Join Network Rail ! Where People and Connections Matter
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 click here . 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.
Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our safety vision .
We are seeking a Finance Business Partner based in our London Stratford Place office. You will provide professional finance and accounting support to business leaders under the direction of the Head of Financial Control & Analysis or Senior Finance Business Partner. In this role, you'll deliver proactive, value-added financial insight, analysis, and advice to support decision-making, improve business performance, and drive operational efficiency. You will build strong relationships across supported functions and routes, ensuring financial risks and opportunities are identified, understood, and effectively managed while supporting the achievement of business objectives.
Every day will be different, but key responsibilities will include:
- Lead and provide financial advice and guidance to senior budget holders in understanding the impact of the period results and forecasts against budges so they can understand their business better.
- Be the expert in the function on accounting practices and advise on financial results and forecasts for budget holders, including preparing period accruals, transfers and adjustments to validate accounts are reflective, relevant.
- Manage corporate governance throughout the cost centres they manage, conducting deep dives and reviewing compliance with financial regulations to protect the business from legal or negative consequences.
- Deliver expert and accurate business review information and reporting, and highlight any significant issues with financial and other business results to enable informed decision making by the business area.
- Engage and influence senior members of the team to help them understand their financial position and use professional expertise to guide in initiatives to improve business performance
- Build bottom up, detailed plans to manage and develop the production of business plans and budgets to enable good corporate governance and value add analysis for senior leaders
- Identify and proactively manage commercial risks, including the financial suitability of new customers or suppliers reducing the potential risk impact on the business area and influencing decision makers.
- Manage the performance of central accounting functions to deliver for the cost centre area to enable an efficiently and effective accounting service.
- Collate, investigate and make recommendation for investment appraisals and business case analysis to aid business decisions.
- Model and analyse cost base and identify and drive opportunities and efficiencies to achieve area targets.
Here are a few of the benefits we offer:
Salary: £43,588 - £53,167 plus Inner London Allowance £3,270
Closing Date: 21st July 2026
- 28-day annual leave with the option to buy and sell days
- Choice of pension schemes
- 75% discount of leisure travel for you and your family
- Private Healthcare
- 5 days paid volunteer or carers leave
- Up to 75% subsidised Rail and Underground travel
- Gym Pass -access to gyms across UK
- My Benefits platform- giving national and local retail discount
Hybrid working: For positions that permit hybrid arrangements, employees are expected to work from a Network Rail location for 60% of their weekly hours, typically 3 days for full time roles.
Our aim is to ensure your candidate experience is as positive as possible. If you require reasonable adjustments at any point, simply let us know and we'll do our best to assist you.
Some of our roles require face to face Drugs & Alcohol testing. We will share further details with you as part of your formal offer.
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.
We are looking for someone who meets the below essential criteria:
- Demonstrate strong understanding of business needs and relevant application of accounting standards
- Membership (Or working towards a membership) of a relevant accounting body (CIMA/ACCA) or equivalent experience
- Expert knowledge and experience of creating and maintaining accounts and annual budget
- Significant experience within relevant finance disciplines
- Strong excel skills and use of data manipulation
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to interpret technical accounting regulations into everyday language
- Demonstrable effective influencing skills at a senior level
- Significant understanding of financial control and risk
- Excellent technical finance and accounting knowledge
It's not essential, but we would love it if you have:
- Understanding of project management principles and experience of managing complex projects
- Membership of a relevant accounting body
- Extensive experience of Oracle based systems
- Degree or equivalent qualification in finance and accounting or business management or experience
