At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning and analysis for Somerset's education service.
- Company: Join a dynamic team supporting children's education in Somerset.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in public sector finance with potential for career growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to influence and drive change.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people through effective financial management.
- Qualifications: Strong financial management skills and a professional accounting qualification are essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We're looking for a temporary 6 month Senior Finance Business Partner to play a key role in supporting Somerset's education service. You'll lead on financial planning, forecasting and monitoring across a wide range of education budgets, including DSG (DEDICATED SCHOOLS GRANT) budgets, transport, statutory services and traded education services. Working closely with colleagues across finance and education, you'll provide expert financial insights to ensure resources are used effectively to support children and young people across Somerset. Working with senior finance colleagues and education leaders, you'll support a small team of Finance Business Partners to deliver a high quality, resilient finance service for Education.
Role Purpose
As a Senior Finance Business Partner, you will provide expert financial advice, analysis and insight to support services to deliver their objectives and maintain financial sustainability. Working closely with budget holders and senior stakeholders, you will help drive effective financial planning, sound decision making and improved use of resources across the Council.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide clear, accurate financial analysis and reporting to support strategic and operational decisions
- Support budget holders with financial planning, monitoring and compliance with financial regulations
- Work with senior colleagues to develop and support delivery of financial strategies
- Build strong working relationships with services, offering proactive financial advice and challenge
- Identify financial risks and opportunities, supporting mitigation plans and cost saving initiatives
- Contribute to financial projects, service reviews and continuous improvement activity
What We're Looking For
Knowledge, Experience and Skills
Essential
- In-depth understanding of financial management principles and practices
- Knowledge of public sector finance and procurement regulations
- Familiarity with financial reporting standards and compliance requirements
- Understanding of budget development and management processes
- Knowledge of financial software and systems
- Proven experience in financial analysis
- Experience in budget management and financial planning
- Demonstrated experience in preparing and presenting financial reports
- Experience in identifying financial risk
- Professional accounting qualification (e.g. MAAT, ACA, ACCA, CIMA), qualified by experience, studying towards or commitment to study
- Supervisory experience and skills, including contributing to senior management where required
- Demonstrable experience of operating equality and diversity measures in service commissioning and delivery
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Proficiency in financial software and Microsoft Office applications
- Strong organisational and time management skill
Desirable
- Awareness of financial risk management strategies
- Experience in public sector or local government finance
- Experience of leading financial projects and initiatives
- Degree in finance, accounting, or a related field
- Ability to influence and drive change
- Negotiation and conflict resolution skills
Senior Finance Business Partner (Interim) - Education employer: Resourgenix Ltd
Contact Detail:
Resourgenix Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Business Partner (Interim) - Education
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the finance and education sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your financial analysis and budgeting skills. Share specific examples of how you've helped previous teams save money or improve processes. We want to see your expertise shine!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before interviews! Understand the key financial challenges facing the education sector in Somerset and come prepared with ideas on how you can help tackle them. We love candidates who show initiative and insight!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in education finance.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Business Partner (Interim) - Education
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in financial management, especially in the public sector. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Senior Finance Business Partner, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role involves a lot of financial analysis and reporting, be sure to include specific examples of how you've used your analytical skills in past roles. We love seeing numbers and results, so quantify your achievements where possible!
Highlight Teamwork and Leadership: This position requires working closely with colleagues and leading a small team. Share experiences that demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively and lead others. We’re looking for someone who can build strong relationships and drive change within the team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and you’ll be good to go!
How to prepare for a job interview at Resourgenix Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your financial management principles and practices. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've handled budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis in previous roles. This will show that you have the expertise needed for the Senior Finance Business Partner position.
✨Understand the Public Sector Landscape
Familiarise yourself with public sector finance regulations and procurement processes. Being able to speak knowledgeably about these topics will demonstrate your readiness to navigate the complexities of Somerset's education service and its funding.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you can build strong working relationships with budget holders and senior stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in the past, as this role requires proactive financial advice and support across various teams.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Anticipate questions about identifying financial risks and opportunities. Be ready to discuss how you've developed mitigation plans or cost-saving initiatives in previous roles. This will highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to drive effective financial planning.