Finance Business Partner

About First Bus:

Are you ready to advance your career with one of the UK's leading bus operators? Join a forward-thinking company that embraces cutting-edge bus technology, from innovative mobile apps to environmentally friendly vehicles. We are passionate about delivering passenger journeys that are sustainable, comfortable, and efficient. We are at the forefront of innovation in the industry, connecting communities and shaping the future of public transport.

Location: Bristol (Hybrid Working) + occasional travel

Contract: Fixed-Term until April 2028

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

We're looking for a commercially minded Finance Business Partner to join our Regional Bus Finance team, supporting operations across the South of England. This is a fantastic opportunity for a finance professional who enjoys working closely with operational leaders, influencing decision-making, and turning financial information into meaningful business insights.

You'll work closely with regional stakeholders whilst maintaining a visible presence across our operating locations. Regular travel across the South of England will be required to build strong relationships and support our operational teams.

What you'll be doing

• Partnering with Service Delivery Directors and wider operational leadership teams to support business performance and decision-making.
• Producing insightful management information, financial analysis and commentary that helps drive improved business outcomes.
• Supporting budgeting, forecasting and planning processes, identifying key risks and opportunities.
• Analysing performance against budget, forecast and prior year results, providing clear recommendations and actions.
• Building strong relationships with depot, regional and divisional teams through regular site visits.
• Supporting business cases, tenders and commercial projects through financial analysis.
• Leading and coaching members of the finance team while helping to continuously improve processes and reporting.
• Working closely with data and analytics teams to ensure consistency and understanding of business performance metrics.

What we're looking for

• Proven experience in a Business Partnering role within industry, ideally in a large complex organisation
• Qualified CIMA, ACCA or ACA accountant (or equivalent)
• Strong commercial acumen and proven experience partnering with operational stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Advanced Excel skills, with Power BI and SAP experience desirable.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver to deadlines.

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and we may close the vacancy early if a suitable candidate is identified so we recommend you apply as soon as possible.

Rewards

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 advise. 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
• Up to 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Pension scheme and chance to buy discounted First Group shares

Equal Opportunities

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.

Why work here?

We are always looking for skilled and talented people to join us across our sixty plus depots from Aberdeen to Truro. It takes a dedicated team of specialists and professionals over just about every type of role you can think of to keep us on the road and creating amazing passenger journeys.

About Us

We’ve embarked on a journey of major transformation – to make sure we put our people and customers first. Our people are the beating heart of First Bus. Without them, there would be no drivers to take customers to where they need to go and no engineers to keep our buses safely on the road.
Our transformation programme is designed to reshape our business to meet tomorrow’s travel needs.