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 analysis required.
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 Purpose
As 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
What We’re Looking For – Knowledge, Experience and Skills
- 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
- Awareness 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
Any Additional Information
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 in Shepton Mallet employer: Somerset-Council-1
Somerset Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises community impact and employee development. With competitive benefits such as 30 days of annual leave and flexible working options, employees are empowered to thrive both professionally and personally while contributing to the council's mission of building a fairer and greener Somerset.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Business Partner - Place Based Services in Shepton Mallet
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Somerset Council on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the council's recent projects and financial strategies. We want to show that we’re not just interested in the role, but also in how we can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice our financial analysis skills! Be ready to discuss real-life scenarios where we've identified risks or opportunities. This will help us demonstrate our expertise and problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Business Partner - Place Based Services in Shepton Mallet
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 on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:As a Senior Finance Business Partner, strong analytical skills are key. In your application, give examples of how you've used financial analysis to support decision-making or improve processes. We love seeing real-life applications of your skills!
Highlight Your Communication Skills:This role involves working closely with senior stakeholders, so it’s important to demonstrate your communication prowess. Use your application to illustrate how you’ve effectively communicated complex financial information in the past. We’re all about clear and impactful communication!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!
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 data to drive decision-making in previous roles. Prepare examples of financial analysis you've conducted and the impact it had on your organisation.
✨Understand Public Sector Finance
Familiarise yourself with public sector finance regulations and procurement processes. Be prepared to discuss how these principles apply to Somerset Council's objectives. Showing that you understand the unique challenges of local government finance will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Build Relationships
This role requires strong collaboration with various stakeholders. Think about how you've built relationships in past positions and be ready to share specific examples. Highlight your communication skills and how you've provided proactive financial advice to non-financial colleagues.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to identify financial risks. Practice articulating your thought process when faced with financial challenges. This will showcase your analytical skills and your approach to driving change within an organisation.
