Senior Finance Business Partner in Essex

Overview

Maldon District Council is working in partnership with Essex Shared Services to support the role of Senior Finance Business Partner.

This full-time position offers hybrid working with an expectation of attending the office 2 days per week.

• Role Purpose
• Provide trusted specialist financial advice and support to service areas, enabling informed decision-making.
• Provide timely and relevant financial analysis and advice supporting both corporate reporting and local service requirements.
• Adapt reporting approaches to the needs of the service.
• Ensure the financial position is communicated effectively and understood by the service.
• Coach budget holders and encourage them to develop financial acumen.
• Ensure compliance with statutory regulations, legislation, professional codes of practice, and council financial policies.
• Support the development and implementation of financial strategies, business planning, and budget management.
• Act as a trusted partner to service managers, guiding the effective use of resources and monitoring performance.
• Drive efficiency and value for money across service areas.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of financial processes and systems.
• Maintain high standards of professional practice within the finance team.
• Accountabilities – Service Delivery
• Provide proactive financial support and guidance to service managers to inform decision-making and drive business performance.
• Prepare, analyse, and interpret financial data, reports, and forecasts to support operational and strategic planning.
• Monitor service budgets, highlight risks and opportunities, and ensure effective resource management.
• Support the development and delivery of service and corporate financial plans, strategies, and initiatives.
• Act as a point of contact for financial queries, ensuring timely and accurate responses to internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of financial processes, systems, and reporting to enhance efficiency and compliance.
• Support corporate projects, initiatives, and service reviews by providing specialist financial input and advice.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the council to ensure alignment between finance, service delivery, and corporate objectives.
• The Experience You Will Bring
• CCAB qualified is desirable; AAT is a minimum requirement, with equivalent prior learning and experience considered if demonstrating the ability to operate at a senior finance professional level.
• Evidence of continuous professional development (CPD) to maintain up-to-date technical knowledge and skills.
• Relevant experience in a local government or public sector finance environment is desirable.

In-depth understanding of local government finance, governance arrangements, and statutory requirements.

• Strong working knowledge of relevant legislation, financial regulations, and professional codes of practice.
• Awareness of council policies, procedures, and strategic priorities, including corporate planning and service delivery frameworks.
• Knowledge of financial management principles, including budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation.
• Understanding of continuous improvement, business process redesign, and value-for-money principles.
• Awareness of digital financial systems and reporting tools relevant to local authority finance.
• Significant experience in financial management, preferably within a local government or public sector environment.
• Proven experience providing specialist financial advice to managers and senior leaders, influencing decision-making and business outcomes.
• Experience in preparing, analysing, and interpreting financial reports, forecasts, and budgets.
• Experience of managing or supporting the delivery of projects, initiatives, or service improvements with financial implications.
• Demonstrable experience in monitoring and controlling budgets, ensuring compliance with legislation, policies, and financial regulations.
• Experience working collaboratively across teams and with multiple stakeholders, including senior officers and members.
• Evidence of delivering continuous improvement in financial processes, systems, or reporting.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial information and provide clear recommendations.
• Proven ability to manage own workload, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 applications (Excel, Word, Power Point) and financial management systems.
• Ability to provide guidance and support to colleagues, contributing to a high-performing, collaborative team environment.
• Sound organisational skills to ensure accurate management of financial information, reporting, and documentation.
• Confident in identifying risks and recommending mitigating actions to ensure financial compliance and service delivery.
• Be part of Maldon District Council - "Where Quality of Life Matters"

Maldon District Council is a local authority with a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable groups, including children, young people and adults.

Disclosure and Barring checks will be undertaken according to the responsibilities of the role.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures and experiences and will consider applicants regardless of race, sex, disability or marital status.

Maldon District Council is committed to the employment and career development of disabled people.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and take actions to successfully employ and retain disabled people and those with health conditions.

For more information on this position, please email essexsharedservices@essex. gov. uk.

Essex Shared Services is advertising this role as part of its partnership with Maldon District Council; however, the successful candidate will be employed directly by Maldon District Council.

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