At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic financial planning and budget management for Shropshire Council.
- Company: Join Shropshire Council, a key player in local government finance.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and leadership opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for significant career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial decision-making and support community services.
- Qualifications: Experience in local government finance and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
We are working with Shropshire Council to recruit an experienced Strategic Finance Business Partner on an interim basis for an initial 6 month contract. This is a key leadership role within the Finance function, supporting the strategic financial management of the Council and providing high level financial advice to Corporate and Service Directors. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in budget setting, financial planning, business partnering, and strategic decision-making across the organisation.
The Role
- Lead the provision of high-quality financial advice, analysis, and challenge to senior stakeholders, ensuring informed decision making and effective financial management across council services.
- Coordinate the Council's budget setting process, supporting medium term financial planning, producing reports for senior leadership and Cabinet, and driving financial performance across service areas.
- Deputise for the Strategic Finance Manager when required and provide leadership to a team of finance professionals.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead strategic financial planning across service areas, ensuring alignment with corporate priorities.
- Coordinate and oversee the Council's annual budget-setting process.
- Support the preparation of Cabinet and senior leadership reports.
- Develop robust medium term financial plans and resource projections.
- Provide high quality financial advice and constructive challenge to Corporate Directors, Executive Directors, and senior management teams.
- Lead revenue budget monitoring activities, identifying financial risks and opportunities.
- Support service areas in developing mitigation plans and delivering value for money.
- Analyse and communicate complex financial, technical, and performance information.
- Support contract negotiations, procurement exercises, and commercial initiatives.
- Contribute to the production of annual accounts and financial benchmarking exercises.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Lead, manage and develop a team of 6.4 FTE finance professionals.
About You
We are particularly interested in speaking with candidates who can demonstrate:
- Significant experience working in a senior finance business partnering role within a Local Authority.
- Previous management of a revenue budget monitoring and/or finance business partnering team.
- Proven experience coordinating council wide budget-setting processes.
- Strong experience producing and presenting financial reports for senior leadership teams and elected members.
- The ability to provide strategic challenge and influence decision-making at Director and Executive Director level.
- Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and leadership skills.
- A strong understanding of local government finance, governance, and financial regulations.
Essential Experience
- Local Government finance background.
- Strategic financial planning and budget management.
- Revenue budget monitoring.
- Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) development.
- Business partnering with senior stakeholders.
- Leadership and management of finance teams.
- Financial risk management and performance reporting.
Desirable
- CCAB/CIPFA qualified accountant.
- Experience supporting Cabinet, Executive Leadership Teams, or equivalent senior governance structures.
- Experience driving commercial and efficiency programmes within a Local Authority setting.
This opportunity would suit an experienced local government finance leader who can quickly establish credibility with senior stakeholders, provide strategic financial challenge, and immediately support the delivery of the Council's financial objectives.
Strategic Finance Business Partner in England employer: Vertas
At Vertas, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the health, safety, and wellbeing of our colleagues. As a Catering Assistant based in Barrow-in-Furness, you'll enjoy flexible working hours, opportunities for personal growth, and the chance to be part of a dedicated team that values your contributions. Join us in delivering outstanding service while benefiting from our commitment to employee development and a positive workplace environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Finance Business Partner in England
✨Get Involved in Financial Networks
Join local financial associations or forums where you can connect with professionals in financial-controlling. Networking events often lead to temporary positions, as companies look for quick hires when they need extra hands.
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Focus on platforms that specifically cater to temporary roles in finance. Sites like Reed or Totaljobs often list short-term gigs that are perfect for getting your foot in the door, and you can apply directly through our website for roles at Vertas.
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For temporary positions in financial-controlling, your availability can make a huge difference. Highlight your willingness to start immediately or work irregular hours when speaking to employers. This flexibility can land you that sought-after role!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Finance Business Partner in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Aces:In the financial controlling game, grades and relevant certifications can make a significant difference. Be sure to highlight your academic achievements, like finance-related coursework and any professional certifications you’ve got on your CV that show you’re clued up in this area. It’s all about demonstrating that you’re not just good at numbers but also know your stuff!
Quantify Your Achievements:When applying for a temporary role in financial controlling, make sure your CV reflects any previous experience with real, measurable outcomes. Use numbers to showcase your past successes, like percentage improvements in budgeting or cost savings you’ve achieved in previous roles. This not only gives us insights into your capabilities but also tells us you're results-driven.
Personalise Your Application:We love seeing applicants who take the time to tailor their applications! In your cover letter, mention why you’re particularly interested in the temporary role with Vertas and how your specific skills and experiences align with the job. Show us that you see this role as an opportunity to contribute, even if it's for a short stint!
Flexibility is Key:Since this is a temporary position, make sure to highlight your availability in your application. We’re interested in knowing how soon you can start and if you’re open to working flexible hours. This shows us your eagerness to jump right in and adapt to the dynamic needs of our team at Vertas.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vertas
✨Get Hands-On with Financial Tools
Being in financial controlling means you’ll likely be working with various software like Excel, Power BI, or even SAP. Make sure you brush up on these tools and prepare to discuss your experience using them. Being able to reference specific projects or analyses where you employed these programs will definitely give you an edge.
✨Prepare for Technical Financial Questions
Expect scenario-based questions where you might need to analyse financial statements or suggest budgetary strategies during the interview. Practising common financial concepts like variance analysis or cost control measures will not only boost your confidence but also prove your suitability for the role.
✨Show Your Flexibility and Adaptability
As this is a temporary position, the interviewers will want to see that you can hit the ground running. Be sure to highlight any previous short-term roles or projects where you successfully adapted to new environments quickly – this will showcase your readiness to tackle challenges head-on.
✨Highlight Your Commitment to Precision
In financial controlling, attention to detail is absolutely crucial. Be ready to provide examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to spot discrepancies and ensure accuracy in financial reporting. Your precision could be the factor that sets you apart in a temporary role like this one!
