At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning and analysis for Somerset's education service, ensuring effective resource use.
- Company: Join a dynamic team supporting education in Somerset with a focus on financial sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, opportunity to make a real impact, and professional development.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for growth and influence in public sector finance.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education finance while working closely with leaders and stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Professional accounting qualification and experience in financial management and analysis.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ 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
- 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 England employer: Ackerman Pierce
Ackerman Pierce is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both employees and the vulnerable adults they serve. With a focus on professional growth, employees benefit from tailored development opportunities and the guidance of a personal consultant, ensuring a rewarding career in the heart of Brentford's vibrant community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Business Partner (Education) in England
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
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Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Ackerman Pierce.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Ackerman Pierce might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Business Partner (Education) in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Ackerman Pierce will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Ackerman Pierce. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Ackerman Pierce confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ackerman Pierce
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Ackerman Pierce.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Ackerman Pierce that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
