Job Details

Job Description – Senior Finance Business Partner / Principal Accountant

Job Purpose

We are seeking an experienced finance professional to provide high-quality financial management, advice and support to allocated Council service areas.

The successful candidate will work closely with Service Managers, Senior Officers and Finance colleagues to support effective financial decision-making, budget management and long-term financial planning. You will provide proactive financial advice, challenge and support while ensuring compliance with relevant financial legislation, statutory requirements and Council policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide financial management, advice and support to allocated Council service areas.
• Act as a trusted Finance Business Partner to Service Managers and Senior Officers.
• Support the delivery of the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS).
• Lead and support the annual budget setting process.
• Undertake in-year budget monitoring, forecasting and variance analysis.
• Identify and challenge budget pressures, financial risks, savings opportunities and areas of concern.
• Produce accurate and timely financial reports and commentary for Senior Management and Council Members.
• Support year-end processes, including outturn reporting, working papers and the closure of accounts.
• Contribute to the production of the Statement of Accounts and ensure statutory deadlines are met.
• Provide financial advice and challenge on projects, service changes and business cases.
• Undertake financial modelling, financial appraisals and investment analysis where required.
• Review and support the annual setting of fees and charges.
• Assess the financial health of contractors and review financial information relating to bids and proposals.
• Support the financial monitoring and reporting of funding agreements and grants.
• Complete Government, partner and statistical financial returns accurately and within required deadlines.
• Prepare and present financial reports for corporate projects, partnerships, senior management and relevant committees.
• Represent Finance at project boards, working groups and partnership meetings.
• Support the delivery of corporate projects and transformation initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial processes, controls, efficiency and value for money.
• Provide financial training and support to non-finance staff and budget holders.
• Liaise with Internal and External Audit and provide supporting information as required.
• Ensure compliance with relevant financial regulations, legislation, policies and procedures.
• Deputise for the Finance Manager when required.
• Supervise and support junior finance staff, including Support Accountants, Assistant Accountants or Apprentices where applicable.

Person Specification

Essential Experience and Knowledge

• Experience in financial management, planning and budgetary control.
• Experience of budget setting, budget monitoring and financial forecasting.
• Experience of providing financial advice and support to senior stakeholders and non-finance managers.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and financial reporting requirements.
• Experience of year-end processes and closure of accounts.
• Strong financial analysis, financial modelling and business case appraisal skills.
• Advanced Excel and experience using financial systems and accounting applications.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex financial information clearly.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.

Desirable Experience

• Local Authority finance and accounting experience.
• Knowledge of Local Government finance, regulations and statutory requirements.
• Experience supporting the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS).
• Experience producing reports for Senior Management, Members, Committees or Boards.
• Experience of financial evaluation of contractors, bids or business proposals.
• Experience supporting corporate projects, partnerships or transformation programmes.
• Experience of Government and statutory financial returns.
• Experience working with Internal and External Audit.
• Previous staff supervision or management experience.

Qualifications

• CCAB, CIMA or CIPFA qualified accountant, with relevant post-qualification experience.

OR

• Significant demonstrable experience within a similar senior finance role, with a willingness to obtain relevant professional qualifications.

Key Skills

• Finance Business Partnering
• Budget Setting and Monitoring
• Financial Planning and Forecasting
• Local Authority Finance
• Financial Modelling and Business Cases
• Year-End and Financial Reporting
• Stakeholder Management
• Financial Analysis
• Audit and Financial Compliance
• Advanced Excel
• Communication and Influencing
• Staff Supervision and Development