At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and provide insights to drive savings and efficiency in the Neighbourhoods directorate.
- Company: Join a dynamic local government team focused on community impact and financial sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, opportunity for professional growth, and impactful work in public service.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to influence key decisions and drive transformation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while honing your financial leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in financial management and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 58500 - 71500 £ per year.
- Strategic Business & Finance Manager – Neighbourhoods
- Reports to: Director of Neighbourhoods
Experience dependant: £550–£700 per day inside IR35
Role Purpose
To provide strategic business, financial and commercial leadership across the Neighbourhoods directorate, ensuring resources are effectively managed and aligned to Council priorities.
The postholder will act as a trusted adviser to the Director, providing strong financial insight and challenge, coordinating business planning and performance, and driving savings, transformation and value for money.
The role will work closely with Corporate Finance and Finance Business Partners while ensuring financial management is embedded in operational decision-making.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic financial and commercial advice to the Director and Neighbourhoods leadership team.
- Maintain oversight of revenue and capital budgets, forecasts, income, savings, pressures and financial risks, working closely with Finance Business Partners.
- Challenge financial assumptions, expenditure and forecasts and ensure emerging pressures are identified and addressed early.
- Lead and coordinate the directorate's savings and efficiency programme, identifying opportunities for cost reduction, income generation and improved productivity.
- Develop and critically assess business cases, options appraisals and financial models for investment, transformation and service change.
- Bring together finance, performance and operational information to give the Director a clear view of directorate performance, risks and priorities.
- Coordinate directorate business planning, ensuring resources and service plans are aligned with Council priorities and the Medium Term Financial Strategy.
- Provide commercial challenge on contracts, commissioning, procurement and service delivery to secure value for money.
- Maintain oversight of key business and financial risks, governance requirements and delivery of agreed actions.
- Support and challenge Heads of Service to improve financial management, performance and accountability.
- Work collaboratively with Finance, Procurement, Legal, HR, Transformation and other corporate teams on cross-cutting priorities.
- Act on behalf of the Director on agreed business, financial and performance matters and ensure key decisions and actions are followed through.
Person Specification
The successful candidate will have
- Significant experience of financial management, budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis in a complex organisation.
- Strong financial acumen, with the ability to interrogate financial information, challenge assumptions and identify risks and opportunities.
- Experience of developing business cases, financial models and options appraisals.
- A strong track record of identifying and delivering savings, efficiencies, income or service improvements.
- Strong commercial judgement and an understanding of value for money.
- The ability to translate complex financial and operational information into clear recommendations for senior leaders.
- Strong influencing skills and the confidence to provide constructive challenge at senior level.
- Experience of business planning, performance management, transformation and/or service improvement.
- Strong political and organisational awareness, ideally gained within local government or the wider public sector.
Desirable: A recognised professional accountancy qualification (CIPFA, CIMA, ACCA or ACA), or equivalent substantial senior financial management experience.
Key Outcome
A financially sustainable, commercially focused and well-managed Neighbourhoods directorate, with the Director and leadership team receiving clear financial insight, robust challenge and high-quality business information to support effective decision-making.
Business Finance Manager in London employer: R&R Housing
As a Registered Building Inspector (Class 2F) with us, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to ensuring safety and compliance in the built environment across London. We offer a competitive rate, a hybrid working pattern, and a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth and development. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the unique advantages of working in one of the world's most vibrant cities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Finance Manager in London
✨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 R&R Housing. 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 Business Finance Manager in London
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 R&R Housing.
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 R&R Housing'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 R&R Housing
✨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 R&R Housing.
✨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 R&R Housing 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 R&R Housing 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.
