At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning and provide strategic advice for Children's Services.
- Company: Local council in Berkshire with a focus on community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, flexible working arrangements, and a referral bonus.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and enhance your leadership skills in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a difference in children's services while developing your finance career.
- Qualifications: Part or fully qualified CCAB/CIMA accountant with local authority finance experience.
Location: Berkshire
Contract: Temporary (3 months)
Salary: £769.54 per day umbrella / £676.79 PAYE Inclusive / £603.90 PAYE Exclusive
Start Date: ASAP
Service Care Solutions are recruiting on behalf of a local council in Berkshire for a Deputy Finance Business Partner to join the team on a temporary basis. The postholder will provide financial insight, analysis and advice.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead financial planning, budget monitoring, forecasting, and reporting activities across Children’s Services, ensuring robust financial management and statutory compliance.
- Act as the technical lead for Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) funding, including school funding formula development, DfE returns, and financial support to maintained schools.
- Provide strategic financial advice and challenge to senior leaders, supporting business planning, decision-making, risk management, and service transformation initiatives.
- Manage and develop a small finance team, ensuring the delivery of high-quality financial support services and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Candidate Criteria
- Part or fully qualified CCAB/CIMA accountant with significant experience in local authority finance, particularly within education and children's services.
- Strong technical knowledge of Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), school funding regulations, local government accounting practices, and statutory DfE returns.
- Proven ability to analyse complex financial information, influence senior stakeholders, and provide commercially focused financial advice in a challenging environment.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver to strict deadlines.
If you are interested in the role, or know of anyone who could be, please contact Rachel at Service Care Solutions.
Deputy Finance Business Partner (Children and Young People) in Bracknell employer: Service Care Solutions
Service Care Solutions is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and growth. As a Deputy Finance Business Partner in Berkshire, you will benefit from competitive pay, the opportunity to lead a dedicated finance team, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on children's services within the local community. With a focus on continuous improvement and strategic financial management, this role provides a rewarding environment for professionals looking to advance their careers in local authority finance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Finance Business Partner (Children and Young People) in Bracknell
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience with local authorities. 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 knowledge of Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) and local government accounting practices. We want you to be ready to impress with your expertise and show how you can add value to the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Deputy Finance Business Partner role. We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to the hiring team!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Finance Business Partner (Children and Young People) in Bracknell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Deputy Finance Business Partner role. Highlight your experience in local authority finance and any specific work with children’s services. We want to see how your skills match what we’re looking for!
Showcase Your Skills:In your application, don’t just list your qualifications; showcase your skills! Talk about your technical knowledge of DSG and how you’ve influenced senior stakeholders in the past. We love seeing real examples of your impact.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to complex financial information.
Apply Through Our Website:Finally, make sure to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Service Care Solutions
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your financial knowledge, especially around the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) and local authority finance. Be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets and provided financial insights in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading a finance team. Think about times when you fostered a culture of improvement or successfully managed competing priorities while delivering high-quality services.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions that test your understanding of school funding regulations and DfE returns. Practise explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to influence senior stakeholders effectively.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Think about how you've provided strategic financial advice in the past. Be prepared to discuss how you've supported business planning and decision-making processes, particularly in challenging environments.
