With the introduction of the National Rail Contract (NRC) West Midlands Trains are on the search for a Senior Project Accountant to join our Finance team on a full time, permanent basis.  Reporting into our Head of Finance Projects you will manage a portfolio of WMT projects and Business Plan Commitments under the NRC.   You will perform a key role in managing the relationship with DfT on cost budget change event matters and deputise where appropriate for our Head of Finance Projects.

Accountabilities (See job specification attached for full requirements)

• Partner with Project Managers across the business to achieve successful delivery of projects from a financial perspective to achieve a maximised Performance Based Fee (under the NRC) in relation to financial and other targets.
• Providing financial insight into the reported results and forecasts to enable effective decision making and budgetary change with our client, the Department for Transport (DfT), including the Cost Budget Change Event process.
• Lead the Finance Projects team in process improvement and driving best practice project reporting to our key stakeholders, including the Department for Transport.
• Act a key member of the overall finance team in the delivery of financial results in line with the NRC.
• Ensure that appropriate Group and recognised Financial Standards are applied to the financial results of all projects.

Knowledge and experience you will bring:

• Qualified Accountant (ACA/CIMA/ACCA).
• Substantial experience as a Financial Accountant/Finance Business Partner/Project Accountant required.
• Experience of working in a commercial environment including working in an analytical or commercial finance role.
• Relevant experience in the successful financial management projects, including budgeting and forecasting.
• Holder of a Project Management qualification desirable (such as MSP, PRINCE 2 Practitioner, PMI). Working knowledge or project methodologies and principles including risk and issue management. Commercial and financial awareness.
• Excellent communication skills – both oral and written.
• Proven stakeholder management.

Benefits

West Midlands Trains are committed equal opportunities employers and encourage applicants from all backgrounds. As an employer we are dedicated to the recruitment and promotion of all, on the basis of ability and merit irrespective of disability, race, gender, health, social class, sexual preference, marital status, nationality, religion, employment status or age.  We believe diversity brings strength and is why we treat everyone fairly and assess you for the job based on your merit and skills.

Applications will be considered from internal colleagues with 6 months experience after completion of their probationary period and a full check of absence and disciplinary records.

We reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any time due to high volumes of applications (please submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment).