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- Tasks: Support finance teams by partnering with service managers on budgeting and financial planning.
- Company: Join a friendly, supportive finance community in East Sussex.
- Benefits: Flexible working, professional development, and diverse benefits to support your career.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact in public service while advancing your finance career.
- Qualifications: AAT qualified or part qualified accountants with strong communication skills.
- Other info: Opportunities for vocational training and career progression in a dynamic environment.
Are you looking to progress your accounting career in a friendly, supportive finance community? We are looking for AAT qualified or part qualified accountants to join our finance team who are also self-motivated and passionate about making a positive difference in the public service. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you!
Our Principal Finance Officers provide customer focused, effective finance business partnering skills, through building relationships with a range of budget holders and heads of service who are providing high quality services to the residents of East Sussex. Principal finance officers will meet regularly with service managers to assist them with their budget setting, budget monitoring, financial modelling, service planning and accounting responsibilities. The role gives the opportunity to work with non-finance professionals at all levels across a range of different services either on a one-to-one basis or as part of a multi discipline project team.
We are looking for candidates who:
- Are organised, persuasive and a problem-solver
- Will focus on delivery and customer service
- Will be able to communicate through a variety of media at all levels within the organisation
- Has knowledge and experience of financial planning
Previous experience in public sector finance is desirable but not essential and we welcome applications from experienced finance professionals from other sectors. However, the successful candidate should be able to demonstrate awareness of the implications of working within a public sector environment and how this affects financial management and planning arrangements.
To apply for this role, please follow the ‘Apply Now’ button above and upload your CV and a Supporting Statement. We will be using your Supporting Statement to shortlist so please be sure to address how you meet all the criteria in the person specification, drawing on any relevant work/life experience, education, or personal interests. You should include examples of where you have used business partnering and spreadsheet skills in current or previous roles.
For guidance on how to write an application see our how to apply page. Please download the Job Description and Person Specification for more information.
Interviews will take place in person at County Hall, Lewes. Interviews will be taking place on Thursday 11 December. If you are unavailable on these dates let us know and we may be able to schedule an alternative date to interview you. Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority when we shortlist.
This is an exciting opportunity to enhance your professional finance career in a team that is an accredited employer with CIPFA, CIMA, ACCA and AAT, that provides a great working environment where you are supported and given a platform to develop and opportunities to progress. We offer flexible, and hybrid working arrangements to support a good work life balance. We also offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page.
Vocational Training through Apprenticeships is now available to our staff, ranging from entry level to degree level qualifications. You can talk to the hiring manager and the apprenticeship team about what qualifications would be relevant to you and this job role, and if it is possible to support you in apprenticeship training.
For an informal discussion about this opportunity contact Jill Fisher (jill.fisher@eastsussex.gov.uk) or Andy Fowler (andy.fowler@eastsussex.gov.uk) to request a MS teams call or phone call.
Choose East Sussex!
Principal Finance Officer employer: East Sussex County Council
Contact Detail:
East Sussex County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Finance Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on East Sussex and its finance team. Understanding their values and how they operate will help you connect better during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your business partnering skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you've worked closely with non-finance professionals. This will show that you can communicate effectively across different levels.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your problem-solving abilities! Prepare some scenarios where you've tackled financial challenges or improved processes. This will highlight your organisational skills and focus on delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Finance Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Make sure to customise your Supporting Statement to highlight how you meet the criteria in the person specification. Use specific examples from your work or life experience that showcase your skills in business partnering and financial planning.
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since the role involves working with various stakeholders, demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively. Use clear and concise language in your application, and consider including examples of how you've successfully communicated complex financial information to non-finance professionals.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Even if you don’t have public sector finance experience, draw attention to any relevant roles you've held in other sectors. Emphasise your problem-solving abilities and how you've contributed to effective financial management in those positions.
Follow the Application Process: Don’t forget to apply through our website by clicking the ‘Apply Now’ button! Ensure you upload both your CV and Supporting Statement as instructed, as these are crucial for us when shortlisting candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at East Sussex County Council
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your financial knowledge and be ready to discuss key concepts related to budgeting, financial modelling, and public sector finance. This will show that you’re not just a numbers person but also someone who understands the implications of financial decisions in a public service context.
✨Showcase Your Business Partnering Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully collaborated with non-finance professionals in previous roles. Highlight instances where your communication skills made a difference in achieving financial goals or improving service delivery.
✨Tailor Your Supporting Statement
Make sure your Supporting Statement directly addresses the criteria in the person specification. Use clear examples from your work or life experience that demonstrate your organisational skills, problem-solving abilities, and customer service focus.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the finance team’s objectives. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you understand how you can contribute to making a positive difference in the public service.
