At a Glance
- Tasks: Support SEND reforms by providing strategic financial advice and managing service performance.
- Company: Join the vibrant London Borough of Waltham Forest, a hub of culture and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive workplace, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on strategic decision-making and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while developing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: Strong financial acumen and ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams.
The predicted salary is between 68784 - 72399 £ per year.
Organisation: London Borough of Waltham Forest
Salary: PO10 £68,784 to £72,399
Contract Type: Full-time/Permanent
Working hours per week: 36
Application Deadline: 16/09/2026
Proposed Interview Date(s): w/c 21/09/2026 (TBC)
Reference: 2297
About Us: Bursting with culture, energy, and opportunity, the London Borough of Waltham Forest is a fantastic and exciting place to work. We are a highly ambitious borough. Driven by culture and the innate creativity of our residents, we have developed new and innovative ways to build our communities. Our Council is relentlessly resident-focused, insight-led, digitally driven and commercially minded; a Council focused on meeting the needs of our existing and future residents. London Borough of Waltham Forest is one of the Mayor of London's Good Work Standard employers. This accreditation is proof of our commitment to creating a healthy, fair and inclusive workplace. This includes fair pay and conditions, workplace well-being, skills and progression and diversity and recruitment.
The Council's preference is for online application. However, if you have a disability and are unable to complete an online application, please email so we can arrange an alternative application method.
About the role: Finance Business Partners are responsible for implementing the business partnering function for the assigned service area, in this case Special Education Needs (SEND), supporting delivery of the SEND reforms. The role is pivotal in providing strategic support in all aspects of financial advice for the service across the organisation. They act as partners with the service leadership teams to develop, constructively challenge, and support service plans and project delivery and take responsibility for managing and reporting on operational performance for the business partnering team.
The post holder will be required to:
- Control the deployment and allocation of service resources within the overall corporate and legislative framework and be accountable for the performance of the service area against agreed objectives;
- Support the development of the budget for the relevant service area and contribute to wider service planning;
- Be professionally accountable for interventions within their area of responsibility.
The post holder will be required to assess situations from a commercial, business or finance perspective and provide appropriate financial advice to support complex business decisions. They will work closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure best use of limited financial resources, providing the strategic financial insight, intelligence and support required. They will produce high-quality financial analysis and provide robust assessment of financial risk to support decision-making.
As well as being an excellent technical accountant, the post holder will think strategically and support the organisation to achieve its objectives, being aware of the political and commercial context. They will think innovatively, focus on key priorities, and make clear decisions.
We are a Home Office-licensed sponsor; however, for this specific role we are not able to provide Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. To be considered, you must already hold a form of UK work authorisation that does not require sponsorship.
Finance Business Partner - SEND Reform in London employer: Waltham Forest Council
The London Borough of Waltham Forest is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work environment that champions diversity and inclusion. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, professional development, and flexible working arrangements, the Council fosters a culture where innovation thrives and every voice is valued. As a proud holder of the Mayor of London's Good Work Standard, Waltham Forest provides its employees with meaningful opportunities to contribute to the community while advancing their careers in a supportive setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Business Partner - SEND Reform in London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Waltham Forest Council. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Partner - SEND Reform in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Waltham Forest Council.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Waltham Forest Council's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Waltham Forest Council
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Waltham Forest Council.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Waltham Forest Council will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Waltham Forest Council employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.