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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage budgets, provide financial advice, and oversee housing account activities.
- Company: Join Cambridge City Council, a dedicated organisation impacting local communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holidays, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a difference in public finance while collaborating with diverse stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Professional accountancy qualification or extensive HRA accounting experience required.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with one day in the office per week.
The predicted salary is between 42706 - 46681 £ per year.
Location: Cambridge (Hybrid - 1 day per week)
Salary: £50,788 - £55,021
Hays Public Sector Finance is thrilled to be working in partnership with Cambridge City Council, offering an exceptional opportunity for a skilled Senior Finance Business Partner - HRA to join their finance team.
Your New Role
As a Senior Finance Business Partner - HRA with Cambridge City Council, who have a housing stock of roughly 7,500, you will play a crucial role in managing the council's Housing Revenue Account (HRA) activities. Your responsibilities will include:
- Preparing and monitoring HRA budgets and forecasts.
- Managing accounting for housing assets, including revaluations, disposals, and depreciation.
- Supporting the production of year-end accounts in compliance with public sector financial regulations (e.g., CIPFA Code of Practice).
- Providing expert advice on HRA projects, funding streams, and financial strategy.
- Overseeing HRA management activities, including cash flow forecasting, investment strategies, and compliance with relevant policies.
- Ensuring effective management of HRA balances to support operational needs.
- Collaborating with stakeholders to deliver insightful financial analysis.
What You'll Need to Succeed
- A professional accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or CIPFA) or extensive relevant experience in HRA accounting.
- In-depth knowledge of public sector accounting standards and HRA management frameworks.
- Strong analytical skills, with the ability to manage complex financial data and deliver accurate forecasts.
- Excellent communication skills to engage with stakeholders across Cambridge City Council and external partners.
- Proficiency in financial systems and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
What You'll Get in Return
Joining Cambridge City Council means becoming part of a dedicated and impactful organisation. Along with a competitive salary of £50,788 - £55,021, you'll benefit from:
- Flexible working arrangements to support your work-life balance.
- Membership in the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Generous holiday entitlement.
- Ongoing professional development opportunities.
Your Next Step
If you would like to apply, please contact Luke Grant-Maw (Senior Business Manager).
Finance Business Partner - HRA employer: Hays Accounts and Finance
Contact Detail:
Hays Accounts and Finance Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner - HRA
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) management frameworks and public sector accounting standards. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the public sector finance field, especially those who have experience with HRA. Engaging in conversations can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've managed complex financial data and delivered accurate forecasts in previous roles. This will showcase your analytical skills and practical experience during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Cambridge City Council's recent projects and financial strategies related to housing. Being knowledgeable about their current initiatives will allow you to tailor your responses and show genuine interest in the organisation.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner - HRA
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Senior Finance Business Partner - HRA position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications, as this will help you tailor your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your professional accountancy qualifications and any relevant experience in HRA accounting. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise in managing budgets, forecasts, and compliance with public sector financial regulations.
Showcase Analytical Skills: Given the importance of strong analytical skills for this role, include examples of how you've successfully managed complex financial data and delivered accurate forecasts in previous positions. This will help illustrate your capability to handle the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Tailor Your Communication: Since excellent communication skills are essential for engaging with stakeholders, ensure that your application reflects your ability to communicate effectively. Use clear and concise language, and consider including a brief example of a successful collaboration with stakeholders in your cover letter.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Accounts and Finance
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Finance Business Partner, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in managing budgets and forecasts. Brush up on the specifics of HRA accounting and be prepared to discuss how you've successfully managed similar financial responsibilities in the past.
✨Understand Public Sector Standards
Familiarise yourself with public sector accounting standards, particularly the CIPFA Code of Practice. Be ready to explain how these regulations impact financial reporting and management within a council setting.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss examples where your strong analytical skills have led to insightful financial analysis or improved forecasting accuracy. Use specific metrics or outcomes to illustrate your impact.
✨Engage Stakeholders Effectively
Communication is key in this role. Think of instances where you've successfully collaborated with stakeholders. Be ready to share how you tailored your communication style to engage different audiences effectively.
