Finance Business Partner
Contract: full time, permanent. Salary: £60,912 to £64,878 per annum, depending on experience. Location: Wakefield.
Looking for a senior finance role where you can make a real impact on frontline policing. West Yorkshire Police is seeking an experienced and commercially focused Finance Business Partner to join the Finance and Commercial Services Directorate. This is a senior role, working closely with Districts, Departments and Directorates to ensure effective use of financial resources in support of operational and strategic objectives.
You’ll act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, providing professional financial advice, constructive challenge and commercial insight. This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified accountant who enjoys working at pace, influencing decision‑making and making a tangible contribution to public services.
Role and Responsibilities
Working within the Business Partnering Team, you will play a key role in linking finance with operational leadership, ensuring strong financial governance and value for money.
* Act as the primary finance contact for assigned Districts, Departments, Directorates or Business Units.
* Lead the planning, preparation and management of revenue and capital budgets.
* Monitor, forecast and report on financial performance, producing clear and insightful management information.
* Provide robust professional challenge and advice to Senior Leadership Teams.
* Support efficiency planning and benefits realisation, identifying opportunities for savings and service improvements.
* Contribute to medium‑term financial planning, including Force‑wide and Mayoral financial strategies.
* Represent the Finance and Commercial Services Directorate on strategic boards, project groups and partnership meetings.
* Translate complex financial information into clear, accessible insight for non‑financial stakeholders.
* Support, coach and mentor Senior Assistant Finance Business Partners, Assistant Finance Business Partners and Apprentice Accounting Technicians.
* Ensure compliance with financial regulations, audit requirements and public sector accounting standards.
There may be occasional requirements to work flexibly to meet business and operational needs.
Essential Criteria
* A full CCAB accountancy qualification with significant post‑qualification experience.
* Proven experience of senior‑level budget management, financial planning and forecasting.
* Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and present financial data clearly.
* Excellent communication and influencing skills, with confidence to challenge constructively.
* Experience working in a finance business partnering role supporting senior leaders.
* The ability to prioritise workload and work autonomously in a demanding environment.
Desirable Experience
* Public sector financial management and accounting.
* Supervisory or people management experience.
* Formal Finance Business Partner training or qualifications.
Benefits / What We Offer
* Generous annual leave allowance – 29 days annual leave, rising to 34 days after five years of service (plus bank holidays).
* Flexible working options, including agile working arrangements to help you manage professional and personal commitments.
* Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund, a secure Defined Benefit CARE pension scheme.
* Membership options for the Police Treatment Centre and The Police Children’s Charity (eligibility‑dependent).
* Access to savings, discounts and cashback rewards through staff schemes, including eligibility to purchase a Blue Light Card.
* Option to sign up to the Cycle to work scheme (eligibility‑dependent).
* Access to a wide range of internal wellbeing services and support programmes.
* Opportunities for career development and training.
* Supportive HR policies, including maternity, paternity and other family‑friendly provisions.
* A meaningful career with a clear sense of purpose supporting policing services that protect communities.
* Opportunities to join staff networks, wellbeing groups, and sports clubs.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and a member of the Fair Work Charter. West Yorkshire Fair Work Charter: https://www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/business/growth-hub/better-business-practices/fair-work-charter/.
For more information about what we offer: Employee Benefits https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/jobs-volunteer/benefits.
How to Apply
Join us in supporting effective financial decision‑making across West Yorkshire Police. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute your expertise in a role with real purpose and impact.
Closing date: Tuesday 5th May 2026 at 23:55 hours.
The successful candidate will be subject to personal and financial vetting checks prior to appointment.
Interviews will take place on Thursday 14 and Friday 15 May.
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