Interim Finance Business Partner

The Finance Business Partner is responsible for the delivery of all aspects of operational financial management within a directorate area. The role is expected to operate at a strategic level building strong relationships with internal and external partners and being a key and active member of senior manager forums. The Council are about to embark on a major transformation programme and this a great time to join the organisation.

• Lead the management of financial resources, to ensure probity, efficiency, high performance and overall value for money.
• Ensure, in all activities, the service make decisions in the knowledge of the impact those decisions will have financially on the Council.
• Understand customer needs and provide them with a service they value.
• Drive the delivery of productivity and efficiency improvement and cost reduction plans across the Council so that the transformation strategy can be achieved.
• Ensure that officers, and members where directed by the lead finance business partner, are provided with high quality strategic advice and direction on financial strategies, policy, standards and practices.
• To lead on any project or programme as agreed by the Senior Finance Business Partner.

Role

• Co-ordinate the development of financial plans for directorate services ensuring they reflect the directorate’s strategic objectives
• Monitor performance of those budgets and analyse key variances timely, proposing remedial action as required.
• Provide timely and accurate information and advice to budget holders to allow effective management of their budgets and assist them in carrying out their financial duties, constructively challenging where appropriate.
• Promote a culture which empowers budget holders and supports the delivery of value for money services, including reporting on benchmark information and key cost drivers.
• Analyse, interpret and communicate financial and performance data, and provide financial advice in the form of management and board reports. Complete financial returns and questionnaires as required.
• Develop a sound understanding of unit costs, interpreting price / activity variances. Propose and develop appropriate cost drivers for service budgets and ensure accurate preparation, monitoring and control of estimates and forecasts.
• Implement and maintain effective financial arrangements and promote the review of financial policy, systems and practice supporting the delivery of a programme of continual improvement.
• Produce accurate financial forecasts and plans highlighting potential opportunities and risks. Quantify and grade risks identified and support the formulation and implementation of mitigation plans where these are required.
• Undertake financial impact assessments relating to changes in or new legislative and service initiatives. Support the arrangements in place for financial management of the Capital Programme.
• Support the timely preparation of robust business cases from a financial perspective, identifying and quantifying associated costs, benefits, risks and funding solutions.
• Contribute to the work involved in achieving the objectives in Financial Professional Services annual plan and ensuring the benefits are realised.
• Co-ordinate the delivery of information to support the annual accounts closure programme as requested and in accordance with the agreed timetable.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations and professional accounting standards.

Experience/achievement

• CCAB Qualified
• Knowledge & understanding of financial management and financial frameworks in a large organisation – preferably public sector.
• Experience of working within the public sector, ideally within a local authority and have demonstrable experience working within the following areas: infrastructure, highways, environment, home to school transport and local bus.
• Service delivery improvements within a finance setting.
• Financial planning and management for a group of service areas.
• Providing financial advice & support to management teams.
• Identifying opportunities to develop financial systems and processes.
• Evaluating and supporting innovative and effective means of financing the delivery of large scale services.
• Engaging and working with management teams.
• Inspiring & motivating colleagues within the finance function to achieve targets and goals.

Aptitudes/ personal qualities

• Ability to establish credibility with directors, senior management teams and other stakeholders.
• Strong delivery/performance focus.
• Ability to contribute effectively in a large complex organisation with plans for radical change and improvement.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with finance colleagues, including the commissioning of work and quality assurance.
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills