Finance Year in Industry Review

My placement is within the Group Accounting team,
a small team of five responsible for preparing and
reporting the figures that form Network Rail’s annual
statutory accounts, which are formally presented to
Parliament each year. This role is particularly
important given Network Rail’s reliance on
government funding, meaning financial transparency
and accuracy are critical.
In addition, the team acts as the accounting
specialists for the organisation, providing technical
guidance and financial oversight on the numerous
multi-million-pound infrastructure projects delivered
across the network.

Periodic Balance Sheet Reporting:
Utilised Oracle and Hyperion systems to extract
financial data and produce periodic balance
sheets for both the overall organisation and
individual business units.
Additional Disclosure Pack (ADPs)
Consolidation:
Coordinated the collection of financial data across
approximately 50 business units, assessing
liability classifications (current vs non-current) and
evaluating committed capital for the upcoming
financial year.
First Point of Contact for the National Audit
Office (NAO):
I acted as a key liaison during the audit process,
providing requested information promptly or
directing queries to the appropriate stakeholders
across the business.
Oversight of Mapping File:
Managed a complex 30-sheet Excel model
containing extensive linked data used in financial
reporting, ensuring data accuracy, integrity, and
consistency across the accounts

Adaption to New Software & Use of AI:
Throughout my placement, I have significantly
developed my ability to adapt to new technologies,
particularly by leveraging AI tools to enhance
efficiency and learning. As a result, I am now
competent in using Excel, Oracle, Hyperion, and
Power BI.
Goal Settings:
With the support of my mentor and line manager, I
have greatly improved my ability to set clear goals
and targets. I am now able to effectively reflect on
my performance, understanding both successes
and areas for improvement.
Leadership & Teamwork:
Working within a team environment has
strengthened my appreciation for effective
communication and diverse working styles. I have
also taken on a mentoring role for two summer
interns, where I applied these skills to guide and
support their development

Lots of support and guidance from early careers team and a personal mentor.

The business places a strong emphasis on
safety, captured in its slogan “Everyone Home
Safe Every Day”, which reflects its
commitment to protecting not only its 41,000
employees but also the millions of
passengers and freight users who rely on the
railway each day.

I have very much so enjoyed my placement year.

Yes