Finance Business Partner

As Tees Valley Combined Authority continues its transformation journey, we’re investing in our finance function and recruiting talented professionals who want to make a real impact. Whether you’re looking to take the next step in your career or bring your expertise to a complex and rewarding environment, now is the time to join us.

We have made huge progress since our creation seven years ago, and we are not stopping now. We are driving forward the redevelopment of our transport network; revitalising training and education; boosting our businesses; championing culture and tourism; and supporting our boroughs in improving towns and communities.

Backed by devolved powers and significant Government investment, our ten-year Investment Plan outlines more than £1.7bn of spending.

TVCA is also involved in delivering financial functions relating to South Tees Development Corporation, which oversees Teesworks – the UK’s largest industrial zone and a cornerstone of the Teesside Freeport. Two Mayoral Development Corporations are also driving the regeneration of Hartlepool and Middlesbrough town centres, helping to create places where people aspire to live, work and play.

Alongside these major programmes, we’ve been on a significant journey of organisational transformation. Over the past year, we’ve strengthened our foundations, introduced new structures and teams, and made tangible improvements across the organisation. We are building a modern, ambitious and high‑performing organisation that is insight‑led, focused on delivering for our communities and committed to improving lives across Tees Valley. Our recently approved Tees Valley Local Growth Plan sets out a clear ten‑year vision for regional prosperity and economic growth.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and motivate Finance Officers, fostering a high‑performance culture.
• Drive continuous improvement across all financial processes, leading Finance Officers to design, implement, and embed process improvements and new processes in line with best practice.
• Act as a key advisor for finance queries regarding management accounting matters.
• Act as the lead finance business partner for nominated Directorates or service areas.
• Provide financial advice to budget managers and heads of service to support service delivery and policy objectives.
• Challenge assumptions constructively and support evidence based decision making.
• Support development of medium term financial plans for allocated services.
• Support the annual budget setting process and ensure alignment with corporate priorities.
• Provide robust revenue and capital forecasts.
• Oversee delivery and monitoring of agreed savings, growth and transformation programmes.
• Identify and manage financial risks, pressures, and opportunities.
• Deliver high quality financial analysis and insight to support service performance.
• Support the identification and delivery of savings, efficiencies, and income opportunities.
• Promote value for money principles and commercial thinking across services.
• Provide financial leadership for service transformation, change programmes, and major projects.
• Support business cases, option appraisals, and investment decisions.
• Assess the financial implications of policy proposals and strategic initiatives.
• Ensure financial management arrangements within service areas comply with best practice financial management processes and corporate governance frameworks.
• Support effective risk management and internal control.
• Contribute to audit processes and the implementation of recommendations.
• Attend and contribute to project teams and working groups.
• Support the preparation of reports for Members, Committees, and external stakeholders.
• Act as an ambassador for the Authority, promoting the interests of the sub region nationally and internationally.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the Authority to support delivery of corporate objectives.
• To act as an ambassador for the Tees Valley, promoting the interests of the sub region both nationally and internationally and raising the profile and reputation of the organisation.
• To adhere to all policies, practices and procedures with regard to financial management, legal matters including, procurement and those associated with the workforce including Health and Safety, promoting employee engagement and ensuring good practice is in place.
• Undertake any other duties that may be deemed reasonable to meet the duties and responsibilities of the post and undertake any training that is identified as being required to achieve this.
• To take reasonable care of your own Health and Safety and co‑operate with management, so far as is necessary, to enable compliance with the health and safety rules and legislative requirements.
• Work flexibly and undertake such other duties and responsibilities commensurate with the grading and nature of the post.
• Ensure compliance with corporate governance procedures, procurement regulations and the Data Protection Act and behave according to the Employees’ Code of Conduct.

Specific Skills & Qualifications

Qualifications

• AAT or fully or part qualified accountant (e.g. ACCA, CIPFA, ICAEW or equivalent).

Experience

• Experience in a business partnering or management accounting role, preferably within local government or the wider public sector.
• Experience of budget monitoring and forecasting in a complex organisation.
• Experience of project budgeting and financial management of projects would be desirable.

Skills & Knowledge

• Knowledge of local authority finance, funding, and regulatory frameworks.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret complex financial data and present clear options and recommendations.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a complex environment.

Personal Attributes

• High standards of integrity and professionalism.
• Inquisitive and curious mindset with attention to detail.
• Proactive, solutions focused, and outcome driven.
• Committed to public service values and good financial governance.

Key Relationships

• Group Director of Finance & Resources (Section 73 Officer)
• Head of Financial Management
• Senior Finance Business partner
• External auditors and regulatory bodies
• Internal auditors
• Corporate risk, assurance and governance leads