Business Support & Finance Executive in Ipswich

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship due to not meeting the minimum requirements for a Skilled Worker visa.

At Suffolk County Council, every role is a chance to create positive change. As our new Business Support and Finance Executive in the Suffolk Economy Team (Strategy & Operations), you’ll help keep the team’s work moving – from getting the finances right, to supporting strong governance and well-run programmes. If you enjoy bringing order to busy workstreams, spotting what needs doing next and making things happen, we’d love to hear from you.

You’ll provide proactive business support and financial administration that helps the Suffolk Economy Team deliver its priorities and run smoothly day to day. You’ll keep on top of purchase orders and invoices, help produce clear monthly reporting, maintain key trackers and filing systems, and play a vital role in supporting the Suffolk Business Board – from organising meetings to producing minutes and following up actions. You’ll work with colleagues across the council and with external partners, so being organised, accurate and confident communicating with others will help you thrive.

• Processing purchase orders, invoices and payment transactions accurately and in line with financial controls.
• Supporting monthly finance reporting for Delivery Leads and Budget Managers, including basic budget monitoring and highlighting variances.
• Liaising with internal teams and external suppliers/partners to validate invoices, resolve queries and support timely payments.
• Maintaining secure, accurate financial records and documentation in line with council policies and information governance.
• Keeping strategic action trackers up to date (interventions, milestones and key performance indicators) and producing updates for senior stakeholders.
• Supporting recruitment activity – organising interviews, preparing candidate materials and coordinating logistics.
• Managing digital filing systems, version control and (where relevant) shared mailbox triage, ensuring correspondence is prioritised and actioned.
• Supporting procurement administration, including quotations, record keeping and compliance checks.
• Coordinating Suffolk Business Board meetings end-to-end (diary management, papers, room/virtual setup and attendee support).
• Drafting and formatting meeting notes and minutes, tracking actions and following up to support strong governance.

We’re looking for someone who is organised, proactive and confident juggling competing priorities. You’ll enjoy working with numbers and detail, and you’ll take pride in providing great support that helps others deliver.

• ILM Level 3/5 in Business Management (or equivalent knowledge and experience).
• Experience of financial processes, regulations and systems (or equivalent knowledge and experience).
• Confidence using Microsoft Office, especially Excel, and working with corporate systems such as Oracle and purchase-to-pay (P2P).
• Strong written and verbal communication – you can explain information clearly and build good working relationships.
• Ability to plan, prioritise and respond to non-routine queries, escalating issues appropriately and keeping clear records.
• A practical understanding of confidentiality and data protection in the workplace.
• A collaborative mindset and a commitment to living the council’s values (including WEASPIRE).

If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

We’re the Suffolk Economy Team in the Growth, Highways & Infrastructure (GHI) Directorate. We lead the development and delivery of the Suffolk Economic Strategy and support interventions that respond to business needs and new opportunities – helping Suffolk’s economy to be competitive, innovative and resilient.

Your work helps keep strong governance, accurate reporting and sound financial management at the heart of what we do. That means better decisions, well-run programmes and greater confidence for partners and stakeholders as we deliver inclusive growth across Suffolk.

Endeavour House (Ipswich) with hybrid working. We’ll agree a working pattern that balances service needs with flexibility, and you’ll have access to options such as flexitime, TOIL and compressed hours where these work for the role.

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

Please contact Eunice Edwards (she/her) for a casual conversation. You can reach out initially by emailing Eunice.Edwards@suffolk.gov.uk.

Step 1 – Read the Job and Person Profile (Word) Step 2 – Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application. Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template (Word). Tell me about a time you processed financial transactions such as invoices or purchase orders and ensured accuracy and compliance with procedures. Give an example of when and how you supported the organisation of senior meetings from start to finish including securing venues, inviting attendees, preparing papers and taking minutes. Tell me about a time you maintained or improved a filing or information management system to ensure accuracy and accessibility. Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details). Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.

Closing date: 11.30pm, 22 June 2026. Interview date: 1 July 2026. This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.