At a Glance
- Tasks: Act as a key financial advisor, guiding management on effective financial strategies.
- Company: Join Kent Police's forward-thinking Corporate Finance team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with the chance to influence change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in financial management within a vital public service.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in a senior financial role with strong budgeting skills.
The predicted salary is between 58137 - 65400 £ per year.
Location of Role: Maidstone
Advert Closing Date: 08/06/2026
Starting Salary: £58,137.00 (pro-rata for part-time vacancies)
Part/Full Time: Full Time
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Mon-Fri
Weekend/Evening Working: No
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an individual to undertake the role of Finance Business Partner within Corporate Finance. This is an excellent opportunity to join a dedicated, professional, motivated, forward thinking, focused non-operational Police department.
You will be expected to act as a principal advisor to Chief Officers and management teams within the business area on all matters relating to financial management. Building strong relationships and working closely with Chief Officers and management teams you will support their portfolios and guide them in effective financial management, including significant restructures and business change.
Using your skills and knowledge you will simplify complex situations, so management are able to easily understand the current situation and the consequences of alternate courses of actions. You should be comfortable influencing, challenging, and supporting management teams in identifying, managing, and implementing change to improve financial performance and efficiency; able to advise on strategic financial development to enable the business to deliver its objectives.
It is vital that you can build effective working relationships with other Finance Business Partners to ensure a joined-up service to Chief Officers and senior management teams. You will actively participate and contribute to strategic management development, formulation of policy and business planning through the provision of advice and support in relation to resources, financial planning, reporting and control/audit issues.
By reviewing and identifying efficiency savings, you will develop innovative solutions to Force wide issues ensuring statutory and financial regulations are complied with and accounting procedures are adhered to. Supporting the Chief Finance Officer of the Chief Constable, Chief Accountant and Chief Officers in financial planning, by reporting, performance monitoring and identifying efficiency savings and undertaking financial and costing reviews as identified by Chief Officers and key stakeholders to formulate various options and you will make recommendations on the most appropriate course of action.
Applicants should demonstrate their skills and experience in the following areas that are essential to the job role:
- Broad (at least 5 years) post qualification experience in a senior financial role
- Able to demonstrate a wide range of significant financial skills and knowledge preferably within a largescale public or private sector organisation
- Budgeting and forecasting in a similar complex environment
- Advanced excel skills
- The post holder must have solid practical experience and knowledge of financial accounting systems
In addition, the following skills would be desirable:
- Educated to degree level or equivalent, hold accreditation to level 7 in the CIPFA Business partnering qualification
- Knowledge and understanding of both private and public sector financial arrangements
- Good communication and presentation skills at all levels within the organisation tailored to differing financial skill levels
The role will offer flexibility in terms of place of work, including the potential to work from home for those who would like to. In the event that home working is agreed for the successful candidate, there will be a requirement to regularly attend a designated ‘Team Zone’ location on average one or two days a week, as agreed with the line manager. Currently the designated Team Zone for this role is located at FHQ Sutton Road Maidstone.
Please note that any excess travel costs from the existing Team Zone to any future Team Zone will not be paid and applicants are advised to take potential travel mileage increases into consideration when deciding to apply.
Kent Police offer incremental increases within this salary band, therefore the salary for this position will rise to a maximum of £65,400.00.
Your application for this role will be shortlisted on the content you provide within the “reason for application” question, within the application form itself. CV’s, covering letters or attachments are not included in the shortlist. Within your “reason for application” answer, please refer to any experience, skills, and abilities you feel you have that will make you suitable for this role, based on the role criteria stated in the job advert or job description. Please provide as much detail as possible as insufficient content may mean you do not meet the shortlisting criteria, however please note this question is limited to 9000 characters and this system will count spaces and blank lines as characters.
All of our posts require a level of vetting and security clearance. During the recruitment process you will be sent vetting information forms to complete.
Kent Police and Essex Police welcomes applications regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, sex, or employment status. Please let us know if you require extra support at any stage of the application process, or for further information regarding this position, please email us at recruitment.business.services@ecis.police.uk stating ‘Application Support and Adjustments’ in the title of your email. Alternatively, you can call us on 01245 452833. Where appropriate we will make adjustments to the selection process, working arrangements and/or the working environment provided it is reasonable in all the circumstances to do so.
If you’re not from the UK, you must be a resident in the UK and have lived here continuously for the last three years. You must also be free from restrictions with indefinite leave to remain. If you’re from the UK you must have lived here continuously for the last three years. This doesn’t apply to those serving abroad in the British Armed Forces.
Finance Business Partner (Headquarters, Kent) in Maidstone employer: Kent Police
Kent Police is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises professional development and employee well-being. As a Finance Business Partner based in Maidstone, you will enjoy flexible working arrangements, competitive salary increments, and the opportunity to influence financial strategies within a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to public service. Join a team where your expertise will directly contribute to meaningful change and efficiency improvements in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner (Headquarters, Kent) in Maidstone
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Kent Police through LinkedIn or other platforms. A friendly chat can give us insider info on the role and help us stand out in the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to financial management and strategic development. We should also think of examples from our past experiences that showcase our skills in budgeting and forecasting.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our advanced Excel skills during the interview. Maybe even bring along a portfolio of previous work or projects where we’ve used these skills effectively. It’s all about proving we can simplify complex financial situations!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! This way, we ensure our application is seen by the right people and we can tailor our responses to the specific criteria they’re looking for.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner (Headquarters, Kent) in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When filling out the 'reason for application' section, make sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Finance Business Partner, so don’t hold back!
Be Specific and Detailed:You’ve got a 9000 character limit, so use it wisely! Provide detailed examples of your financial management experience and how you've influenced change in previous roles. The more specific you are, the better we can assess your fit for the position.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure your application speaks directly to the job description. Use the same language and keywords that we’ve included in the advert. This shows us that you understand the role and have the skills we're looking for.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent Police
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Business Partner, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. Prepare examples of budgeting and forecasting that showcase your ability to simplify complex financial situations for management.
✨Build Relationships
This role requires strong relationships with Chief Officers and management teams. Think about how you can convey your interpersonal skills during the interview. Share specific instances where you've successfully influenced or supported management in making financial decisions.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you've identified efficiency savings and developed innovative solutions in previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, focusing on the impact of your recommendations on financial performance.
✨Tailor Your Communication Style
Since you'll be working with individuals at varying financial skill levels, practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. During the interview, ask questions to gauge the interviewers' understanding and adjust your explanations accordingly. This will demonstrate your adaptability and communication skills.