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- Tasks: Lead financial planning and analysis for Somerset's education service, ensuring effective resource use.
- Company: Join a dynamic team supporting children's education in Somerset.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in public sector finance with potential for career growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to influence and drive change.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while developing your financial expertise.
- Qualifications: Strong financial management skills and a professional accounting qualification are essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a temporary 6 month Senior Finance Business Partner to play a key role in supporting Somerset’s education service. You’ll lead on financial planning, forecasting and monitoring across a wide range of education budgets, including DSG budgets, transport, statutory services and traded education services. Working closely with colleagues across finance and education, you’ll provide expert financial insights to ensure resources are used effectively to support children and young people across Somerset. Working with senior finance colleagues and education leaders, you’ll support a small team of Finance Business Partners to deliver a high-quality, resilient finance service for Education.
Role Purpose
As a Senior Finance Business Partner, you will provide expert financial advice, analysis and insight to support services to deliver their objectives and maintain financial sustainability. Working closely with budget holders and senior stakeholders, you will help drive effective financial planning, sound decision-making and improved use of resources across the Council.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide clear, accurate financial analysis and reporting to support strategic and operational decisions
- Support budget holders with financial planning, monitoring and compliance with financial regulations
- Work with senior colleagues to develop and support delivery of financial strategies
- Build strong working relationships with services, offering proactive financial advice and challenge
- Identify financial risks and opportunities, supporting mitigation plans and cost-saving initiatives
- Contribute to financial projects, service reviews and continuous improvement activity
What We’re Looking For – Knowledge, Experience and Skills
Essential
- In-depth understanding of financial management principles and practices
- Knowledge of public sector finance and procurement regulations
- Familiarity with financial reporting standards and compliance requirements
- Understanding of budget development and management processes
- Knowledge of financial software and systems
- Proven experience in financial analysis
- Experience in budget management and financial planning
- Demonstrated experience in preparing and presenting financial reports
- Experience in identifying financial risk
- Professional accounting qualification (e.g. MAAT, ACA, ACCA, CIMA), qualified by experience, studying towards or commitment to study
- Supervisory experience and skills, including contributing to senior management where required
- Demonstrable experience of operating equality and diversity measures in service commissioning and delivery
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Proficiency in financial software and Microsoft Office applications
- Strong organisational and time management skills
Desirable
- Awareness of financial risk management strategies
- Experience in public sector or local government finance
- Experience of leading financial projects and initiatives
- Degree in finance, accounting, or a related field
- Ability to influence and drive change
- Negotiation and conflict resolution skills
Senior Finance Business Partner (Education) in Taunton employer: Ackerman Pierce Ltd
Contact Detail:
Ackerman Pierce Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Business Partner (Education) in Taunton
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the finance and education sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your financial analysis and budgeting skills. Share specific examples of how you've helped previous teams save money or improve processes. We want to see your expertise in action!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before interviews! Understand the key challenges facing Somerset’s education service and think about how your skills can help tackle them. We love candidates who come prepared with insights and solutions.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in education finance.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Business Partner (Education) in Taunton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Finance Business Partner role. Highlight your experience in financial planning, analysis, and public sector finance. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about supporting education services and how your expertise can help us achieve our goals. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on specific examples that demonstrate your financial management skills and your ability to work with budget holders. We love seeing real-life applications of your knowledge!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ackerman Pierce Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your financial management principles and practices. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've handled budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis in previous roles. This will show that you have the expertise needed for the Senior Finance Business Partner position.
✨Understand the Public Sector Landscape
Familiarise yourself with public sector finance regulations and procurement processes. Research Somerset's education service and its financial challenges. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your understanding of the role and how you can contribute to effective financial planning and decision-making.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you can build strong working relationships with budget holders and senior stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in the past, as this role requires excellent communication and interpersonal skills to provide proactive financial advice.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Anticipate questions about identifying financial risks and opportunities. Be ready to discuss how you've developed mitigation plans or cost-saving initiatives in previous roles. This will showcase your analytical and problem-solving skills, which are crucial for the position.