Finance Business Partner

Michael Page; Guildford; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading public sector body is looking to recruit a Finance Business Partner to provide essential financial support within the organization. This role involves working closely with budget holders, ensuring accurate financial reporting, and embedding a value-for-money culture. Ideal candidates will be CCAB qualified and have significant experience in management accounting and strategic financial advice.

Benefits

Career progression opportunities

Impressive contributory pension scheme

Generous annual leave allowance

Discounts for everyday spend

Supportive parental leave and wellbeing guidance

Qualifications

• CCAB qualified accountant or equivalent required.
• CIPFA Diploma in Business Partnering expected within 12 months.
• Experience in Management Accounting and budget preparation.

Responsibilities

• Provide finance business partnering support to a specific portfolio.
• Support budget holders in preparing budgets and performance reports.
• Line manage an Assistant Accountant and provide coaching.

Skills

Communication

Analytical skills

Proactive self-starter

Financial analysis

Negotiation

Education

CIPFA Diploma in Business Partnering or equivalent

CCAB qualified accountant

Job description

Leading Public Sector body are looking to recruit a Finance Business Partner on a permanent basis.

To provide finance business partnering support to a specific portfolio within the organisation. This may involve supporting both Business As Usual (BAU) and Change portfolios. The role is central to the relationship between the Force budget holders and leaders and the finance function.

Description

• Developing a deep knowledge of the operations within the organisation that they are supporting (their "customers"), their needs and priorities.
• Ensuring that senior officers and staff have accurate financial and relevant information, by bringing business intelligence and operational knowledge to budget setting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Providing strategic financial advice and support, as an integral part of the operational management function. Actively working with the business to understand cost drivers and performance priorities and interpret financial implications of decisions. Ensuring operational leaders understand the financial implications of their decisions and options, with transparency and consideration of the Force perspective.
• Embedding a value-for-money culture within operating divisions and supporting financial decisions through advice and challenge. Supporting financial analysis for Spending Reviews, risk management, and business planning processes.
• Providing an interface connecting budget holders and senior leaders with the Finance Team. Identifying and engaging appropriate Finance expertise to deliver the best financial advice. Ensuring key stakeholders are aware of operational financial implications and issues needing attention.
• Providing a customer-focused management accounting service, supporting timely and accurate financial reports and analysis.
• Supporting budget holders in preparing budgets, service plans, and in-year performance reports, including forecasting.
• Ensuring service and change plans are developed with rigor, with fit-for-purpose business cases. Providing financial challenge to assumptions and supporting financial models.
• Maintaining understanding of the organisation's financial policies, procedures, and governance, ensuring proper application.
• Line managing an Assistant Accountant, providing coaching and support.

Profile

• CIPFA Diploma in Business Partnering or working towards it within 12 months. CCAB qualified accountant (ICAEW, ICAS, ICAI, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA) or recognized equivalent.
• Experience in Management Accounting support at senior levels, including budget prep, variance analysis, financial modelling, and accounts close.
• Excellent communication skills, able to explain complex accounting to non-finance stakeholders.
• Able to advise and influence senior decision-makers, network, persuade, and negotiate.
• Proactive, self-starter, able to establish and support activities within customer environments.
• Proven ability to meet deadlines in demanding environments, delivering high-quality products.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret financial data, identify issues, and propose solutions.
• Experience in managing and developing an Assistant Accountant.

Job Offer

• Mostly remote working.
• Career progression opportunities.
• Impressive contributory pension scheme (LGPS).
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Discounts for everyday spend, on-site gyms, sports clubs.
• Supportive parental leave, wellbeing guidance, healthcare scheme.