Finance Business Partner

Purpose of the role

To be responsible for implementing the business partnering function for the specified service area. The role is pivotal in providing strategic support in all aspects of financial advice for the service. They will act as a partner with the service leadership teams to develop, constructively challenge and support service plans and project delivery and take responsibility for managing and reporting on operational performance for the business partnering team.

Assess situations from a commercial, business or finance perspective; provide appropriate financial advice to support complex business decisions. Business Partners will work closely with all stakeholders to ensure best use of limited financial resources, providing the strategic financial insight, intelligence and support needed.

Respond to government and professional consultations, implementation of best practice models and any other such requirements.

Provide an effective Business Partnering function and to contribute to the development of the policies, activities and service improvements required to deliver the function.

The post holder will have a body of theoretical and practical knowledge.

Provide advice and support which demonstrates depth of knowledge, expertise and customer focus and be responsible for the provision of revenue monitoring, capital monitoring, budget setting (revenue and capital), MTFS setting, closure of accounts.

Responsibilities

To proactively lead the financial advice and support to the defined service area particularly with reference to revenue and capital monitoring including delivering savings, and the budget setting and closure of accounts processes.

To ensure that financial information is relevant and balanced and is received by decision-takers at the appropriate level.

To ensure that financial data analytics are used where appropriate to better inform budget monitoring and longer term financial planning.

To work with services to ensure the accuracy of information input to systems and proper responses to system outputs.

To regularly spend time in the designated service to become an integral part of the management team within the service area and to develop and maintain a detailed understanding of the service area being supported.

Ensure managers within the service areas supported receive the financial management training required to be effective in their roles and are aware of Financial Regulations (in particular the responsibilities of the Director and budget holders/managers) and requirements for obtaining the necessary approval prior to taking decisions.

Continually review, update and report on quantified financial risks and opportunities in the delivery unit or commissioning area supported, advising how the risks can be mitigated and the opportunities exploited.

To advise the Heads of Finance Business Partnering of any matters that should be referred to the Chief Financial Officer in their S151 role on funding, financial management and accounting requirements in respect of the portfolio of services which the postholder has responsibility for.

Working closely with the Heads of Finance Business Partnering to contribute towards the development of the Integra Financial Management System working with the designated service areas and the team responsible for the maintenance and development of Integra to drive improvements forward.

To lead, manage and motivate staff through excellent communication, professional guidance, support and development in accordance with the policies and procedures.

To be customer-focused and to develop self-service underpinned by reducing finance support.

To provide advice and support to Members, management board, directors and deputy directors on the full range of issues within the scope of the job. To ensure effective financial support to programmes and projects.

To undertake any other tasks, duties and responsibilities as directed and appropriate to the grade and role of the post.

Deputise for the Head of Finance Business Partnering as required.

Essential

Qualified CCAB Accountant or Equivalent Relevant Finance Qualification.

Participation in Continuing Professional Development.

Accounting and budgetary experience, sound knowledge of local government finance framework, accounting principles and standards, statutory requirements and relevant codes of practice.

Knowledge of the major issues facing local government, understanding of the national policy context, requirements and future direction for local authorities.

Good interpersonal and communication and presentation skills, with proven ability to communicate effectively to a wide range of audiences both horizontally and vertically, financial and non-financial, throughout the organization.

Sound knowledge of accounting principles and standards Experience of attending Member Committees and/or other corporate/board meetings.

Staff management experience with the ability to lead and develop a team.

Relevant service accounting experience.

Experience of delivery of change programmes.

Ability to work and deliver on projects in a pressurised environment as well as the flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances.

Ability to work effectively in a political environment and establish positive relationships with senior managers, staff, external partners and interest groups in a way that establishes confidence, credibility and trust.

Ability to fully utilise standard Microsoft Office products.

Desirable

Experience of financial appraisals, modelling techniques, development of business cases.

Location: Bexleyheath

Hours per week: 36 hours per week