At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide financial support and analysis to improve services and manage risks.
- Company: Collaborative councils focused on innovation and tackling climate change.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible working, professional development, and local discounts.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in local government while growing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: Progress towards a finance qualification or relevant experience required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
About The Borough
Sutton and Kingston councils collaborate on shared services across both authorities, providing employees with opportunities to work across a wider range of activities and from different political bodies. Working flexibly in both Sutton and Kingston offices or remotely, employees receive the equipment and tools needed to manage their work flexibly while contributing creatively to service delivery. This partnership is part of a broader commitment to tackle the climate emergency and to develop innovative technologies, and offers professional growth across a diversified local government environment.
About The Role
The post holder provides financial business partnering support to the corporate core and front‐line service areas of the Council. Working closely with Strategic Finance Business Partners (SFBPs) and the Head of Service, you will deliver financial management support and advice across the core financial cycle – budget setting, monitoring and closing accounts – and help manage financial risk to protect the Council's financial health.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver insightful financial analysis to support business improvement and change.
- Provide financial management support and advice during budget set‐up, monitoring, and account closing.
- Support the management of financial risk in line with Council priorities.
- Act as a critical friend to the Council, advising and influencing stakeholders.
Ideal Candidate
- Progress towards a relevant professional qualification (e.g., CIPFA, CIMA, MBA, AAT) or demonstrable equivalent experience.
- Experience delivering high‐quality finance services in a large organisation.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate with finance and non‐finance professionals.
- Experience supporting budget managers through the core finance processes of budget setting, monitoring and closing of the accounts.
- Knowledge of the operational context of Local Authorities.
Our Offer to You
As an organisation that values and nurtures talent, we offer a supportive, friendly and collaborative environment that promotes growth and development. Employees enjoy a wide range of benefits to support work‐life balance, including:
- A generous annual leave entitlement of 26‐32 days plus bank holidays (pro‐rata for part‐time working)
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, adoption and dependants leave
- Two volunteering days per year
- Flexible working – Smarter Working Scheme (dependent on the role)
- Adjustable and agile working arrangements using Google Chromebooks
- Learning and development portal offering a range of courses
- Discounts on a range of local shops, restaurants, gyms and leisure centres
- Interest‐free season ticket loans
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Bicycle loan facilities and cycle‐to‐work scheme
- Electric vehicle leasing scheme
- Confidential health & wellbeing and counselling support
Equal Opportunities and Diversity
We are proud to be a diverse and welcoming Borough and we strive to create a workforce that reflects the community we serve, fostering a sense of belonging for all staff. We welcome applications from under‐represented groups and support family‐friendly inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, staff engagement forums, and inclusive staff networks. We are a disability‐confident employer and guarantee interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria. As an accredited London Living Wage Employer, all employees are guaranteed the London Living Wage regardless of contract type.
Finance Business Partner in Sutton Coldfield employer: Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames
The Borough offers an exceptional work environment for the Finance Business Partner role, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation across Sutton and Kingston councils. Employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, generous leave entitlements, and a commitment to professional development, all while contributing to meaningful initiatives that address the climate emergency. With a focus on diversity and inclusion, the Borough is dedicated to creating a supportive workplace that reflects the community it serves.
Contact Detail:
Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner in Sutton Coldfield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees of Sutton and Kingston councils on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and help us stand out when we apply.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the councils' recent projects and initiatives. This shows we’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their goals, especially around tackling the climate emergency.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice our financial analysis skills! Be ready to discuss how we’ve used data to drive business improvement in past roles. Real-life examples will make us memorable to the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can keep track of our application status easily.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner in Sutton Coldfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Finance Business Partner role. Highlight your relevant experience in financial management and any qualifications you have, like CIPFA or CIMA. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves collaborating with both finance and non-finance professionals, it's crucial to demonstrate your strong communication skills. Use examples from your past experiences where you've successfully influenced stakeholders or provided insightful financial analysis.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements stand out. We appreciate straightforwardness and clarity, so make it easy for us to see why you're a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our values right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Business Partner, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial concepts and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in previous roles. Prepare examples of how your financial analysis has led to business improvements.
✨Understand the Local Authority Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the operational context of local authorities, especially Sutton and Kingston councils. Research their recent initiatives, challenges, and priorities. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms, as you'll be working with both finance and non-finance professionals. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to refine your delivery.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
The role involves acting as a 'critical friend' to the Council. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully collaborated with stakeholders in the past. Highlight instances where you've influenced decisions or provided valuable insights that led to positive outcomes.
