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- Tasks: Manage finances for key services and support budget planning at East Suffolk Council.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at East Suffolk Council, making a difference in local communities.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, flexible working, and access to various employee discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that impacts 250,000 residents while developing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance, budgeting, and team supervision; CIMA, ACA, ACCA or CIPFA preferred.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities in a supportive and collaborative environment.
The predicted salary is between 44075 - 53460 £ per year.
Location: Riverside, Lowestoft NR33 0EQ and Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1RT
Salary: £44,075 - £53,460 per annum, Band 8 to 9
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
East Suffolk Council is an exciting place to work, delivering essential local services and making a real difference to a quarter of a million people across East Suffolk. We currently have an opportunity to join East Suffolk Council's Finance Team as a Finance Business Partner, working in the Lowestoft and Melton area.
Your role
- To be responsible for the financial management of allocated service areas in the Council giving advice, guidance and support to Service Managers and Senior Management.
- To support the delivery of the Medium‑Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), the production of the annual budgets, in‑year budget monitoring, the reporting of the year‑end outturn position and the production of the Statement of Accounts, all within accordance of statutory reporting requirements.
- To contribute to the progression of various corporate initiatives in accordance with relevant statutory requirements and policies and to ensure the Council is compliant with all relevant financial legislation and statutory requirements.
- In collaboration with colleagues, ensure that the whole service is delivered in a professional manner in accordance with relevant statutory requirements and policies.
What you will need
- Previous experience in Finance Business Partnering, including monitoring budgets against actual spend, establishment monitoring and providing financial advice to assist with decision making.
- Experience of supervising staff to deliver accounting services.
- Advanced use of appropriate accounting tools and applications, such as financial ledgers, Excel including pivot tables, financial modelling and financial appraisals.
- Knowledge of accounting principles, investment appraisal techniques and budgetary control process.
- Experience in financial management and planning.
- Experience of successful, operational delivery within a changing environment.
- Qualified in CIMA, ACA, ACCA or CIPFA (desirable).
- Advantageous to have local government experience.
Why work for us?
- Generous leave entitlement (equivalent to 25 days a year, increasing to 31 days after 5 years' service, plus bank holidays)
- Local government pension scheme
- Flexible working arrangements
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- A wide variety of staff support networks including access to health and wellbeing initiatives and programmes.
- Discounts on mobile phones, computers, holiday and travel, fashion and clothing, health and beauty and many other products and services.
For more information
For an informal discussion regarding this post, please contact Holly Antill by emailing holly.antill@eastsuffolk.gov.uk. Please note that only full applications will be considered. CV’s are not accepted. Applications are subject to a point scoring process against the Personal Specification and Job Description. Successful candidates will be contacted to arrange an interview. Closing date 11.30 pm, 1 May 2026.
How to apply
Read the advert and the Job Description and Person Specification (Word). Complete the Supporting Statement template (Word). Your statement needs to indicate how you meet each of the criteria contained within the Person Specification. Please use the template provided – other formats will not be accepted. Complete the online application and upload your statement. Please note, CVs are not accepted. For more information, check out the How to Apply section of our career site.
Finance Business Partner - Planning in Lowestoft employer: East Suffolk Council
Contact Detail:
East Suffolk Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner - Planning in Lowestoft
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research East Suffolk Council's values, recent projects, and their financial strategies. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local finance events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to finance business partnering. Think about how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around budget monitoring and financial advice. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! Make sure your supporting statement clearly addresses the criteria in the Person Specification. This is your chance to shine and show how you meet their expectations.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner - Planning in Lowestoft
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Before you start writing, give the job description a good read. It’ll help us understand what East Suffolk Council is looking for and how we can tailor our application to match their needs.
Use the Supporting Statement Template: Make sure to use the provided Supporting Statement template. This is crucial as other formats won’t be accepted. It’s your chance to shine, so fill it out carefully and ensure you address each criterion in the Person Specification.
Be Specific and Relevant: When detailing your experience, be specific about how it relates to the role. Use examples that showcase your skills in financial management and planning, especially those that align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is considered. Plus, it keeps everything organised on our end, making it easier for us to review your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at East Suffolk Council
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Business Partner, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets in the past. Prepare examples of how you've used financial data to influence decision-making.
✨Understand the Council's Goals
Familiarise yourself with East Suffolk Council's Medium-Term Financial Strategy and any recent initiatives. Showing that you understand their objectives will help you align your answers with their needs and demonstrate your commitment to supporting their goals.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with accounting tools and applications, especially Excel. You might be asked to explain how you've used pivot tables or financial modelling in previous roles, so have specific examples ready to share.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in a changing environment. Think about times when you've had to adapt your financial strategies or manage unexpected challenges, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.