Head of Business Partnering and Financial Planning

Your new company
Please note that the internal title for the role is Service Manager Accountancy – Finance Business Partner.

We are delighted to partner exclusively with Newport City Council in the search for a talented Head of Business Partnering and Financial Planning. Working in close collaboration with Newport City Council, we are running a dedicated campaign to identify and attract the best talent for this pivotal leadership role.
This unique opportunity allows you to lead financial strategy and operational excellence in a forward-thinking council committed to impactful community outcomes. Newport City Council are at the forefront of local innovation, offering a unique opportunity to be part of transformative plans that focus on economic growth, digital advancements, and community-centered projects. Their forward-thinking initiatives for the upcoming year include sustainable development, strategic partnerships, and cutting-edge technological investments.
Your new role

• Manage and supervise Senior Finance Business Partners and their teams to ensure strategic financial oversight and implement a standardised operating model for effective financial services.
• Lead the organization’s strategic financial management, including the development of the Medium-Term Financial Plan, annual budget, and local tax strategies.
• Act as the primary finance professional for the organization’s transformation plans, ensuring they are strategically sound, integrated, and financially sustainable.
• Oversee the daily operations and performance management of the Budget Strategy team, ensuring consistent high performance.
• Ensure compliance with S151 statutory officer responsibilities, developing and maintaining internal financial policies and regulations, while aligning with external standards and best practices.
• Drive the development of the Accountancy Service under the direction of the Assistant/Head of Finance, focusing on HR, workforce matters, and service provision to ensure quality accountancy support.
• Build and maintain strong, independent relationships with senior officers and members, providing financial compliance advice, addressing challenges, and guiding financial governance.
• Act as a financial authority on major organisational projects, ensuring financial controls and governance are integrated throughout.
• Serve as the primary advisor on specialised financial topics, demonstrating expertise in relevant financial disciplines.
• Oversee the preparation and delivery of financial and non-financial reports relevant to the role, presenting these to senior officers as necessary.
• Support and deputise for the Assistant/Head of Finance, helping to achieve service objectives and acting as a deputy S151 officer in their absence.
• Represent the Assistant/Head of Finance in various internal and external meetings, contributing as a key expert on financial matters.

What you’ll need to succeed

• Proven experience in a senior financial role, public sector experience is imperative
• Relevant accounting qualifications (e.g., CIPFA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA).
• Excellent analytical, organisational, and leadership skills.
• The ability to communicate complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
• Clear business partnering and financial planning experience

What you’ll get in return

• Up to 58,000 per annum with an increase next year
• Hybrid/Remote working – 1 day in Newport
• Clear progression in the next couple of years
• The Local Government Pension Scheme – 23.2% employers contribution
• Annual leave 26 days + 8 bank holidays (34 total)
• The option to purchase up to one week of additional annual leave
• Employee wellbeing schemes and childcare vouchers
• Cycle-to-work and car lease scheme
• Technology purchase scheme
• Discounted gym and leisure membership
• Pay advance facility, advance loans for sustainable rail and bus travel

What you need to do now

If you’re interested in this role, click ‘apply now’ to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn’t quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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