Head of Commercial Finance

Salary Scale: £85,000 - £90,000 per annum

Closing date: 11 March 2026

What is the purpose of this job? 

As part of the finance leadership team, reporting to the Finance Director, the post holder will manage & lead the Commercial Finance team to provide financial, business partner and management accounting services.

As we move towards GBR, this role is pivotal in ensuring our Commercial Finance team are set up to provide best in class support to all stakeholders both internally and externally.

The role is central to shaping financial insight, embedding professional standards, enabling effective decision making, and driving value for both the organisation and its members.

What can I expect to do in this job? 

The key responsibilities include:

·       Set and uphold quality, professional, and delivery standards across the Commercial Finance team.

·       Provide functional leadership to Business Partners, ensuring consistent, timely, and relevant reporting, analysis, and financial guidance.

·       Line manage and develop the Senior Finance Business Partners and Senior FP&A Manager

·       Develop operational and long‑term financial plans that support the organisation’s strategic objectives and capability needs, monitoring risks and opportunities

·       Contribute to policy development and ensure adherence to compliance arrangements across commercial and financial activity.

·       Oversee the preparation and delivery of management accounts, and support with statutory account audits

·       Lead the budget and forecast process, liaising with the Finance Director to agree assumptions and timelines

·       Provide expert guidance on investment appraisal, financial modelling, and scenario analysis, for commercial contracts, projects and consolidated budgets

·       Prepare and present business information and analysis to Boards, Executive Teams, and Project Boards.

·       Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to provide trusted financial advice.

·       Engage with customer‑facing teams to ensure robust financial guidance and commercial support.

·       Lead the continuous improvement and change management agenda within the commercial finance function.

·       Support organisation‑wide improvement programmes by providing risk assessments, benefits analysis, and performance reporting.

·       Deputise for the Finance Director as required

Who will my key contacts be?

Your key contacts will include:

·       Finance Director

·       Finance & IT Leadership Team

·       RDG Finance & Settlement Teams

·       Heads of across RDG

·       Head of Commercial Optimisation

·       Budget holders within RDG

·       Finance counterparts within TOCs

Requirements

What experience, skills and knowledge do I need?

Essential

·       Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA)

·       Proven experience in senior finance role(s)

·       Experience of leading and developing a team, ideally through a period of change.

·       Strong commercial and financial acumen and an analytical mindset with attention to detail

·       Track record of continuous improvement

·       Strong interpersonal skills, with experience in working with finance and non-finance stakeholders at Head of/Director level

Desirable

·       Rail experience

·       Track record of producing reports for Board level stakeholders

·       Experience in a membership organisation

Benefits

Why Work for RDG?

We offer a highly competitive package, including:

• 75% off rail travel for personal and family use, plus international rail discounts.
• 30 Days annual leave (plus buy/sell options and additional leave for key life events)
• Season ticket loan for commuting costs.
• Enhanced family leave – 30 weeks full pay for maternity, adoption, surrogacy, and shared parental leave.
• Pension scheme – up to 11.58% employer contribution.
• Private medical insurance including mental health and specialist care.
• Discounted gym membership and access to wellbeing programmes.

Career Development & Progression

You’ll be part of a team driving innovation at a national scale, with the opportunity to influence long-term ticketing strategy. This role provides real ownership, the chance to work with leading-edge technologies and partners, and visibility at senior levels across the rail industry. You’ll also gain wide exposure to transport and government stakeholders, opening up exciting development and progression opportunities within RDG.

Apply Now & Shape the Future of UK Rail

If you are interested in joining RDG we’d love to hear from you!

Click Apply now to start your application and be part of a team that is leading digital innovation in the rail industry.

Please note that we are unable to consider applications from candidates who require visa sponsorship to work in the UK.