At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial planning, budget setting, and analysis for Hastings Borough Council.
- Company: Join Hastings Borough Council, a forward-thinking local authority.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, a pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public finance while developing your career.
- Qualifications: AAT qualified and studying towards a professional accountancy qualification.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for growth and learning.
The predicted salary is between 29330 - 33500 £ per year.
Hastings Borough Council is looking for an enthusiastic and detail-oriented Assistant Finance Business Partner to join our Financial Services team. This role is crucial in supporting the Finance Business Partnering team, helping to provide high-quality financial services, including budget setting, monitoring, financial analysis, and final accounts preparation. You will work closely with budget managers and council stakeholders to ensure financial planning and management meet the Council's objectives, while also assisting in the development of financial policies, processes, and reporting improvements.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in preparing annual revenue and capital budgets, ensuring compliance with corporate procedures and financial regulations.
- Support the identification and monitoring of financial risks and pressures, including efficiency savings.
- Help produce monthly budget monitoring reports, supporting budget managers with forecasting and financial analysis.
- Assist in the closing of accounts, ensuring compliance with statutory and audit requirements.
- Support the reconciliation of control accounts and address any inconsistencies.
- Contribute to financial returns, grant claims, and compliance reporting.
- Provide financial training and guidance to council officers.
- Ensure financial audit standards are met, working collaboratively with auditors.
About You:
We are looking for an AAT-qualified finance professional, ideally working towards a CCAB qualification (ACA/CIMA/ACCA/CIPFA), with experience in budget setting, monitoring, and financial reporting. You will have strong numerical, analytical, and IT skills, with the ability to communicate complex financial information clearly.
Essential Requirements:
- AAT qualified and studying towards a professional accountancy qualification.
- Experience in budget setting, monitoring, and closing accounts.
- Knowledge of local government accounting procedures.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
- Strong understanding of financial, accounting, and budgeting principles.
- Ability to analyse financial information and produce clear, concise reports.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise workload.
Why Join Us?
At Hastings Borough Council, we offer a supportive and collaborative work environment where you will have opportunities for professional development. You'll play a key role in ensuring strong financial management for the borough, helping to shape our financial future.
Our Benefits Include:
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Flexible working arrangements
- Employee Discount Scheme
- Seafront office location with hybrid working options
If you're passionate about public sector finance and want to develop your career in a forward-thinking council, we'd love to hear from you!
How to Apply
Please apply online via the link provided. Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.
Assistant Finance Business Partner employer: Hastings Frontend
Contact Detail:
Hastings Frontend Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Finance Business Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Hastings Borough Council on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common finance-related questions. Think about how your skills in budget setting and financial analysis can help the council achieve its objectives. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your analytical skills! Bring examples of how you've tackled financial challenges in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the responsibilities of the Assistant Finance Business Partner role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Hastings Borough Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Finance Business Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Assistant Finance Business Partner. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Since we're looking for an AAT-qualified professional, be sure to clearly mention your qualifications and any progress towards your CCAB qualification. This helps us see your commitment to your professional development.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to complex financial information. Make it easy for us to see your strengths!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is received properly. Remember, we don’t accept CVs without a completed online application form, so make sure you follow the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hastings Frontend
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your financial knowledge, especially around budget setting and monitoring. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your understanding of financial principles and local government accounting procedures.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to explain how you've used your analytical skills in past roles. Think of instances where you identified financial risks or contributed to financial reporting improvements. Use clear, concise language to communicate complex information.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Council's Objectives
Research Hastings Borough Council and understand its financial goals and challenges. This will help you align your answers with their objectives and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their financial management.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be working closely with budget managers and stakeholders, practice explaining financial concepts in simple terms. Consider doing mock interviews with a friend to refine your ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively.