FP&A Manager

Metroline Manchester is a recently formed subsidiary of ComfortDelGro. In March 2024, we were awarded contracts to operate four franchises and join the Bee Network in Greater Manchester by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA). Metroline was formed in 1989 and is the fourth largest bus operator in London, running about 17 percent of the city's scheduled bus services. It has been a part of the largest private land transport company, Comfort Del Gro, since 2000. Here at Metroline, we are 6,000 colleagues strong across the UK and help carry over one million of our customers every day, whilst Comfort Del Gro operates in 12 countries with a global fleet of over 40,000 vehicles and more than 22,000 colleagues.

Job Summary

The Finance Planning and Analysis Manager will assist the Financial & Commercial Director in the forecasting and reporting of the results of the Metroline Manchester bus franchises in Greater Manchester.

The role will involve monthly management accounts preparation, analysing and summarising key variances to budget and forecast for the group and the production of detailed 'depot packs' for the four operational business units. The role will also lead the forecasting and budgeting process, building on the processes operated in London and enhancing and tailoring these to fit the Manchester operation. Working with the two finance business partners, the FP&A manager needs to develop a detailed 'bottom-up' approach to forecasting and budgeting all aspects of the franchise operation.

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead the reforecasting and budgeting processes.
• Construction and operation of forecasting models for key components of the business such as driver costs, engineering headcount costs, and routine maintenance cost regime using a 'bottom-up' methodology.
• Production of group monthly management accounts and depot packs. Understand and summarise variances to anticipated results.
• Develop company reporting to include financial and non-financial metrics and summarise the reasons for variances seen in operations.
• Driving continuous improvement in reporting and forecasting processes - identifying opportunities for improvement and standardisation.

Benefits

• Free Bus Travel for yourself + 3 (companion + 2 children OR 3 children)
• Free on-site parking
• Pension Scheme Contributions
• Benefits Hub
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Free uniform

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant ACA/ACMA/ACCA with at least 5 years PQE.
• Demonstrable experience of forecasting and reporting in a matrix structure. Comfortable working with both finance and non-finance stakeholders.
• Skilled in the use of IT systems, specifically Finance Systems (e.g. Oracle, SAP etc) and also PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Experience of reporting under IFRS.
• Strong Excel skills and the ability to model complex business problems, either building from scratch or modifying existing processes.
• Experience of using Oracle is desirable but not essential.

Hours of Work

Full time 38 hours per week - permanent contract.
Flexibility required for hours/days worked (including weekends) in line with operational requirements.

Please include:

• The reasons you are applying for the post;
• Examples of how you meet the skills;
• Any relevant qualifications or experience.

We deliver safe, reliable and sustainable transport to our communities.