Merseytravel Finance Director - Managing Finances

Merseytravel’s Finance Director plays a crucial role in overseeing the financial stability and strategic direction of the organization, which is responsible for planning, procuring, and promoting public transport in the Liverpool City Region. The position demands a deep understanding of transport economics, public sector finance, and the intricate relationship between public funding and service delivery. The core responsibilities of the Finance Director encompass a wide range of activities, including financial planning and budgeting. This involves developing and managing multi-year financial plans that align with the region’s transport strategy and ensure the efficient allocation of resources across various projects and services. They are responsible for preparing annual budgets, monitoring expenditure against these budgets, and identifying and mitigating financial risks. Financial reporting and compliance are also paramount. The Finance Director must ensure that Merseytravel adheres to all relevant accounting standards, regulatory requirements, and internal controls. This includes preparing accurate and timely financial statements, managing audits, and ensuring compliance with tax laws and other statutory obligations. Strategic financial leadership is another critical aspect of the role. The Finance Director works closely with other senior executives to develop and implement financial strategies that support the organization’s long-term goals. This includes evaluating the financial viability of new projects, identifying opportunities for cost savings and revenue generation, and advising on investment decisions. They are often involved in negotiating contracts with transport operators and other service providers. Merseytravel operates within a complex funding environment, relying on a combination of government grants, passenger fares, and other revenue streams. The Finance Director must have a thorough understanding of these funding mechanisms and be able to advocate for Merseytravel’s financial needs with government agencies and other stakeholders. This requires strong communication and negotiation skills, as well as the ability to present complex financial information in a clear and concise manner. Beyond the purely financial aspects, the Finance Director often plays a key role in supporting wider organizational initiatives, such as the implementation of new technologies and the development of sustainable transport solutions. They may be involved in evaluating the financial implications of these initiatives and ensuring that they are aligned with the organization’s overall financial objectives. Ultimately, the Merseytravel Finance Director is a strategic leader responsible for safeguarding the organization’s financial health and ensuring that it can continue to deliver high-quality public transport services to the people of the Liverpool City Region. Their expertise is crucial for navigating the challenges of a dynamic and evolving transport landscape, and for ensuring that Merseytravel can continue to invest in a sustainable and efficient transport system for the future. They act as a key advisor to the Chief Executive and the Merseytravel Committee on all financial matters.