At a Glance
- Tasks: Act as a financial advisor, driving decision-making and service improvements for Council services.
- Company: Join St Albans City and District Council during an exciting transformation phase.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30.5 days leave, flexible working, and a Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team in a historic city with great career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact in your community while developing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in financial planning, budgeting, and strong relationship-building skills required.
£46,871 to £50,998 inclusive annual salary + Local Government Pension Scheme
Permanent, full-time (37 hours pw)
Flexible working options (including hybrid)
Job Ref: P2218
About the role
As a Senior Finance Business Partner, you will act as a trusted financial advisor to designated Council service areas, bridging finance and operations through robust financial planning, reporting, variance analysis and forecasting to drive decision-making and service improvements. You will support a diverse portfolio of Council services, providing financial advice on revenue budgets and capital programmes. The role includes financial modelling, business case development, cost allocation, and grant monitoring and reporting, supporting the effective allocation and utilisation of government funding to deliver key Council priorities.
You will play a key role in the Council's annual budget process, medium term financial planning, capital programme management and monthly reporting and forecasting cycles, while supporting the Principal Finance Business Partners in providing a full range of professional support services to Councillors, Service Committees, senior managers and budget holders. This is an exciting time to join the Council's Finance team. Local Government is undergoing significant change through Local Government Reorganisation, with plans to establish a new West Hertfordshire authority – you'll have the opportunity to contribute to major transformation programmes and gain valuable experience within a changing landscape.
About you
We are looking for an experienced, suitably qualified Finance Business Partner to join the Council's Finance Business Partnering team. You will have worked in a financial planning and budgeting environment undertaking financial modelling and option appraisals, and be able to build strong, trusted, influential working relationships with operational managers. You will be an excellent team player, ideally with experience of managing others, and able to organise and prioritise competing workloads effectively.
Join us to make a positive impact in our community by putting sustainability at the heart of everything we do, while living our values of trust, care, collaboration, confidence and customer focus.
St Albans is a unique English Cathedral City with a colourful history, Roman remains and beautiful architecture, heritage sites and conservation areas. Set within green belt off the M25, A1M and M1, our centrally located offices are near the station (London St Pancras 20 minutes), shops and restaurants – a great place to live and work.
Benefits
- 30.5 days basic annual leave (increasing with service) + bank holidays
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexible working options
- Staff Parking Permit
- Reimbursement of professional fees
- Comprehensive development and training
- Discounted membership at selected local sports and fitness centres
- Access to discounts and benefits via online platform
For an informal discussion, please contact Ian Langford, Senior Finance Business Partner Manager.
A detailed job description and person specification are published on the advert and set out the criteria we use to assess applicants. The Council reserves the right to reject applicants at the shortlisting stage, where the application process has not been completed correctly.
Closing date for applications: 21 September 2026
Interviews will take place in October 2026. NOTE: Interviews are conducted throughout the application process. We reserve the right to close the vacancy at an earlier date, so we strongly encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
Additional Information
Disability Confident: We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets all the essential criteria for the post.
Safeguarding: This post is subject to a Basic Disclosure Check.
English Fluency: The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.
We are changing. St Albans City and District Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). If employed by the Council on 1 April 2028, it is expected that the majority of roles will transfer to the newly-created unitary councils on existing terms and conditions under TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings – Protection of Employment) principles.
LGR is one of the biggest changes we will face in a generation. It will reshape how we work and how services are organised, and gives us a real opportunity to build something better. We hope you will be part of that journey with us.
Senior Finance Business Partner in St Albans employer: St Albans City & District Council
Join our dedicated team as a Project Surveyor in the Adaptations department, where you will play a vital role in enhancing the lives of residents by delivering essential home adaptations. We pride ourselves on a supportive work culture that values flexibility, professional development, and employee well-being, offering generous benefits such as a competitive salary, comprehensive training, and a Local Government Pension Scheme. Located in a community-focused environment, we are committed to fostering growth and ensuring our employees feel valued and empowered in their roles.
Contact Details:
St Albans City & District Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Business Partner in St Albans
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like St Albans City & District Council. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Business Partner in St Albans
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to St Albans City & District Council.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on St Albans City & District Council's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Albans City & District Council
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with St Albans City & District Council.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at St Albans City & District Council will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former St Albans City & District Council employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.