At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to manage coastal flood and erosion risks while providing financial support.
- Company: Be part of a dynamic council focused on community resilience and environmental enhancement.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and support for your professional development.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for career growth and improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on coastal communities while developing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant or relevant experience in local authority finance required.
The predicted salary is between 42839 - 51356 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity to join our team managing coastal flood and erosion risk on the south coast. Coastal Partners provides a Coastal Risk Management Service to Havant Borough Council, Portsmouth City Council, Gosport Borough Council, Fareham Borough Council, and Chichester District Council improving community resilience, and enhancing the natural environment in response to the risks from flooding and coastal erosion. This area includes three major harbours of significant environmental importance and over 246km of coastline.
The Role
We have an opportunity for a motivated and enthusiastic Finance Business Partner to join our Assurance team. Working within our Assurance team, we provide project, administration, communications, customer service, people and financial support and advice across the partnership. The Assurance team also provides governance, business development and implements service wide improvement.
Main Duties
- To provide financial assurance to the Coastal Partnership in accordance with the Partnership’s Financial Protocol.
- To support our Project Managers in providing financial assurance to the coastal engineering projects within the Coastal Partnership.
- To influence and challenge where required on the development and delivery of the Coastal Service Business Plan, ensuring that financial issues are at the centre of service delivery.
- To identify areas where financial intervention/change could create further efficiency.
- To support the wider activities of the Coastal Service.
- Carry out budget setting, budget monitoring and financial forecasting.
- Supporting audit processes and ensuring best practice in all aspects of financial governance.
- Collaborate with our five partner authority finance teams to ensure that all parties have the information they require to inform their own budgeting and reporting processes.
- Supporting the assurance team with the delivery and implementation of change to contribute to overall business improvement.
What skills do I need?
- Professionally Qualified Accountant (CCAB body) or extensive relevant experience working in a local authority finance environment with appropriate accounting qualification.
- Experience of providing customer focused services that have added value.
- Wide knowledge of financial systems and accounting techniques.
- Experience of providing and presenting timely, accurate and regular financial information to a range of audiences.
- Skilled in the use of IT applications, including advanced knowledge of MS Excel.
- Excellent numeracy and analytical skills with the ability to draw conclusions and develop recommendations.
- Effective written and oral communication skills.
- A demonstrable high level of ability to achieve programmed objectives and targets within agreed time scales.
- High attention to detail and accuracy.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to see the broader picture.
- Ability to work closely with a wide range of people at various levels and to work corporately across organisational boundaries.
- Ability to organise and prioritise a wide range of tasks with conflicting pressures for completion.
- Positive and enthusiastic with a can-do attitude.
Support for your continuous professional development.
Generous Leave Allowance.
Free Parking.
Flexible working/Hybrid working to support your work-life balance.
Hours: 37 hours per week (part-time hours considered; minimum 30 hours per week).
Salary Grade H £42,839 to £51,356 per annum.
EEO Statement: The council is an inclusive employer and appoints on merit. We are a Disability Confident Employer and have a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for Veterans. Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff members to share this commitment. Havant Borough Council is a Category 1 Responder under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004. All employees of the Authority will be expected to support any necessary actions required during an emergency response.
Closing date for receipt of applications is midnight 14 June 2026.
Finance Business Partner - Coastal Team in Havant employer: Havant Borough Council by Gatherwell Limited
Join Havant Borough Council as a Finance Business Partner and be part of a dedicated team focused on managing coastal flood and erosion risks along the stunning south coast. We offer a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth, with generous leave allowances, flexible working options, and a commitment to professional development. Our inclusive environment fosters collaboration across local authorities, ensuring you play a vital role in enhancing community resilience while enjoying the unique advantages of working in a coastal area rich in natural beauty.
Contact Details:
Havant Borough Council by Gatherwell Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner - Coastal Team in Havant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the finance and coastal management sectors. Attend local events or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the Coastal Partnership and understand their projects. Be ready to discuss how your skills can help them tackle financial challenges. Tailor your answers to show you’re the perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your analytical skills! Bring examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to influence and challenge financial strategies effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner - Coastal Team in Havant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in finance, especially in local authority settings. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Finance Business Partner, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires strong analytical abilities, include examples of how you've used these skills in previous positions. Whether it’s budget forecasting or financial reporting, we love to see how you’ve made a difference through your insights.
Communicate Clearly:Effective written communication is key for this position. Keep your application clear and concise, and make sure to proofread for any errors. We appreciate attention to detail, so let that shine through in your writing!
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 without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Havant Borough Council by Gatherwell Limited
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Business Partner, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial concepts and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in previous roles. Be prepared to share specific examples of budget setting, monitoring, and forecasting.
✨Understand the Coastal Context
Familiarise yourself with the coastal flood and erosion risks relevant to the role. Research the councils involved and their specific challenges. Showing that you understand the environmental importance of the area will impress your interviewers and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
You'll be working with various stakeholders, so it's crucial to highlight your effective communication skills. Prepare to discuss how you've presented financial information to different audiences and how you've collaborated with teams to achieve common goals.
✨Be Ready to Problem-Solve
The role requires identifying areas for financial intervention and efficiency. Think of examples where you've successfully influenced change or improved processes in your previous positions. This will show your proactive approach and ability to think critically under pressure.
