At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist with management accounts and provide finance support to council departments.
- Company: Join a dynamic council team focused on financial excellence and community service.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25-30 days leave, flexible working, and wellness programs.
- Why this job: Make an impact in local governance while developing your finance skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: A Levels or equivalent; AAT qualified or working towards it.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth with potential study support for CIPFA qualification.
The predicted salary is between 42576 - 54064 £ per year.
Finance Business Partner Location: Abingdon – Hybrid Salary and grade: Grade 6/7 £42,576 – £54,064 Duration of role: Permanent Hours per week: 37 Closing date: 2nd January 2025 About the role and what we’re looking for Reporting directly to the Principal Accountant to assist with production of management accounts, to provide a Finance Business partnering service to selected council departments and where necessary assist with Year End financial accounting for both councils. Typical duties are listed below, and all staff are expected to support key activities such as budget preparation and Year End statutory accounts. Finance Business Partner Preparation of: • Monthly management accounts & Month End Close • Fixed asset accounting • Development of Unit4 to support financial and management accounting • Provide Finance Business partner support and service to staff at all levels for selected council departments. Main duties and responsibilities (The post holder will be involved in some but not all of the areas below) • To provide a Finance Business Partnering service to one or more services within the council, and support capital projects within these services. • Attend service area team and management meetings on a regular basis and providing finance updates where necessary. • Build and maintain technical knowledge in accordance with professional standards and guidelines. Including the update and creation of procedure notes. • To support the Principal Accountants and Strategic Finance Manager by attending committees on behalf of finance and representing the Finance dept as required. • Training non-financial employees in financial procedures. • To provide cover for others in the accountancy team. • Preparation of specific statutory government returns: e.g. CIPFA Treasury Management statistics, Capital Outturn Reports; QRO; RO and RA on a timely basis. About you Your essential skills, knowledge and experience • Strong all round accounting knowledge. • Confident with ERP finance systems and strong Microsoft excel skills Your essential qualifications • Education to A Level or equivalent • AAT Qualified (Grade 7) or working toward the later stages of the qualification (Grade 6) • Potential expectation to Study for a professional qualification (CIPFA preferred) If you have the following experience or qualifications – it’s a bonus • Previous experience of working for a district council would be beneficial but is not essential. • Knowledge of UNIT4/Agresso software would be an advantage The benefits we offer • A basic 25 days annual leave per annum, rising to 30 days after five years. You also have all the bank holidays to look forward to and time off between Christmas and New Year. • Flexible working and annualised hours – a flexible approach to work that our employees love! • Salary pay awards – most jobs give scope for a pay increase after six months or the following April (depending on your start date) and we also review salaries each April. • A generous career average pension scheme which includes life insurance of three times your salary • The opportunity to purchase a bike through Cyclescheme (cheaper than directly through a store) so that you can cycle to work! • Various schemes to keep you healthy (reduced gym membership, free swims, free eye tests for DSE users and more) • We give you two days per year to volunteer within the local community. • A range of resources, support, and activities to help you maintain your wellbeing including a monthly wellbeing hour in addition to annualised hours (the ability to work flexibly as long as, over the course of the year, you complete your contracted hours) and annual leave. We look forward to hearing from you. You may also have experience in the following: Finance Business Partner, Management Accountant, Finance Manager, Financial Accountant, Commercial Accountant, Finance Analyst, Finance Analysis, Financial Analysis, ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, etc REF-(Apply online only)
Finance Business Partner employer: South and Vale District Councils
Contact Detail:
South and Vale District Councils Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific financial systems mentioned in the job description, particularly UNIT4/Agresso. Having a solid understanding of these systems can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals who have experience in finance business partnering within local councils. They can provide insights and potentially refer you to opportunities that align with your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest developments in public sector finance and accounting standards. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience in training non-financial staff during the interview. Highlighting your ability to communicate complex financial concepts clearly will showcase your suitability for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Finance Business Partner position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your accounting knowledge and experience with ERP finance systems. Mention any specific projects or roles where you provided finance business partnering support.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Clearly state your educational background and qualifications, especially your AAT status or progress towards it. If you have any experience with UNIT4/Agresso software, be sure to include that as well.
Personalize Your Cover Letter: Write a personalized cover letter that reflects your enthusiasm for the role and the organization. Mention why you are interested in working for the council and how your skills align with their needs.
How to prepare for a job interview at South and Vale District Councils
✨Showcase Your Accounting Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss your strong all-round accounting knowledge. Highlight specific experiences where you've successfully managed financial accounts or contributed to budget preparation, as this aligns closely with the role's requirements.
✨Demonstrate ERP and Excel Proficiency
Since the role requires confidence with ERP finance systems and strong Microsoft Excel skills, come ready to share examples of how you've utilized these tools in previous positions. If possible, mention any experience with UNIT4/Agresso software.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in finance-related situations. Think about past challenges you've faced and how you resolved them, particularly in a council or public sector context.
✨Express Willingness to Learn and Adapt
The job mentions potential expectations to study for a professional qualification like CIPFA. Show your enthusiasm for continuous learning and professional development, and be ready to discuss how you plan to achieve this.