At a Glance
- Tasks: Support budget holders with monitoring, forecasting, and insightful variance analysis.
- Company: Join a dynamic team within the Place Directorate focused on management accounting.
- Benefits: Opportunities for professional development and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Ideal for those looking to grow in public sector finance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping managers make informed financial decisions.
- Qualifications: Experience in management accounting and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We currently have an Accountant vacancy within our Place Directorate. This post is firmly focused on management accounting and financial business partnering. It is not a transactional finance, treasury, or financial accounts role. The purpose of the role is to support budget holders to manage their resources effectively by providing robust budget monitoring, forecasting, and meaningful variance analysis, alongside constructive challenge and advice. You will work closely with managers to understand financial performance, explain variances, identify risks, and support decisions about spend and resources.
Day‑to‑day activities:
- Owning budget monitoring, forecasting and reforecasting for assigned service areas
- Producing clear and insightful variance analysis, explaining drivers rather than just reporting movements
- Working directly with budget holders to understand spend patterns, pressures, and resource plans
- Challenging assumptions, profiling, and value for money in a constructive and professional way
- Providing forward‑looking financial analysis to support operational and strategic decisions
- Identifying emerging financial risks early and supporting managers to take corrective action
- Supporting continuous improvement, including the implementation of the new finance and procurement system
This role involves regular engagement with non‑finance colleagues and requires confidence in explaining financial information clearly and pragmatically.
Not for candidates primarily looking for:
- Accounts payable or accounts receivable roles
- Treasury or cash‑management focused positions
- Financial accounting, audit, or statutory reporting led roles
- Roles with limited stakeholder engagement or financial challenge
We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:
- Strong management accounting experience, including budget setting, monitoring, forecasting, and variance analysis
- Experience working directly with budget holders or non‑finance managers
- Confidence to challenge financial assumptions and spending decisions in a supportive and evidence‑based way
- An ability to translate complex financial information into clear, actionable insight
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- A proactive and collaborative approach to improving financial management and ways of working
(Desirable) Experience within a public sector finance environment, ideally local government, with an understanding of grant funding, regulatory frameworks and public sector financial processes. You may be fully qualified, part‑qualified, or actively working towards a professional accountancy qualification. We are happy to discuss development pathways for the right candidate.
Finance Business Partner: Management Accounting & Advisory in Swinton employer: Salford City Council
As a Finance Business Partner within our Place Directorate, you will thrive in a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises professional growth and development. Our commitment to continuous improvement and innovative financial management practices ensures that you will have the opportunity to engage with diverse stakeholders while making a meaningful impact on resource allocation and strategic decision-making. Located in a dynamic public sector environment, we offer a unique chance to contribute to community-focused initiatives while enhancing your skills in management accounting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner: Management Accounting & Advisory in Swinton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who work in management accounting. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial analysis skills. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled budget monitoring and variance analysis in past roles. We want to see your confidence shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication skills! Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. This will help you connect with non-finance managers during interviews, which is key for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner: Management Accounting & Advisory in Swinton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Finance Business Partner. Highlight your management accounting experience and any work with budget holders. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
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. Share specific examples of how you've supported budget holders and tackled financial challenges in the past.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves engaging with non-finance colleagues, make sure to demonstrate your ability to translate complex financial info into clear insights. We love candidates who can communicate effectively and confidently!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Salford City Council
✨Know Your Numbers
Before the interview, brush up on your management accounting skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with budget monitoring, forecasting, and variance analysis. Prepare specific examples of how you've supported budget holders in the past, as this will show your practical understanding of the role.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since the role involves explaining financial information to non-finance colleagues, practice simplifying complex concepts. Think about how you can convey financial insights in a straightforward manner. This will demonstrate your ability to translate numbers into actionable advice.
✨Challenge with Confidence
Be prepared to discuss how you've constructively challenged financial assumptions in previous roles. Think of instances where your insights led to better decision-making. This shows that you’re not just a number-cruncher but a proactive partner in financial management.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Show your collaborative side by preparing to talk about your experiences working with budget holders or managers. Highlight how you’ve built relationships and supported them in understanding their financial performance. This will illustrate your ability to engage effectively with non-financial colleagues.
