At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide high-quality financial analysis and support budget holders in delivering value-for-money services.
- Company: Join Brent Council, a vibrant and diverse London borough committed to community welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, flexible working, and excellent pension contributions.
- Other info: Embrace a supportive environment that values diversity and offers great career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping services for vulnerable community members while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with strong analytical skills and experience in budget management.
The predicted salary is between 66378 - 69984 £ per year.
We are recruiting for a Senior Finance Analyst for Adult Social Care and Commissioning Services. Brent is a tremendously vibrant London borough where the iconic arch of Wembley Stadium dominates the skyline. Spanning both inner and outer London, it is a borough of huge contrasts in terms of its economic, environmental, ethnic and social make up. At Brent, finance is more than just producing the accounts, it's about enabling transformation, safeguarding public resources, and helping shape the future of our borough.
Working closely with colleagues across the council to ensure that financial insight is at the heart of decision‑making. Their work is grounded in fairness, inclusion, and respect, and great pride is taken in creating a team environment where every voice is heard, and every success is celebrated. These values are not just aspirations, they are embedded in how they lead, how they support each other, and how they deliver for Brent's communities.
The Post
We are seeking an experienced forward‑thinking Finance Business Partner to support the Adult Social Care and Commissioning directorate and help shape services that support some of the most vulnerable members of our community. As a key strategic partner to operational leaders, you'll bring clarity, insight, and challenge to financial decision‑making across the services. As the SFA you will be expected to be familiar with the services provided by the department and the complexities around them, including funding arrangements. The Senior Finance Analyst will report into the relevant Head of Finance. They will provide officers and senior stakeholders with high level professional advice and make a positive contribution to the delivery of the service.
You will be responsible for:
- Providing high‑quality financial analysis, modelling, and forecasting
- Supporting budget holders to deliver sustainable, value‑for‑money services
- Leading on financial planning, monitoring, and reporting
- Translating complex financial information into clear, actionable advice
- Driving improvements, efficiencies, and innovation across the directorate
- Managing 2 financial analysts and a graduate trainee
Key activities will include:
- Strong business partnering experience, ideally in adult social care or a strong desire to work in that area.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to build trusted relationships.
- Confidence in challenging stakeholders influencing strategic decisions.
- A proactive, solutions‑focused mindset - you will embrace change as opposed to resisting it
- Experience in local government finance and ideally exposure to adult social care
- Leading the promotion of good financial management so that public money is safeguarded at all times and used appropriately, economically, efficiently and effectively.
- Ensuring a systematic approach to financial control alongside the modernisation and streamlining of all processes.
- Supporting the departmental Head of Finance in the provision of high‑level professional advice on a very broad range of financial issues.
- Managing and leading staff to achieve high performance and effective operational delivery, including developing and improving staff capability
The Person
- Is a driven and motivated fully qualified accountant (CCAB or equivalent).
- Has excellent communications skills and the ability to challenge and influence a range of stakeholders.
- Has experience of supporting budget management for complex demand led services is essential.
- Has strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence, challenge and build effective working relationships
- Highly analytical skill set with exceptional attention to detail
- Experience in local government finance, ideally in adult social care is desirable but not essential.
- Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and deliver high‑quality outputs to tight deadlines
Why join us?
- Generous holiday entitlement starting from 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Excellent pension with generous employer contributions (LGPS)
- Flexible working and the opportunity to work from home 2 days per week (laptop provided)
- Supportive family-friendly policies for parent, guardians, and carers
- Health and wellbeing support, including access to eye test support and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Financial support such as education sessions, childcare deposit loans, and season ticket loans
- Travel perks including affordable parking nearby, a Cycle to Work scheme, and great onsite facilities
- Learning and development opportunities to help you grow your career
- Access to My Brent Rewards with exclusive discounts on shopping, travel, leisure, and entertainment
Brent Council values the diversity of its community and aims to have a workforce that reflects this and therefore encourage applications from all sections of the community. We positively encourage all applicants to self-identify their characteristics in the diversity survey section in the application. We are committed to safer recruitment and safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants should be aware that posts working with children, young people and vulnerable adults are subject to an Enhanced DBS check as well as other employment clearances.
Senior Finance Analyst employer: Brent Council
Brent Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering generous holiday entitlements, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion. As a Senior Finance Analyst, you will play a crucial role in shaping services for vulnerable community members while benefiting from extensive learning opportunities and a strong commitment to staff development in the vibrant and diverse borough of Brent.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Analyst
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Brent Council. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Analyst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Brent Council.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Brent Council's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Brent Council
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Brent Council.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Brent Council will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Brent Council employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
