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 of £500 and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial decision-making and governance.
- Qualifications: Experience in local government finance and strong leadership skills required.
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.
Contract Details
- Role: Strategic Finance Business Partner
- Organisation: Shropshire Council
- Contract Length: Initial 6 months
- Rate: £500 per day
- Working Arrangement: Hybrid
- Office Attendance: Approximately 1-2 times per month
- Start Date: ASAP
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 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
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
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We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Finance Business Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
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Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Vertas. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Vertas confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vertas
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Vertas.
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Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
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For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Vertas that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
