Job Description
4 month contract role with a possibility of extension with a Local Authority
Job Summary:
• The Lead Finance Officer – NPH will provide strategic and operational financial leadership across Northamptonshire Partnership Homes (NPH), working closely with the Strategic Finance Business Partner – HRA and Company Leadership Team.
• The role is responsible for delivering a comprehensive business partnering service, ensuring strong financial governance, accurate reporting, effective budget management and continuous service improvement.
• Reporting into the Resources Directorate at West Northamptonshire Council, the postholder will lead the finance function supporting NPH, overseeing both capital and revenue activity, rent setting, statutory accounts, KPI development and financial planning, while managing and developing a multi-disciplinary finance team.
Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):
• Deliver a full finance business partnering service including monthly budget monitoring, forecasting and detailed expenditure analysis.
• Act as key financial advisor to budget holders and senior stakeholders, providing timely, accurate and insightful financial information.
• Lead the preparation of annual budgets aligned to the wider Financial Business Plan.
• Support the Director of Resources in maintaining and delivering the NPH Financial Business Plan.
• Produce monthly, quarterly and ad hoc financial reports for EMT, Audit & Risk Committee and Board.
• Prepare annual statutory accounts and support delivery of an unmodified external audit opinion.
• Lead on rent reviews, rent setting for new developments and annual rent adjustments in line with policy and regulatory requirements.
• Develop, monitor and report on a suite of financial and operational KPIs.
• Drive efficiencies, challenge existing practices and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with Financial Regulations, Standing Orders and relevant legislation.
• Manage capital and revenue budgets effectively, ensuring value for money.
• Lead and develop the finance team, embedding continuous improvement and high performance standards.
• Contribute to strategic planning, risk management and organisational improvement initiatives.
Skills/Experience:
• CCAB qualified (or equivalent) with evidence of continued professional development.
• Extensive knowledge of local government finance legislation, housing finance and regulatory frameworks.
• Significant leadership and management experience within a finance function.
• Strong business partnering experience within a complex organisation.
• Proven ability to prepare statutory accounts and management accounts.
• Experience of financial forecasting, cash flow management and long-term financial planning.
• Advanced Excel and strong IT systems capability, including financial management systems.
• Experience presenting complex financial information to senior stakeholders and Boards.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and strategic thinking skills.
• Experience working within housing, ALMO or Registered Social Landlord environments (desirable).
• Ability to drive service improvement, efficiencies and financial performance.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work under pressure.
• Strong understanding of governance, compliance and risk management frameworks.
Additional Information:
• Client: West Northamptonshire Council.
• Location: One Angel Square / Westbridge, Northampton.
• Hybrid Working: Up to 3 days per week from home (subject to meetings).
• Contract Length: 4 months (potential extension).
• Hours: 37 per week (09:00–17:30)
• Rate: £500 per day Umbrella.
Requirements
• CCAB qualified (or equivalent) with evidence of continued professional development. • Extensive knowledge of local government finance legislation, housing finance and regulatory frameworks. • Significant leadership and management experience within a finance function. • Strong business partnering experience within a complex organisation. • Proven ability to prepare statutory accounts and management accounts. • Experience of financial forecasting, cash flow management and long-term financial planning. • Advanced Excel and strong IT systems capability, including financial management systems. • Experience presenting complex financial information to senior stakeholders and Boards. • Strong analytical, problem-solving and strategic thinking skills. • Experience working within housing, ALMO or Registered Social Landlord environments (desirable). • Ability to drive service improvement, efficiencies and financial performance. • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. • Ability to manage competing priorities and work under pressure. • Strong understanding of governance, compliance and risk management frameworks.