At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert financial advice and support compliance in a dynamic finance team.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking council committed to community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and ongoing professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local communities while tackling complex finance challenges.
- Qualifications: CCAB-qualified with experience in public sector finance and strong analytical skills.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for mentorship and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 72000 Β£ per year.
Location - Bedfordshire
Job Type - Permanent
Salary - Β£65,000 - Β£72,000
About the Role
Our client is seeking an experienced and technically strong Finance Business Partner to join their Finance Team and provide expert financial advice across the Council. This role has a strong technical focus, supporting compliance, governance, and high-quality financial reporting while working closely with services and senior stakeholders. You will play a key role in ensuring the Council's financial practices align with statutory requirements, accounting standards, and best practice, while also supporting sound financial decision-making.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as a trusted finance partner, providing technical financial advice to services, managers, and senior officers
- Lead on the interpretation and application of local authority accounting standards, including CIPFA / IFRS requirements
- Support the preparation of statutory accounts, including working papers, disclosures, and audit liaison
- Provide expert input on complex accounting areas such as capital accounting, leases, grants, reserves, and provisions
- Ensure compliance with the Council's financial regulations, governance framework, and statutory duties
- Contribute to the development and review of financial policies, procedures, and controls
- Support budget setting, monitoring, and medium-term financial planning from a technical assurance perspective
- Work collaboratively with internal and external auditors, responding to queries and implementing recommendations
- Mentor and support colleagues, sharing technical knowledge across the finance team
About You
You will be a finance professional with strong technical expertise and the ability to communicate complex financial issues clearly to non-finance stakeholders. You will have:
- A CCAB-qualified accountancy qualification (or equivalent)
- Significant experience in a local authority or public sector finance environment
- Strong knowledge of local government accounting, statutory reporting, and audit requirements
- Experience of providing technical financial advice on complex issues
- Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail
- The ability to build effective relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels
Why Join Us?
- The opportunity to work on high-impact, technically challenging finance issues
- A supportive and collaborative finance team
- Flexible and hybrid working options
- Ongoing professional development and training
- The chance to make a real difference to local communities
Finance Business Partner employer: Joshua Robert Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Joshua Robert Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in local authority roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on local government accounting standards and recent changes in financial regulations. We want you to be the go-to expert in the room, so practice explaining complex topics in simple terms.
β¨Tip Number 3
Donβt just apply; engage! When you submit your application through our website, follow up with a quick email to express your enthusiasm. It shows initiative and keeps you on their radar.
β¨Tip Number 4
Showcase your analytical skills in interviews by discussing specific examples of how you've tackled complex financial issues in the past. We want to see how you think and solve problems!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Business Partner role. Highlight your CCAB qualification and any relevant experience in local authority finance. We want to see how your skills align with the key responsibilities listed in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific examples of how you've provided technical financial advice or supported compliance in previous positions. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since this role has a strong technical focus, make sure to showcase your expertise in local authority accounting standards and statutory reporting. We want to know how youβve tackled complex financial issues in the past, so donβt hold back!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. Itβs the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you donβt miss out on any important updates. Letβs get your journey started!
How to prepare for a job interview at Joshua Robert Recruitment
β¨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on local authority accounting standards, especially CIPFA and IFRS requirements. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that youβre technically strong and ready to tackle the role head-on.
β¨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Think of specific instances where you've provided technical financial advice or led on complex accounting issues. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easier for interviewers to see your impact.
β¨Understand the Council's Financial Practices
Research the Councilβs financial regulations and governance framework. Being familiar with their policies will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how you can contribute to their financial decision-making processes.
β¨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Since this role involves influencing stakeholders at all levels, think about how you can demonstrate your relationship-building skills. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with non-finance colleagues in the past to achieve common goals.