At a Glance
- Tasks: Act as a financial advisor, delivering planning and reporting to drive decision-making.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking local government team in a historic city.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30.5 days leave, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a major transformation in local government with excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a positive community impact while shaping future financial arrangements.
- Qualifications: Experience in financial planning, budgeting, and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
£46,871 to £50,998 inclusive annual salary + Local Government Pension Scheme
Permanent, full-time (37 hours pw)
Flexible working options (including hybrid)
Job Ref: P2218
About the role
As a Senior Finance Business Partner, you will act as a trusted financial advisor to designated Council service areas. You will bridge the gap between finance and operations, delivering robust financial planning, reporting, variance analysis and forecasting to drive effective decision-making, service improvements, and the achievement of organisational priorities. You will support a diverse portfolio of Council services, providing financial advice on both revenue budgets and capital programmes. The role includes financial modelling, business case development, cost allocation, grant monitoring and reporting, and supporting the effective allocation and utilisation of government funding to deliver key priorities. You will play a key role in the annual budget process, medium term financial planning, capital programme management and monthly reporting and forecasting cycles. You will support the Principal Finance Business Partners in the provision of a full range of professional support services to Councillors, Service Committees, senior managers and budget holders.
This is an exciting time to join the Finance team. Local Government is undergoing significant change through Local Government Reorganisation, with plans to establish a new unitary authority. As part of this transition, you will have the opportunity to contribute to major transformation programmes, help shape the future financial arrangements and gain valuable experience within a changing local government landscape.
About you
We are looking for an experienced suitably qualified Finance Business Partner to join the Finance Business Partnering team. You will have worked in a financial planning and budgeting environment undertaking financial modelling and option appraisals. You should be able to demonstrate an ability to build strong, trusted, influential working relationships with operational managers. You will be an excellent team player and ideally have experience of managing others and be able to show you can organise and prioritise competing workloads effectively.
Join our client to make a positive impact in the community by putting sustainability at the heart of everything they do, while living their values of trust, care, collaboration, confidence and customer focus. Our client is based in a historic English cathedral city with a rich heritage and a blend of historic and modern architecture, heritage sites and conservation areas. Set within green belt and with good access to the motorway network, the area includes a vibrant centre and thriving villages, with fast rail links into central London, shops and restaurants. In short, it is a great place to live and work.
Benefits
- 30.5 days basic annual leave (increasing with service) + bank holidays.
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexible working options
- Staff Parking Permit
- Reimbursement of professional fees
- Comprehensive development and training
- Discounted membership at selected local sports and fitness centres
- Access to discounts and benefits via online platform
A detailed job description and person specification are published on the advert for this role. The person specification sets out the criteria used to assess applicants. Our client reserves the right to reject applicants at the shortlisting stage, where the application process has not been completed correctly.
Closing date for applications: 21 September 2026
Interviews will take place in October 2026
Additional Information
Disability Confident
Our client is proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantees an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets all the essential criteria for the post.
Safeguarding
This post is subject to a Basic Disclosure Check.
English Fluency
The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post (for those whose language is a signed language the provision of a sign language interpreter who speaks English to the necessary standard of fluency will be required). Further information about the legal requirement can be found on request.
We are changing
Our client is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). If you are employed by the organisation on 1 April 2028, it is expected that the majority of roles will transfer to the newly-created unitary councils on existing terms and conditions under TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings – Protection of Employment) principles. LGR is one of the biggest changes the sector will face in a generation. It will reshape how the organisation works and how services are organised and gives everyone a real opportunity to build something better. They hope you will be part of that journey with them.
You may have experience in the following:
- Finance Business Partner
- Senior Finance Analyst
- Management Accountant
- Finance Manager
- Budget Manager
- Financial Planning Manager
- Public Sector Finance Business Partner
- Local Government Finance Officer
- Corporate Finance Business Partner
- Capital Programme Accountant
- Financial Analyst
- Strategic Finance Partner
Senior Finance Business Partner in St Albans employer: Hireful
At hireful, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and dedication. Our part-time roles, such as the Cleaning Assistant in Malvern, provide flexible hours that allow for a healthy work-life balance, while also presenting opportunities for personal growth and development within our community-focused environment. Join us to contribute to maintaining high cleanliness standards at The Downs, where your efforts are truly appreciated and rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Business Partner in St Albans
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Hireful. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Business Partner in St Albans
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Hireful.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Hireful's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hireful
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Hireful.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Hireful will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Hireful employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
