Finance Business Partner (Northern Ireland)

Venesky-Brown’s client, a public sector organisation in Lisburn, is currently looking to recruit a Finance Business Partner for an initial 6-month contract with potential to extend on a rate of c.£23.65p/h (PAYE). This role will be based on site.

Responsibilities:

• Deliver a complete financial management service to specified directorates within the organisation and play a key role in the organisation's overall financial management.
• Support the strategic financial management of the organisation through the provision of financial leadership to senior leadership teams; responsible for the financial governance of specified Directorates, ensuring financial regularity, compliance and value-for-money within a framework of excellent customer service and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the financial governance of specified Directorates, ensuring financial regularity, compliance and value-for-money.
• Support the senior management team within specified Directorates, reporting regularly to the Director as the lead customer.
• Provide sound and challenging advice on plans, using knowledge and data-led insight to ensure value for money outcomes aligned to strategic objectives.
• Work effectively with the Strategic Financial Management team to provide high-quality, data-driven insight and intelligence.
• Perform a lead role as custodian of the organisation’s budget.
• Provide a challenge function to senior management in respect of financial decision making and governance.
• Ensure the day-to-day implementation of cultural change across the Service with respect to devolved budgeting by advocating best practice financial governance.
• Act as the key liaison between devolved and corporate finance to ensure consistency and compliance with strategic decision-making.
• Ensure that budget holders are clear on their delegated budgets and savings targets, working proactively with budget holders to identify and develop appropriate forecasting methodologies.
• Promote a high level of financial awareness and financial management across the Directorate, managing the design, development, planning and delivery of training products.
• Provide comprehensive financial management support to specified Directorates, including monthly reporting, variance analysis, forecasting, scenario planning and costing of service developments.
• Produce monthly variance analysis reports which review actual financial performance against budgeted levels.
• Prepare accurate monthly financial forecasts of year-end outturn, developing strategies for achieving breakeven and managing associated risks for reporting to the Board and the Department of Health.
• Use complex analytical skills to develop and prepare key management reporting and information to inform decision-making.
• Provide specialist ad hoc financial guidance and advice, playing a key role within the senior management of specified directorates.
• Support procurement activities, acting as liaison between Directorates and the Procurement function.
• Review and authorise payments within predetermined limits, including the transmission of BACS payments, handling cheques and petty cash.
• Support the senior finance team in maintaining effective financial control within designated Directorates by contributing to the organisation’s financial strategy and financial plan.
• Support the development of the annual budget setting process for designated Directorates.
• Work collaboratively with senior staff to ensure alignment of financial plans with overall financial strategy.
• Have lead responsibility for finance, including provision of forecasting information and expert advice on organisational-wide change projects.
• Provide specialist support to the development of financial management strategies, plans and targets.
• Work in partnership with the customer to deliver high-quality business cases and other option appraisals.
• Be responsible for the recommendation of Business Case Appraisals to the Director / Executive Leadership Team for approval.
• Provide specialist advice and guidance on the completion of post-project evaluations.
• Ensure that all statutory financial and integrated governance requirements are met.
• Advise on the development of systems and processes that ensure control and compliance with Standing Financial Instructions.
• Support budget holders and other senior managers in the fulfilment of their financial management responsibilities.
• Identify, highlight and provide information on the possible financial impact/risks of particular actions and/or decisions.
• Ensure compliance with standing financial instructions, professional standards, government accounting and Treasury and departmental guidance.
• Play a key role in the formation and implementation of relevant policies and procedures.
• Support corporate initiatives to attain Best Value and promote the concept of value for money and continuous improvement.
• Communicate and maintain an effective network with other Finance Business Partners.
• Represent the Finance Department on internal committees, working groups, project teams and external groups.
• Help design and embed the new and emergent finance operating model(s).
• Provide leadership to others within the financial management function and wider Finance Directorate.
• Responsible for professional development and performance of the wider team.
• Deputise for the Head of Strategic Financial Management when required.

Essential Skills:

• Have successfully completed the professional examinations and be a full, current member of a CCAB recognised body.
• At least two years post-qualification experience providing a comprehensive management accounting & analysis service to senior management.
• Strong analytical ability with experience of analysing and interpreting financial information.
• Experience of presenting financial information and advice to Senior Management.
• Provide financial advice, balancing the need to challenge and support teams appropriately.