3 Month Contract With A Local Authority
Job Purpose
To provide proactive, solution-focused financial support and business partnering services that enable effective decision-making, financial sustainability, and value for money across the organisation. The role will work closely with service managers and stakeholders to deliver robust financial management, support strategic objectives, and contribute to the Council's long-term financial resilience and commercial ambitions.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide reliable, accurate, and timely financial advice and support to service areas and stakeholders.
* Develop strong working relationships with managers, budget holders, and key partners to support informed financial decision-making.
* Support budget planning, monitoring, forecasting, and financial reporting processes across designated service areas.
* Analyse financial and management information to identify trends, risks, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
* Contribute to the Council's financial sustainability by supporting demand modelling, financial forecasting, and resource planning activities.
* Assist in the development and implementation of innovative and commercially viable solutions that support service delivery and income generation.
* Ensure the integrity, accuracy, and effective management of financial data within corporate financial systems.
* Prepare management information, reports, financial returns, and statutory submissions for a range of audiences.
* Support the delivery of financial strategies, business plans, transformation programmes, and service improvement initiatives.
* Assist with the development and monitoring of outcomes-based budgeting approaches and value-for-money assessments.
* Support compliance with financial regulations, policies, procedures, and reporting requirements.
* Provide guidance and support to Assistant Finance Business Partners and other colleagues where required.
* Represent the Senior Finance Business Partner in meetings and stakeholder engagements as appropriate.
* Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities to enhance financial processes, systems, and reporting.
Requirements
* Fully qualified accountant (CCAB, CIMA, ACCA, CIPFA or equivalent) or significant equivalent professional experience within a finance environment.
* Experience working in a finance business partnering, management accounting, or financial management role.
* Strong financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting skills.
* Experience interpreting complex financial information and presenting it clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
* Ability to build effective relationships and influence stakeholders across all levels of an organisation.
* Experience supporting strategic decision-making and organisational change initiatives.
* Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to develop practical, solution-focused recommendations.
* Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
* High level of proficiency in financial systems and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
* Ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively to deadlines.
* Experience working within local government or the public sector.
* Knowledge of local authority finance, governance, and funding arrangements.
* Experience supporting transformation programmes, commercial initiatives, or service redesign projects.
* Experience working with elected members and supporting political decision-making processes.
* Experience supervising or supporting the development of junior finance staff.
Additional Information
* Location: Wirral (Hybrid Working Available)
* Hours: Full-time (37 hours per week)
* Payment: Bi-weekly payments