Strategic Finance Partner for Public Services

It’s time to join West Lancs as we embark on delivering our new and ambitious Vision and Priorities. With a focus on environmental sustainability, generating economic prosperity, building inclusive and healthy communities, and financial resilience, we are looking for exceptional candidates to help shape our future. You will be joining an organisation that puts its customers first, takes responsibility and works together with a can-do attitude, all while challenging the status quo to deliver exceptional outcomes for our communities.

Your Role! We are looking to recruit Finance Business Partners to join our Finance Team. We currently have one full-time vacancy (36 hours per week) and one part-time vacancy (21.5 hours per week) available. As a Finance Business Partner, you will play a key role in supporting managers and senior leaders across the Council by providing professional financial advice, challenge and support. Working closely with service areas, you will help ensure sound financial management and contribute to effective decision-making that supports the delivery of Council priorities.

The role will involve:

• Providing high-quality financial advice and support to managers and budget holders.
• Supporting the preparation, monitoring and forecasting of revenue and capital budgets.
• Producing financial reports and management information for a range of stakeholders.
• Identifying financial risks and opportunities and helping services develop appropriate solutions.
• Supporting budget setting, business planning and year-end processes.
• Building strong working relationships with colleagues across the organisation to promote good financial management.
• Contributing to the continued development and improvement of financial processes and systems.

This is an excellent opportunity to work in a collaborative environment where your expertise will directly contribute to the delivery of high-quality services for our communities.

About You! We are looking for a motivated and proactive finance professional who can build effective working relationships and confidently support managers in making informed financial decisions. You will ideally:

• Have experience working in a finance environment.
• Have experience of budget monitoring, financial reporting and financial analysis.
• Be able to interpret and communicate financial information clearly to non-financial audiences.
• Possess excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Be able to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues at all levels.
• Be committed to delivering high-quality customer-focused services.

What We Offer: We pride ourselves on being a friendly, supportive employer and offer a range of benefits designed to suit your needs. These include a competitive salary, generous annual leave entitlement, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, work–life balance policies, and opportunities for personal development.

If you are eager to be part of a transformative journey and make a tangible impact, West Lancashire Borough Council welcomes your application. Please indicate within your supporting statement whether you wish to be considered for the full-time vacancy, part-time vacancy, or both.

Additional Information: Interview date: 5 August 2026. If you are interested in this position and would like an informal conversation, please feel free to contact Peter Quick, peter.quick@westlancs.gov.uk. Apply Online by clicking the Apply Online button above. If you require further information or your application will not submit then please call 01695 577177 or email recruitment@westlancs.gov.uk. The successful applicant will be required to undergo security checks as part of the Baseline Personnel Security Standard for accessing Government records. This will include a Basic DBS check. If you are disabled or your last employer was the armed forces, and you meet all the essential criteria of the post, you will be guaranteed an interview.