At a Glance
- Tasks: Partner with budget holders to provide financial insight and support decision-making.
- Company: Join a public sector organisation focused on finance improvement and transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and exposure to senior leadership.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving financial efficiency and effectiveness.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with public sector experience and strong stakeholder management skills.
Finance Business Partner (Fixed-Term Contract)
Salary: £50,269 – £54,495
Contract: Fixed-Term Contract (6 Months)
Location: Birmingham (Hybrid Working)
The Opportunity
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Finance Business Partner to join a public sector organisation undergoing a significant programme of finance improvement and transformation. This role is ideally suited to a qualified accountant who combines strong technical finance expertise with excellent stakeholder management skills and experience working within the public sector. Working closely with senior leaders and budget holders, you will provide high‑quality financial support, challenge, and insight while helping to drive improvements across finance processes, controls, reporting, and systems. Alongside delivering core financial management activities, you will play a key role in supporting the modernisation and continuous improvement of the finance function.
Key Responsibilities
Finance Business Partnering
- Act as a trusted adviser to budget holders and operational managers.
- Provide financial insight, challenge, and support to inform decision‑making.
- Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities.
- Build strong and effective relationships with stakeholders across the organisation.
- Deliver clear, accurate, and timely financial management information.
Financial Management
- Support the production of monthly management accounts.
- Prepare and post journals.
- Complete balance sheet reconciliations.
- Manage accruals, prepayments, and deferred income.
- Maintain accurate financial records and ensure compliance with financial controls.
- Support month‑end and year‑end processes.
Service Improvement & Transformation
- Review and improve end‑to‑end finance processes.
- Identify opportunities to simplify and standardise ways of working.
- Reduce reliance on manual processes and spreadsheet‑based reporting.
- Improve reporting timelines and the efficiency of month‑end activities.
- Strengthen financial controls and governance arrangements.
- Develop and document robust finance procedures and working papers.
- Support the optimisation of finance systems and reporting tools.
- Assist in the delivery of finance transformation and continuous improvement initiatives.
About You
Essential Criteria
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIPFA, or CIMA).
- Previous experience working within the public sector (Local Government, NHS, Education, Housing, Central Government, or wider public sector organisations).
- Proven experience in a Finance Business Partner, Management Accountant, or similar role.
- Strong management accounting, budgeting, and forecasting experience.
- Experience improving finance processes and implementing change.
- Advanced Excel skills.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience supporting finance transformation programmes.
- Finance systems implementation or optimisation experience.
- Process mapping and documentation experience.
- Knowledge of public sector financial governance and reporting requirements.
Personal Attributes
- Proactive and solutions‑focused finance professional.
- Confident in building relationships and influencing stakeholders at all levels.
- Naturally curious, with a passion for continuous improvement.
- Comfortable working in a changing environment.
- Able to challenge constructively while maintaining positive working relationships.
- Organised, adaptable, and focused on delivering results.
What's on Offer
- Salary of £50,269 – £54,495.
- Hybrid working model.
- Opportunity to make a visible impact within a public sector organisation.
- Exposure to senior stakeholders and strategic decision‑making.
- A varied role combining finance business partnering, financial management, and transformation initiatives.
- This opportunity will particularly suit a qualified accountant with public sector experience who enjoys partnering with stakeholders, driving continuous improvement, and helping organisations achieve greater financial efficiency and effectiveness.
Finance Business Partner in Birmingham employer: Schools Choice
Schools’ Choice is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and dedication. Located at the North Wales Police HQ Canteen in Colwyn Bay, employees benefit from a friendly environment and the opportunity to contribute to the community through quality food service. With flexible part-time hours and a focus on employee growth, this role is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a balanced work-life schedule.
