Finance Business Partner - The Guardian : Job Details

About the role:An exciting opportunity has arisen to work in the Finance Department as a Finance Business Partner supporting Education.

As part of the team, you will be providing high quality financial advice, information, analysis and interpretation to budget holders and finance colleagues to underpin effective decision making, meaningful performance management and to meet statutory financial requirements and deadlines. This post will lead, inspire and develop a small team of staff to ensure they support and deliver to the highest quality. This is an excellent opportunity for you to join our Management Accounting Team that supports the Councils’ services. The council is pursuing an exciting transformation and sustainability agenda to better meet the needs and responds to the challenges and opportunities post-COVID and through the on-going cost of living crisis, which impact our residents and businesses alike.

About you:

• We are seeking a CCAB qualified accountant or someone who is currently at the final stages of training to gain the qualification
• Budgeting and accounting background with use of analytical and other financial techniques
• Effective oral and written communication skills at all levels with the ability to engage and influence colleagues and customers
• Ability to plan and prioritise effectively ensuring deadlines and targets are achieved
• Excellent ICT skills
• Staff management and development skills

What you will do:

• Undertake the role of “valued partner” offering a professional independent viewpoint alongside expertise, challenge and empathy, to support the delivery of service business objectives and financial priorities.
• Administer the preparation and coordination of both revenue and capital budgets ensuring they are intrinsically linked with other council wide strategies and plans.
• Liaise with budget holders and attend relevant meetings offering financial advice, training and expertise to support them in managing their budgets and complying with financial regulations, legislation and other codes of practise.
• Contribute in the year-end process to ensure the closure of accounts are completed within agreed timescales, supported by appropriate working papers, in accordance with best practice and contributes to achieving a good external audit opinion.
• Extract and collate statistical and financial data for relevant grant and government claims and returns, ensuring deadlines and requirements set are met to ensure maximisation of the Council’s cash flow.
• Assist in the provision of financial management information that is solution focused and aides sound decision making.

There will be a requirement of a presentation on the day of the interview.

This position has a requirement for an Enhanced DBS Disclosure for employees working within the schools team