Merseyrail is the train operator for the Liverpool City Region and provides award winning train reliability for its passengers. An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Financial Controller to join the Finance & Transformation Team.

Reporting directly to the Head of Finance, this position involves a broad spectrum of responsibilities and requires a wide range of technical knowledge and experience. The Financial Controller will be responsible for 3 members of staff: a Financial Accountant, a Treasury Assistant and an Accounts Assistant.

The successful candidate should possess the following:

• At least 5 years relevant experience as a Qualified Accountant
• Really strong technical accounting knowledge and experience
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Working knowledge of SAP would be an advantage
• Drive and enthusiasm to hit the ground running
• A strong knowledge of current accounting practices, processes, and standards
• A sound knowledge and understanding of the operational environment would be an advantage
• Excellent communication skills both written and oral
• Educated to A Level and above

Key responsibilities of this role include:

• Supervising the preparation of stat accounts and VAT/Tax/pension returns
• Reviewing the completion of bank and balance sheet reconciliations
• Budget analysis for cashflow and balance sheet implications
• Managing the audit process and liaising with external personnel and shareholders
• Overseeing the preparation of year end statutory accounts in with accounting policies
• Completion of year end technical papers
• Managing, mentoring and motivating the accounts team
• Budgeting & forecasting – cashflow and balance sheet
• Contributing to company financial strategy and decision-making process
• Undertaking financial analysis and reporting
• Ensuring robust financial systems and processes are in place
• Overseeing tax and compliance
• Developing forecasting models (P&L, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow)
• Accountability for Accounts Payable and Accounts receivable
• Accountability for all Group reporting requirements in line with strict deadlines
• Building relationship with client and prepare financial statements and reports
• Updating the business on legislative changes and accounting policies where changes are required to accounting treatment or where financial risk exists.

As a Merseyrail employee you will receive a competitive salary and a final salary pension.  Free travel is provided across the Merseyrail/ Abellio network (where reciprocal arrangements are in place) with a discount on national rail travel.  A generous holiday entitlement and comprehensive benefits scheme make Merseyrail a very attractive place to work.  Our headquarters are in Liverpool City Centre, near Lime Street station with easy access to all major transport links.

"As an equal opportunities employer, Merseyrail particularly welcomes applications from Black, Asian, Minority, Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds as they are currently underrepresented. All appointments will be made on merit of skill and experience relative to the role." 

For further information about this post, please contact via email, Diane Linge Head of Finance on the following email address. dlinge@merseyrail.org   

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to complete an online assessment and attend interview(s).