JOB ROLE: Assistant Finance Manager
BUSINESS FUNCTION: Finance
SALARY: £36,804
ROLE TYPE: Hybrid
Location: Leeds
HOURS: 37 per week
Are you a commercially minded finance professional looking to make a real impact in a fast-paced, operational environment? Do you thrive on turning data into insight and partnering with stakeholders to drive performance? If so, we’d love to hear from you.
We’re looking for a proactive and analytical Finance Business Partner (Assistant) to support the delivery of a comprehensive finance service across key functions of the business. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in driving cost control, improving financial awareness, and supporting strategic decision-making across the organisation.
About the Role
Working closely with the Senior Finance Business Partner and Finance Managers, you will:
- Support budgeting, forecasting (Q1–Q3), and periodic reporting cycles
- Assist in producing accurate and timely management accounts across P&L, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow
- Deliver insightful financial analysis, modelling and business case support
- Provide challenge and support to operational stakeholders to control costs and improve performance
- Identify efficiency opportunities and support initiatives that reduce subsidy and improve key success measures (e.g. NPS and subsidy per passenger mile)
- Ensure robust balance sheet reconciliations and compliance with accounting standards and internal controls
- Streamline reporting processes to reduce month-end close and enhance data accuracy
- Deputise for the Finance Business Partner/Finance Manager when required
You’ll also provide financial support during negotiations and discussions with key external stakeholders including DFT OLR Holdings Ltd (DOHL), the Department for Transport, Network Rail and Rail North Partnership.
What Success Looks Like
- Timely, accurate, and insightful management information that clearly links financial and operational performance
- Strong financial ownership and accountability within the teams you support
- Clear control of the variable cost base
- Increased financial awareness across operational teams
- Practical, data-driven support for innovative projects that improve local railway services
About You
We’re looking for someone who is:
- Actively studying towards a full professional accounting qualification
- Ideally degree-educated in Accounting or Finance
- Knowledgeable in current accounting standards and financial controls
- Experienced in producing and analysing accurate, timely financial information
- Highly proficient in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office tools
- Organised, deadline-driven, and able to manage competing priorities
- Curious, commercially aware, and keen to understand the key drivers of the business
- Interested in process improvement and automation to enhance reporting efficiency
- A confident communicator who can translate financial data into meaningful insight for non-financial stakeholders
You’ll be a team player, a role model to junior colleagues, and someone who builds strong relationships across Finance and the wider business.
What’s in it for you?
At Northern, we don’t just value our people - we go the extra mile to support them. Here’s a taste of what you can look forward to:
- Free Travel: Unlimited free travel for you, your partner, and your dependents on Northern services. Plus up to 75% discount on other networks in the UK and Europe.
- Generous Pension Scheme: We top up your contributions by 1.5 times.
- Enhanced Family Benefits: We offer 9 months of full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks for paternity leave.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.
- Exclusive Discounts: From shopping to wellbeing, Northern Perks has you covered.
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support for family, lifestyle, and more.
- Training and Career Development: We offer tailored training to our colleagues and opportunities to gain recognised qualifications. Plus enhanced career pathways no matter what part of the business you’re in.
- Recognition: We know how important it is to show how much we appreciate our people. That’s why we have our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards, recognising and celebrating brilliance every day.
Why Northern?
We’re more than just a train operator. We’re the heartbeat of the North – connecting communities, creating opportunities, and driving sustainable growth. With 2,500 trains running daily, we’re on a mission to improve rail travel and enhance the customer experience while protecting the environment.
Back in 1825, the first passenger train set off in the North of England, beginning a journey that would transform travel across the world. We’ve recently celebrated 200 years of the modern railway and, as we reflect on that legacy, our focus is now on the future as Great British Rail takes shape. Join us at this pivotal moment in rail history and play your part in our journey.
A place for everyone
The best journeys happen when everyone feels welcome on board.
At Northern, we don’t just move people from A to B – we’re building a team where everyone feels they belong. Our talent team can make reasonable adjustments to the process if that’s something you need. We’re also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer, so if you meet the minimum criteria for the role, we’ll always offer an interview.
We automate parts of our screening process to remove any unconscious bias and to make sure every application is treated fairly. All successful offers will be subject to a DBS check and a medical assessment.
No matter your background, experience, or whether you call it a bap, barm, or cob… there’s a place for you here in the railway.