Finance Business Partner

About the job Finance Business Partner

Position Title: Finance Business Partner

Main Purpose of Post: Oversee and coordinate a team to deliver an efficient and effective financial management service to budget holders that enables the council to deliver its financial objectives.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Administer the preparation and coordination of both revenue and capital budgets and maintain systems and procedures for the effective financial operation of the Council to facilitate accurate budgetary management and forecasting.
• Liaise with Budget holders and other stakeholders, offering financial information, advice, training and expertise to support them in managing their budgets, control costs and ensure compliance with financial regulations, legislation, new initiatives and other codes of practice.
• Undertake the role of valued partner offering a professional independent viewpoint alongside expertise, challenge and empathy all necessary to support the delivery of service business objectives and financial priorities.
• Participate in the year‑end process to ensure the closure of accounts are completed within agreed timescales, supported by appropriate working papers in accordance with best practice and contributes to achieving a good external audit opinion.
• Promote a culture of collaboration and a strong focus on customer service and satisfaction whilst maintaining an independent viewpoint.
• Oversee and coordinate completion of financial reconciliations and appropriate forms to ensure the council\’s financial systems and controls are robust.
• Ensure grants, government returns and claims etc are monitored, processed and completed accurately within timescales and maximum benefit is afforded to the council.
• Provide pricing and unit cost information with intelligent, comparative and financial performance data to assist the council in its commissioning role.
• Participate in the continual review of processes within the Business Partnering team to ensure that the service remains valued and adaptable to suit customer need.
• Deliver a positive management approach to training, development and the motivation of staff including objective setting, performance review and individual and team development and assist in developing the appropriate culture of the organisation.
• Ability to undertake and work on own initiative demonstrating flexibility, responsibility and effectiveness to produce ad hoc financial planning and costing exercises, using appraisals and other financial techniques to ensure best use of council\’s resources.
• To act up for Finance Manager in their absence or represent in meetings as required.
• There is no requirement for an Enhanced DBS check requirement.
• To address health and safety policies and arrangements in a pro‑active manner to ensure a high standard of safe working practices are maintained.
• Equal Opportunities Statement To actively support and implement the principles and practice of equality of opportunity as laid down in the Councils Equal Opportunities Policy.
• Welsh Language Competency Level 1 – Very little or no knowledge of Welsh.

Experience

Three years relevant experience within a public sector financial environment

Knowledge

Understand the mechanics and role of the Council and the wider public sector regime

Can demonstrate knowledge of relevant accounting standards and principles and codes of practice

Experience of implementing and embedding appropriate financial control mechanisms

Sound grasp of financial ledger systems and their mechanics, also Microsoft packages

Regulation, Qualifications and Training

Full membership of CCAB body or currently at the final stages of training to gain the qualification.

Undertaking relevant CPD training and sets continuous goals for self development.

Personal Qualities

• Able to work on own initiative and as part of a team demonstrating problem solving skills and creativity
• Ability to work creatively by responding to complex and technically demanding challenges
• Demonstrable integrity, open, honest and inclusivity
• Self‑aware, with understanding of one\’s strengths and limitations and clear on the impact of one\’s behaviours
• Confident in decision making and assertive when ensuring stakeholders are engaged

Skills

• Budgeting and accounting background with use of analytical and other financial techniques
• Effective oral and written communication skills at all levels with the ability to engage and influence colleagues and customers
• Ability to plan and prioritise effectively ensuring deadlines and targets are achieved
• Excellent ICT skills
• Staff management and development

Other Requirements

• May be required to work evenings and flexibly
• Full driving license and ability to travel around the County to meetings etc.
• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and working to the vision and values of the council
• Ability to speak Welsh