We have an exciting opportunity to join our team managing coastal flood and erosion risk on the south coast. Coastal Partners is a Partnership formed of five Local Authorities on the south coast. The organisation is responsible for planning, building, and maintaining sea defences along 246km of coastline. Our location means that we are heavily focused on improving the natural environment and adapting to climate change. We also manage services in surveying, research, and coastal science. The Role We are seeking a part time Finance Business Partner to work within our Assurance team. Working within our assurance team, we provide project, administration, communications, customer service, people and financial support and advice across the partnership. The assurance team also provides governance, business development and implementing service wide improvement. We are ideally looking for someone with local government experience as this post forms an integral part of the partnership covering a wide range of finance and business administration functions ensuring the partnership operates within the policies and processes set by each of our partner authorities. Main Duties To provide financial assurance to the Coastal Partnership in accordance with the Partnership’s Financial Support the Project Managers to provide financial assurance to the coastal engineering projects within the Coastal Partnership. To influence and challenge where required on the development and delivery of the Coastal Service Business Plan, ensuring that financial issues are at the centre of service delivery. To identify areas where financial intervention/change could create further efficiency. To support the wider activities of the Coastal Service Carry out budget setting, budget monitoring and financial forecasting. Supporting audit processes and ensuring best practice in all aspects of financial governance Collaborate with our five partner authority finance teams to ensure that all parties have the information they require to inform their own budgeting and reporting processes Supporting the assurance team with the delivery and implementation of change to contribute to overall business improvement. What skills do I need? Professionally Qualified Accountant (CCAB body) or extensive relevant experience working in a local authority finance environment with appropriate accounting qualification Experience of providing customer focused services that have added value. Wide knowledge of financial systems and accounting techniques. Experience of providing and presenting timely, accurate and regular financial information to a range of audiences. Skilled in the use of IT applications, including advanced knowledge of MS Excel Excellent numeracy and analytical skills with the ability to draw conclusions and develop recommendations. Effective written and oral communication skills. A demonstrable high level of ability to achieve programmed objectives and targets within agreed time scales. High attention to detail and accuracy Strong analytical skills and the ability to see the broader picture. Ability to work closely with a wide range of people at various levels and to work corporately across organisational boundaries. Ability to organise and prioritise a wide range of tasks with conflicting pressures for completion Positive and enthusiastic with a can-do attitude High level of Integrity Interested? For more information about us please visit https://coastalpartners.org.uk/ What we can offer you A competitive salary/benefits and support for your continuous professional development. £25,243 to £30,262 pro rata 22.5 hours per week per annum (FTE £41,511 to £49,764 per annum) Generous Leave Allowance Free Parking Local Government Pension Scheme Flexible Working/Hybrid working Family Friendly Packages Visit our website for the full range of benefits and support we offer our staff. If you would like to discuss the role, please contact Christine Mansley, Assurance Team Manager via email christine.mansley@havant.gov.uk We do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, and as this role is part time please let us know how many hours you are looking for in your application. To Apply If you enjoy working in a fast-paced and diverse environment, utilising your accounting, finance, and IT skills you are the kind of person we want to hear from! Please click apply and complete the short application process (3-4) minutes. Please ensure you attach your CV and a supporting statement, when completing your application on our recruitment platform Hireful – www.havant.gov.uk/jobs-us-apply-now. We will not be able to progress your application further unless you provide a supporting statement detailing how you meet the essential and desirable criteria in the role profile. Closing date for receipt of applications is midnight on 5 th September 2025 and interviews will be held week commencing 29 th September 2025. Due to the current employment climate, we are receiving a high number of applicants for each post and as such may not be able to acknowledge receipt of your application. You will however be notified as to whether you made the shortlist after the closing date. We want our workforce to reflect our diverse local communities; therefore, we encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. www.havant.gov.uk/our-organisation/equality-and-diversity The council is an inclusive employer and appoints on merit. We are a Disability Confident Employer and have a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for Veterans. Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff members to share this commitment. Havant Borough Council is a Category 1 Responder under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004. All employees of the Authority will be expected to support any necessary actions required during an emergency response.