Finance Business Partner - Children & Education
Location: Gloucestershire
Region: Gloucestershire
Country: GB
Postcode: BS37 7NE
Contract Type: Full time, Permanent
Organisation: Bristol City Council
Closing Date: Sunday 17th November 2026
Shape the future of services that change children's lives in one of the UK's most ambitious local authorities.
This is far more than a finance leadership position. You will provide strategic financial leadership for a circa £500 million portfolio at the heart of Bristol City Council, influencing critical decisions across Children's Social Care, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), education services and major transformation programmes.
The opportunity
Leading a high-performing finance team, you will be the trusted advisor to senior officers and elected members, driving financial sustainability, service transformation and improved outcomes for children and young people. You will play a pivotal role in budget setting, financial planning, performance reporting and the delivery of complex change programmes, including the Stable Homes Programme and wider SEND transformation.
You will bring
- Significant experience leading finance teams in a complex organization
- Strong finance business partnering expertise with large-scale and complex budgets
- Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive strategic decisions
- Strong commercial and analytical skills, balancing financial discipline with service outcomes
- Experience within children's social care, SEND or education funding environments including familiarity with governance of the Dedicated Schools Grant
- Full CCAB qualification (essential)
You will be motivated by complexity, inspired by public service and excited by the opportunity to help shape services that have a lasting impact on the lives of children, young people, and families.
If you are looking for a career-defining leadership role where your expertise will influence major strategic decisions, this is an opportunity not to be missed.
Additional Information
- Closing date: Sunday 1st November 2026 (Please note updated closing date from original publication)
- No agencies please.
- This role is subject to a standard DBS check.
- At Bristol City Council, we value having a workforce as diverse as the city we serve. We therefore welcome, develop and promote people from all sections of the community. We particularly welcome applications from Black and racially minoritised candidates, Disabled candidates, young people, and LGBTQ+ candidates, who are currently under-represented within this service area of Bristol City Council.
- Appointments will be made on merit.
- Basis: Full time
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Finance Business Partner - Children & Education in Gloucester employer: Bristol City Council
Bristol City Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment. With a strong commitment to employee development, hybrid working options, and a comprehensive rewards package, including generous annual leave and pension benefits, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in Bristol. Join us in championing inclusive education and driving positive change within our vibrant community.
