At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy for the Housing Revenue Account and support budget planning.
- Company: Large London local authority focused on housing investment and transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, professional development, and impactful work in local government.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for growth and influence.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in housing finance during a transformative period.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in local government finance and business partnering.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 € per year.
An opportunity has arisen for an experienced HRA Finance Business Partner to join a large London local authority on an interim basis. This role will play a key strategic part in supporting the development and management of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), during a period of significant housing investment, cost pressure, and transformation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead financial business partnering for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA)
- Support the budget setting process and medium-term financial planning
- Provide robust forecasting, monitoring and variance analysis
- Work closely with housing, development, and regeneration teams to support strategic decision-making
- Assess and challenge housing development and acquisition business cases
- Lead financial oversight of temporary accommodation (TA) budgets, including cost control and recovery strategies
- Manage financial pressures associated with homelessness and TA spend (including nightly paid accommodation)
- Ensure strong financial governance across HRA revenue and capital programmes
- Translate complex financial data into clear insights for senior stakeholders
About You
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
- Strong experience in local government finance, ideally within housing or HRA
- Proven background in senior finance business partnering roles
- Demonstrable experience managing or supporting temporary accommodation finances
HRA Finance Business Partner employer: The Oyster Partnership
Join a dynamic and supportive team within a large London local authority, where your expertise as an HRA Finance Business Partner will directly contribute to transformative housing initiatives. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that values professional growth, offering ample opportunities for development and advancement in the public sector. With a commitment to social impact and community well-being, this role not only provides competitive benefits but also allows you to make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents across London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HRA Finance Business Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and housing sectors. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the local authority and their current HRA projects. We want you to be able to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Practise answering common interview questions and think about how you can showcase your financial expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through real-life examples. When discussing your experience, we recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to clearly demonstrate how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, especially in local government finance.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect fit for you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. Let’s get you that HRA Finance Business Partner role!
We think you need these skills to ace HRA Finance Business Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the HRA Finance Business Partner role. Highlight your experience in local government finance and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your background aligns with the key responsibilities listed in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific examples of your past work that relate to financial business partnering and strategic decision-making. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to showcase your skills in forecasting, monitoring, and variance analysis. We’re looking for someone who can translate complex financial data into clear insights, so make sure to highlight any relevant experiences that demonstrate this ability.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Let’s get your application in!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Oyster Partnership
✨Know Your Numbers
As a candidate for the HRA Finance Business Partner role, it's crucial to brush up on your financial knowledge. Be prepared to discuss specific financial metrics related to the Housing Revenue Account and how they impact budget setting and forecasting. This shows you’re not just familiar with the numbers but can also provide insights.
✨Understand the Local Authority Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current challenges and opportunities facing local authorities, especially in housing. Research recent developments in housing investment and cost pressures. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of the strategic context during the interview.
✨Prepare Real-World Examples
Think of specific instances where you've successfully managed financial pressures or led financial oversight in previous roles. Be ready to share these examples, focusing on your approach to problem-solving and how you supported decision-making processes. This will highlight your experience and capability.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, prepare to discuss how you’ve effectively communicated complex financial data to non-financial stakeholders in the past. Show that you can translate numbers into actionable insights, which is key for strategic decision-making.
