Finance Business Partner

Michael Page; Guildford; Remote; GBP 40,000 - 70,000

Job description

• Finance Business Partner for respected Public sector body
• Mostly remote based- CCAB qualified accountant

About Our Client

Leading Public Sector body are looking to recruit a Finance Business Partner on a permanent basis.

To provide finance business partnering support to a specific portfolio within the organisation. This may involve supporting both Business As Usual (BAU) and Change portfolios. The role is central to the relationship between the Force budget holders and leaders and the finance function.

Job Description

Developing a deep knowledge of the operations within the organisation that they are supporting (their "customers"), their needs and priorities.

Ensuring that senior officers and staff have accurate financial and relevant information, by bringing business intelligence and operational knowledge to budget setting, forecasting and financial reporting.

Providing strategic financial advice and support, as an integral part of the operational management function. Actively working with the business to understand cost drivers and performance priorities and interpret financial implications of decisions. Looking at the bigger picture to ensure that the operational leaders understand the financial implications of decisions and available choices, being transparent and considering the Force perspective before taking any financial decision.

Embedding a value for money culture within the operating divisions and supporting financial decisions through the provision of advice and challenge. Supporting the financial analysis of business areas to prepare for Spending Reviews, risk management and business planning processes.

Providing an interface connecting budget holders and senior leaders with the collective Finance Team. Identifying and engaging the most appropriate Finance expertise and support from other parts of the Finance Team, to deliver the best financial information and advice for customers. Ensuring that the Head of Business Partnering and Support, the Budget team and the Chief Accountant are fully aware of factors from the operations activities that have financial implications, and have notice of issues (on budget, cost, income generation and value for money for all relevant areas of business) that need to be addressed within Finance.

Providing a high quality, customer focused management accounting service (through the support of Assistant Accountants) for key stakeholders when needed in order to ensure the delivery of timely and accurate financial reports and analysis.

Supporting budget holders in the preparation of their budget and service plans (in line with annual budget setting process) and in year budget performance reporting, and outturn forecasting (in line with procedures and timetables).

Ensuring that the service and change plans of their customer portfolio are developed through sufficient rigor and robustness, with business cases that are fit for purpose and appropriate. Encouraging effective financial benefits management by providing objective and constructive challenge to financial assumptions, ensuring they are supported by the provision of ad hoc financial reports and financial models.

Maintaining a full understanding of the organisation financial framework (policies, procedures and governance) and ensure that these are properly understood and being applied appropriately in the relevant business areas.

Line managing an Assistant Accountant who will provide management accountancy support doing analysis and reporting on customer financial issues. Coaching the Assistant Accountant and taking action to address any performance or attendance issues.

The Successful Applicant

CIPFA Diploma in Business Partnering or working to gain the qualification within 12 months. CCAB qualified accountant (i.e. ICAEW, ICAS, ICAI, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA) or a recognised equivalent.

Experience of providing Management Accounting support at senior levels. Financial management experience including budget preparation, reviews of actual variances against budget, financial modelling to predict outturns, and accounts close down. Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to explain complex technical accounting to non-finance stakeholders.

Able to advise and influence senior decision makers on critical finance issues. Proven ability to network, persuade, influence and negotiate. Self-starter and proactive - able to establish themselves and their support activities within their customer working environment.

Proven ability to meet tight deadlines within unpredictable and demanding environments whilst delivering high quality products. Able to establish effective working relationships with Finance colleagues and a range of stakeholders to support delivery of business outcomes.

Strong finance analytical skills to interpret the financial information available, to identify problems and opportunities, and propose potential solutions. Confidence to challenge at senior levels when appropriate. Experience of managing and developing the work of an Assistant Accountant.

What's on Offer

Mostly remote based working job.

Career progression.

Very impressive contributory pension scheme (LGPS).

• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Discounts for everyday spend.
• On-site gyms and a range of sports clubs.
• Generous and supportive parental leave.
• Financial and mental wellbeing guidance and support.
• Discounted contributory healthcare scheme.