At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial planning, budget setting, and analysis for Hastings Borough Council.
- Company: Join Hastings Borough Council, a supportive and collaborative workplace.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, a pension scheme, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the borough's financial future while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: AAT-qualified or studying towards AAT/CCAB with experience in budgeting and reporting.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and hybrid working.
The predicted salary is between 35412 - 40777 £ 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 a finance professional who is AAT‑qualified or currently studying towards their AAT qualification or progressing toward a CCAB qualification (ACA/CIMA/ACCA/CIPFA). You will bring experience in budget setting, monitoring, and financial reporting, along with strong numerical, analytical, and IT skills. The role also requires the ability to communicate complex financial information in a clear and accessible way.
Essential Requirements
- AAT‑qualified or currently studying towards their AAT qualification or progressing towards a CCAB qualification (ACA/CIMA/ACCA/CIPFA).
- 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
Assistant Finance Business Partner in Hastings employer: Hastings Frontend
Contact Detail:
Hastings Frontend Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Finance Business Partner in Hastings
✨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 brushing up on your financial knowledge and local government accounting procedures. We recommend practising common interview questions and having examples ready that showcase your experience in budget setting and monitoring.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your analytical skills! During the interview, be ready to discuss how you've tackled financial challenges in the past. Use specific examples to demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and how you can contribute to the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining Hastings Borough Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Finance Business Partner in Hastings
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Assistant Finance Business Partner role. Highlight your AAT qualifications, budget setting experience, and any relevant financial skills that match what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your analytical and IT skills have helped you in previous roles. Use specific examples to show how you've tackled financial challenges or improved processes.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We want to see your ability to communicate complex financial information clearly, so avoid jargon and focus on clarity.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, plus you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
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 your experience with financial analysis and how you've contributed to previous projects. This will show that you understand the core responsibilities of the Assistant Finance Business Partner role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Local Government Accounting
Make sure you understand local government accounting procedures. Research Hastings Borough Council's financial policies and any recent changes in regulations. This will help you demonstrate your commitment to the role and your ability to adapt to their specific needs.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Think about potential scenarios you might face in this role, such as identifying financial risks or preparing budget reports. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully navigated similar challenges. This will showcase your problem-solving skills and practical knowledge.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. Since the role involves working closely with budget managers and stakeholders, being able to communicate effectively is key. Consider doing mock interviews with a friend to refine your delivery and ensure clarity.