Strategic Finance Business Partner in Oldbury

This is a key strategic finance role within the Council, responsible for leading the delivery of high‑quality business partnering support across designated service areas. The postholder will take ownership of the budget monitoring and reporting process, working closely with the Head of Finance Business Partnering to ensure accurate and insightful financial information is incorporated into corporate reports for the Corporate Leadership Team and Councillors. The role will play a proactive part in driving financial sustainability, identifying and delivering savings, income generation, and commercial opportunities across services. It will also support the development of the Council's Medium‑Term Financial Plan, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities. A core focus will be on strengthening the Business Partnering function, including monitoring key performance indicators, embedding a value‑adding service, and building strong relationships with stakeholders. The postholder will lead on promoting robust financial governance, ensuring procedures and regulations are effective, and implementing improvements where necessary. In addition, the role will take responsibility for the development and delivery of training to both the Business Partnering team and budget holders, enhancing financial awareness and capability across the organisation. The successful candidate will combine strong strategic insight with hands‑on delivery, contributing to the Council's wider corporate objectives and continuous improvement agenda.

Responsibilities

• Lead on the budget monitoring and reporting process for the services within the remit of the role and be responsible for assisting the Head of Finance Business Partnering to incorporate the outputs within the relevant Corporate Reports to Corporate Leadership Team and Councillors.
• Take a proactive, strategic role in the identification and delivery of savings, income generation and commercial opportunities for the services under the remit of the post.
• Monitor KPI's in relation to the Business Partnering service and work with Leadership Team to ensure the service adds value; support the development of the Council's Medium‑Term Financial Plan.
• Take a lead role in ensuring financial procedures and regulations are effective across the Council and promote good governance, identifying and implementing improvements where necessary.
• Lead on the training and development of both the Business Partnering Service and Budget Holders.
• Undertake such other duties as may be appropriate to achieve the objectives of the post or to assist the Council in the fulfilment of its corporate priorities commensurate with the post holder's salary, grade, abilities and aptitude.

Qualifications

• CCAB Qualified with evidence of Continuing Professional Development.
• Experience of planning of services within the political and partnership context of SMBC or another large complex organisation.
• Experience of leading and developing teams to deliver the outcomes of the Directorate Business Plan and Corporate Plan; experience of leading effective financial management and delivering financial advice at a strategic level to Elected Members and Chief Officers in a Council or senior management in an organisation.
• Experience of managing employees and allocating workloads.
• Experience of commercial management.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge of strategic service planning.
• An understanding of the legislative framework and governance arrangements applicable to Local Government.
• Knowledge of and ability to use financial systems, including extensive experience of the use of Oracle Fusion.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We place equality, diversity and inclusion at the core of who we are and how we lead, where every voice matters. At Sandwell, we recognise and value the richness that comes from diverse lived experiences, perspectives, backgrounds and identities. This diversity makes us a stronger and more effective council. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building a workplace where everyone feels they belong, are treated fairly, and have the opportunity to thrive. Creating an environment where colleagues feel respected, supported and able to contribute fully is central to our culture and the way we work. We are committed to ensuring that all applicants and employees have equitable access to opportunities. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process and within the workplace so that everyone has the support they need to perform at their best and succeed in their role. If you have any questions relating to equality, diversity, and inclusion, you can contact the EDI Team at EDI_Team@sandwell.gov.uk. If you wish to apply as Care Leaver or a Disability Confident candidate, please make sure to state this when submitting your CV.

About the Organisation

Sandwell Council’s Finance and Transformation Division is seeking an experienced Strategic Finance Business Partner (Place OR People) to join its team on a full‑time, permanent basis based from its Oldbury office. The organisation is operating to a hybrid working model.

Benefits and Working Conditions

At Sandwell Council, our work has a real impact. We are proud to be a values‑led organisation that supports its employees with excellent benefits, a competitive remuneration package, and a strong focus on development. By joining us, you'll play a key role in delivering services that make a real and lasting difference to thousands of people across the borough.