At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert financial advice and ensure compliance with public sector accounting standards.
- Company: Walsall Council, committed to high-quality financial governance.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, professional development opportunities, and a chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Engage with key stakeholders and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and influence financial decisions that impact the community.
- Qualifications: CCAB or CIMA qualified with strong experience in public sector finance.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
The Finance Business Partner (Technical Accounting) will provide high-quality technical accounting, statutory reporting, and financial governance support across the council. The role ensures compliance with public sector accounting standards while supporting senior finance leaders and service managers in making informed financial decisions.
Role Overview
The postholder will act as a key technical expert in statutory accounts, VAT, and collection fund accounting, while also contributing to financial planning, audit readiness, and business partnering activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Technical Accounting & Statutory Reporting
- Lead and support preparation of statutory annual accounts in line with IFRS-based public sector standards
- Provide technical accounting advice on complex financial transactions and reporting issues
- Support year-end closure processes and audit requirements (internal and external)
- Collection Fund & VAT
- Monitor, forecast, and provide expert advice on collection fund accounting (council tax and business rates)
- Deliver VAT advisory support and ensure compliance with HMRC regulations and case law
- Prepare and coordinate VAT returns and related reporting requirements
- Financial Governance & Control
- Ensure strong internal controls and financial governance in line with Section 151 requirements
- Identify and manage financial risks, ensuring compliance with financial regulations and policies
- Support audit processes and implement audit recommendations
- Business Partnering & Advisory
- Provide financial advice to budget holders, service managers, and senior finance officers
- Support development of business cases, options appraisals, and financial modelling
- Contribute to budgeting, forecasting, and medium-term financial planning
- Continuous Improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve financial processes, systems, and reporting
- Support transformation and efficiency initiatives within finance services
Essential Skills & Experience
- Strong experience in local authority or public sector finance
- Excellent knowledge of statutory accounts, IFRS-based reporting, and audit processes
- Proven expertise in collection fund accounting and VAT compliance
- Experience in finance business partnering and stakeholder engagement
- Strong analytical skills with ability to build financial models and interpret complex data
- Experience working in politically sensitive and regulated environments
Qualifications
- CCAB or CIMA qualified (or equivalent) with active CPD
- Strong commitment to professional development and public sector financial standards
Key Stakeholders
- Head of Finance and Section 151 Officer
- Service managers and budget holders
- Internal and external auditors
- HMRC and external regulatory bodies
- Charities and partner organisations
Behavioural Requirements
- Strong professionalism, integrity, and accountability
- Ability to challenge constructively and influence decisions
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Commitment to continuous improvement and value for money
Finance Business Partner – AR in Walsall employer: Carrington Blake Recruitment
Walsall Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises professional development and offers a supportive work culture, making it an ideal place for Finance Business Partners to thrive. With a commitment to public sector excellence, employees benefit from flexible hybrid working arrangements, opportunities for continuous improvement, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community through financial governance and strategic decision-making.
Contact Detail:
Carrington Blake Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner – AR in Walsall
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who work in local authorities. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical accounting knowledge. Be ready to discuss IFRS standards and your experience with statutory accounts. We want you to shine when it comes to showcasing your expertise!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Finance Business Partner role. We’re always on the lookout for passionate candidates who are ready to make a difference in public sector finance!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner – AR in Walsall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Finance Business Partner. Highlight your experience with statutory accounts, VAT, and financial governance. 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 the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past experiences that relate to technical accounting and business partnering. Let us know why you’re excited about joining our team!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires strong analytical abilities, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or tasks where you've successfully interpreted complex data or built financial models. We love seeing how you tackle challenges!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington Blake Recruitment
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of statutory accounts, IFRS-based reporting, and VAT compliance. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated complex financial transactions or reporting issues.
✨Showcase Your Business Partnering Skills
Prepare to talk about how you've provided financial advice to budget holders and service managers in the past. Think of a few scenarios where your input led to informed financial decisions or improved financial processes.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Prowess
Be ready to showcase your analytical skills by discussing how you've built financial models or interpreted complex data. You might even want to bring along a sample model or report to illustrate your capabilities.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since stakeholder engagement is key, think about how you've managed relationships with internal and external auditors or regulatory bodies. Prepare some anecdotes that highlight your communication skills and ability to influence decisions constructively.
