At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide expert financial advice and analysis to support strategic decisions.
- Company: Somerset Council, dedicated to building a fairer and greener community.
- Benefits: 30 days annual leave, flexible working, and competitive salary.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career development and job share options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Somerset's growth and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Professional accounting qualification and experience in financial management.
The predicted salary is between 37280 - 41771 £ per year.
Salary: Grade 10, ranging from £37,280 - £41,771 per annum.
Community, Place & Economy sits at the heart of Somerset Council’s ambition to build a fairer, greener, and more prosperous county. This diverse and high‑profile directorate brings together services that shape how Somerset grows and thrives — from economic development, planning and infrastructure to culture, partnerships, regulation and climate.
As Senior Finance Business Partner (Place Based Services), you will act as a trusted adviser to service leads, providing high‑quality financial insight and challenge. You will support revenue and capital planning, help shape investment and transformation decisions, and drive a strong value‑for‑money culture across a complex portfolio.
Working closely with the Strategic Finance Business Partner, Head of Business Partnering, Senior Finance Business Partners and Finance business partners, you will provide professional support to senior stakeholders across Place Based Services, ensuring financial plans, reporting and governance enable effective decision‑making.
Role PurposeAs a Senior Finance Business Partner, you will provide expert financial advice, analysis and insight to support services to deliver their objectives and maintain financial sustainability. Working closely with budget holders and senior stakeholders, you will help drive effective financial planning, sound decision‑making and improved use of resources across the Council.
Key Responsibilities- Provide clear, accurate financial analysis and reporting to support strategic and operational decisions
- Support budget holders with financial planning, monitoring and compliance with financial regulations
- Work with senior colleagues to develop and support delivery of financial strategies
- Build strong working relationships with services, offering proactive financial advice and challenge
- Identify financial risks and opportunities, supporting mitigation plans and cost‑saving initiatives
- Contribute to financial projects, service reviews and continuous improvement activity
- In-depth understanding of financial management principles and practices
- Knowledge of public sector finance and procurement regulations
- Familiarity with financial reporting standards and compliance requirements
- Understanding of budget development and management processes
- Knowledge of financial software and systems
- Proven experience in financial analysis
- Experience in budget management and financial planning
- Demonstrated experience in preparing and presenting financial reports
- Experience in identifying financial risk
- Professional accounting qualification (e.g. MAAT, ACA, ACCA, CIMA), qualified by experience, studying towards or commitment to study
- Supervisory experience and skills, including contributing to senior management where required
- Demonstrable experience of operating equality and diversity measures in service commissioning and delivery
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Proficiency in financial software and Microsoft Office applications
- Strong organisational and time management skills
- Aware of financial risk management strategies
- Experience in public sector or local government finance
- Experience of leading financial projects and initiatives
- Degree in finance, accounting, or a related field
- Ability to influence and drive change
- Negotiation and conflict resolution skills
30 Days Annual Leave, additional to Bank Holidays. Permanent, 37 Hours a week, will consider potential to make this a job share role for the correct candidates. Based at our modern, refurbished County Hall offices in Taunton, and the option to work flexibly from home, with some travel required for meetings across sites. Regretfully, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship.
Senior Finance Business Partner - Place Based Services employer: Somerset-Council-1
Somerset Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a fairer, greener, and more prosperous community. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we offer 30 days of annual leave, flexible working options, and a collaborative work culture that values diversity and innovation. As a Senior Finance Business Partner, you will play a pivotal role in shaping financial strategies that directly impact the county's development while enjoying the benefits of working in our modern County Hall offices in Taunton.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Business Partner - Place Based Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who work in public services. 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 knowledge and understanding of Somerset Council's goals. Show them you’re not just a numbers person but someone who genuinely cares about their mission to build a fairer, greener county.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! You’ll need to communicate complex financial insights clearly. Try explaining financial concepts to a friend or family member to get comfortable with your delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Somerset Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Business Partner - Place Based Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in financial management and public sector finance. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Senior Finance Business Partner, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your financial analysis and budget management skills. We love seeing quantifiable results, so if you’ve saved costs or improved processes, shout about it!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Somerset-Council-1
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Finance Business Partner, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. Prepare examples of how your financial insights have influenced decision-making.
✨Understand the Public Sector Landscape
Familiarise yourself with public sector finance regulations and procurement processes. Be prepared to discuss how these impact financial planning and reporting. Showing that you understand the unique challenges of local government finance will set you apart.
✨Build Relationships
This role requires strong collaboration with various stakeholders. Think about how you've built relationships in previous positions and be ready to share specific examples. Highlight your communication skills and how they’ve helped you provide proactive financial advice.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and risk management strategies. Prepare scenarios where you've identified financial risks or opportunities and how you addressed them. This will showcase your analytical skills and ability to drive change.
