the financial and legal impact on the business area.
• Provide robust professional recommendations and financial guidance on accounting guidelines and standards to enable the business to be financially and legally compliant.
• Provide technical and professional oversight of the periodic accounts, relevant analysis and preparation of business plans and budgets to enable the business to make effective decisions.
• Develop, understand and influence the cost and income drivers relevant to the business area to deliver the yearly business plan and manage to the overall settlement by effective decision making.
• Influence, coach and challenge senior budget holders in understanding the impact of their period results and forecasts against budgets in order to manage their business more effectively and manage within budgeting limits.
• Proactively challenge budget holders plans and budget submissions to understand the overall plan, providing advice and new initiatives to save costs and be more efficient as an organisation.
• Drive, adapt and deliver key KPI'S and deliverables for the function, highlighting any significant issues and trends with financial and other business results to aid decision makers to make efficiencies.
• Lead in budget holder key meetings on financial performance to provide professional financial advice and guidance to drive business decisions, minimise risk and deliver good corporate governance.
• Develop, drive and implement investment decisions and new business activities, working collaboratively with senior leaders to explore new opportunities and drive business performance.

Job Skills, Experience and Qualifications
Essential

• Membership (or working towards membership) of a relevant accounting body (CIMA/ACCA/ICAEW) or equivalent experience
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills all levels. This should include Customers; 3rd party representatives, other business & functional leaders and key support personnel.
• Successful relevant experience working in a complex financial environment including demonstrable experience in managing business risks, professional financial control and forward planning.
• Demonstrable record of budget management, governance and ability to understand and interpret commercial and financial landscapes (budgets, forecasts, actual status).
• Significant experience in managing ambiguity in a financial environment with strong evaluation and decision-making skills
• Excellent technical Financial and Accounting knowledge and application of that knowledge in a complex and commercial environment.
• Educated to degree level in a relevant discipline or equivalent, for example accounting and finance, business management or equivalent demonstrable experience in finance

Desirable

• Full membership of relevant post graduate professional body (CIMA/ACCA/ICAEW)
• Experience of Oracle based systems
• Substantial experience within multiple finance disciplines
• Knowledge and technical expertise of Government accounting and relevant financial governance
• Understanding of project management principles and experience of managing complex projects to successful conclusion

Please note: Applicants must provide proof of essential qualifications and/or competencies where required, or demonstrate active progress toward obtaining them, or evidence their applicable experience as a condition of employment
Don't meet every requirement?
Research suggests that individuals from underrepresented groups may be less likely to apply for a job if they don't meet all the listed criteria. We are building a diverse and inclusive place to work where people of all backgrounds can thrive. We encourage you to apply for this role. If this isn't the job for you, there may be other roles available in the wider team.
How to apply (External)
Salary: 55,596 to 65,966
Closing date: 5th September 2025. - Late applications will not be accepted.
Click apply now to apply.
You can visit for advice on accessibility support if you're unsure of the options available. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please add a note to your application.
Network Rail Benefits -
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.
***Some of our roles require face to face Drugs & Alcohol testing. Further details will be shared with you as part of your formal offer.****

Skills Required