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- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and governance for a dynamic local authority during transformation.
- Company: Local Authority on the South Coast with a focus on innovation and community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, hybrid working, and potential contract extension.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in financial leadership while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Senior finance experience, strong leadership skills, and a CCAB-recognised qualification.
- Other info: Join a high-performing team and contribute to meaningful change in local governance.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.
Spencer Clarke Group are working closely with a Local Authority on the South Coast to appoint an Interim Strategic Finance Business Partner to act as the senior finance lead for a Directorate during a period of organisational change, financial challenge and transformation.
This is a high-impact, leadership-level role within the Finance Management Team, providing financial challenge, assurance and strategic decision support to Executive Directors, Service Directors and senior stakeholders across a large and complex portfolio.
The Role
The successful candidate will act as the finance director for their assigned Directorate, with responsibility for revenue, capital, financial governance and medium-term financial planning, while also leading and developing a high-performing Finance Business Partnering team.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Providing strategic financial leadership, challenge and assurance to Directors and senior budget holders
- Leading directorate-level revenue, capital and financial governance activity
- Driving medium-term financial planning, budget strategy and financial sustainability
- Producing financial modelling, scenario analysis and business cases for investment, transformation and commercial activity
- Identifying and delivering opportunities for income generation, cost recovery, commercialisation and savings
- Supporting and leading transformation programmes, including benefits tracking and financial risk management
- Managing, developing and motivating a Finance Business Partnering team in line with council standards and performance frameworks
What’s on Offer
- Day rate: Competitive and dependent on experience
- Contract length: 3-6 months initially, with a strong likelihood of extension
- Working pattern: Hybrid - typically around 1 day per week onsite
- Start: ASAP / subject to notice
About You
You will ideally have:
- Significant local authority finance experience at a senior level
- A background operating as a Strategic Finance Business Partner, Head of Finance or equivalent
- Strong experience of budget setting, MTFF/MTFS, capital programmes and financial governance
- Proven capability in financial modelling, business cases, transformation and commercial finance
- Experience leading and developing finance teams
- A CCAB-recognised qualification (CIPFA, CIMA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent)
How to Apply
If you are interested, please submit your CV along with your required day rate. If successful, a consultant will be in touch to discuss further details. Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Strategic Finance Business Partner in Portsmouth employer: Spencer Clarke Group
Contact Detail:
Spencer Clarke Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Finance Business Partner in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in local authorities. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about opportunities that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial governance knowledge and strategic decision-making skills. We recommend practising common interview questions related to budget strategy and financial sustainability to show you’re the right fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the position. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! We make it easy for you to submit your application and keep track of your progress. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your CV gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Finance Business Partner in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Strategic Finance Business Partner role. Highlight your relevant experience in local authority finance and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you’ve driven financial sustainability or led transformation programmes. This helps us see the impact you've made in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Avoid jargon and make sure your points are easy to understand. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets to the heart of your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Spencer Clarke Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Strategic 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 financial modelling or budget strategies you've implemented.
✨Understand the Organisation's Challenges
Research the local authority and its current financial landscape. Be prepared to discuss how you can provide strategic leadership during their period of change. Show that you understand their specific challenges and how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires leading a finance team, so be ready to share your experiences in team management. Discuss how you've motivated teams in the past and any successful transformation programmes you've led. Highlight your ability to develop high-performing teams.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that require you to think on your feet, especially around financial governance and risk management. Practice articulating your thought process in scenarios where you've had to make tough financial decisions or navigate complex budget issues.
