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- Tasks: Join our Finance team as a partner, providing real-time financial support and analysis.
- Company: Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils serve 190,000 residents, enhancing community life in Suffolk.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, competitive pension, wellbeing support, and hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing your finance skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Relevant qualification at NVQ4/HND level or equivalent experience required.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements available; commitment to equality and diversity.
The predicted salary is between 30700 - 36700 £ per year.
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils - Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX
£36,124 - £42,708 per annum (pro rata for part time)
Full time, 37 hours per week
Permanent
Full time, part time and job share opportunities will be considered.
What we are looking for
We are looking for a Finance Business Partner to join our Finance team. You will share our values, commitment, and motivation to make a difference for our residents, clients, and communities.
About the role
The Finance Business Partner will provide expert support and analysis for our service areas, enabling them to make a difference for our districts whilst ensuring effective financial controls are in place. You will:
- work closely with service areas to create a real and active partnership with both operations and management, providing 'real time' financial support and analysis
- be a trusted advisor, communicating and persuading effectively, adding value, challenging, negotiating, and influencing Corporate Managers and Assistant Directors
- provide a greater understanding of the financial implications of their operational and strategic decisions
- provide financial leadership, and highly relevant insight into the business performance of the designated service areas
- act as a key stakeholder in decision making by providing risk adjusted financial information and analysis.
About you
We are looking for someone with great commercial acumen, strong analytical skills and a thorough understanding of financial controls, systems and procedures. You will:
- hold a relevant qualification at NVQ4/HND/Foundation degree level, or have gained equivalent level of knowledge through experience
- evidence using your skills and knowledge to provide real time financial insight and an understanding of the financial implications of decisions to non-finance colleagues
- have a strong work ethic, possess proven communication skills, and an ability to challenge in an effective manner
- be able to work well independently and as a member of a team.
About us
Working together across our councils and with our partners in the public, private and voluntary sectors, we provide excellent services to our 190,000 residents across Babergh and Mid Suffolk. We are proud of the role we play in creating the environment, economy, and communities for our districts. We believe that the heart of Suffolk is an incredibly special place to live and work. With picturesque market towns, 60 conservation areas and with two National Landscapes within our districts, it is little wonder that we are consistently within the top 50 places to live in the UK.
Benefits of working with us:
- Great opportunities for learning and development.
- Generous leave entitlement (equivalent to 26 days a year, increasing to 31 days after 5 years' service, plus bank holidays).
- Competitive Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Wellbeing Support Program
- Employee Assist Program
- Health Care Options
Our ways of working:
Work is what we do, not where we go! We are committed to working in a more Hybrid way, with a mix of office, home, and remote based working. (Business needs permitting) This has worked well for us and is something we will be continuing with. We are committed to supporting equality and diversity, Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils provide opportunity and ambition for all, supporting and enabling our people to deliver the best possible service for our residents.
For more information
If you wish to discuss the Hybrid working approach for this role, or for an informal discussion, please call Sean Coulter, Senior Finance Business Partner, on (01449) 724678 or email:
Please read the Job Description and Person Specification.pdf before applying for this job opportunity.
Closing date: 5pm, 8 May 2025.
When applying, please ensure:
- that you complete the application form as fully as possible with your employment and educational history as shortlisting will be based upon the application form and supporting statement only.
- your statement indicates how you meet each of the criteria in the Person Profile section of the Job Description/Person Specification (JDPS).
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
Finance Business Partner employer: Babergh District Council and Mid Suffolk District Council
Contact Detail:
Babergh District Council and Mid Suffolk District Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial systems and procedures used by Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils. Understanding their unique processes will help you demonstrate your readiness to provide effective financial support and analysis.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the councils, especially those in finance roles. They can provide valuable insights into the organisational culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated complex financial information to non-financial colleagues. This will showcase your ability to be a trusted advisor and effectively influence decision-making.
✨Tip Number 4
Research recent financial initiatives or projects undertaken by the councils. Being able to discuss these during your interview will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and your proactive approach to understanding their operations.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description and person specification for the Finance Business Partner position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: In your supporting statement, clearly demonstrate how your experience and qualifications meet each criterion listed in the person profile. Use specific examples to illustrate your skills in financial analysis and communication.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you mention any relevant qualifications, such as NVQ4/HND/Foundation degree level or equivalent experience. This is crucial as the employer is looking for candidates with a strong understanding of financial controls and systems.
Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form completely, providing detailed information about your employment and educational history. Remember, shortlisting will be based on this form and your supporting statement, so accuracy and completeness are key.
How to prepare for a job interview at Babergh District Council and Mid Suffolk District Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Finance Business Partner. Familiarise yourself with how this role supports service areas and contributes to financial decision-making within the councils.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your strong analytical skills. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to provide real-time financial insights and influenced decisions in previous roles.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since the role requires effective communication with non-finance colleagues, practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. This will show your ability to be a trusted advisor and a persuasive communicator.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork
Emphasise your ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Share experiences where you've collaborated with others to achieve financial goals or improve processes, aligning with the council's values of partnership.
