Finance Business Partner

Civic Recruitment Limited; Melton; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote working available

Bi-weekly pay

High-profile role in Housing Finance

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited is seeking an experienced Housing Finance Business Partner to oversee the financial management of the Housing Revenue Account and Housing Services portfolio. The role involves crafting annual budgets, year-end statements, and business planning, with strategic financial advice across housing services.

The post requires collaboration with the Chief Finance Officer, Senior Management Team, and Members to ensure robust financial planning and long-term sustainability,

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in Housing Finance and HRA budgeting.
• Proficiency in HRA accounting, budgets, and MTFS.
• Strong analytical, Excel modelling, and stakeholder skills.
• Experience producing statutory accounts and government returns.

Responsibilities

• Spearhead the development of the annual HRA revenue and capital budget.
• Oversee the preparation of the annual statutory HRA year-end statement and related documentation.
• Draft HRA budget reports for Cabinet and Committee approval.
• Determine annual HRA rents and service charges in line with legislation.
• Monitor and manage HRA financial performance.
• Offer expert guidance on the HRA regulatory and financial framework.
• Contribute to Treasury Management activities concerning the HRA.
• Ensure funding for the Housing Capital Programme.

Skills

Housing Finance

Financial Modeling

Stakeholder Engagement

Financial Analysis

Communication

Coaching

Education

CIPFA Qualification

CIH Housing Qualification (Level 3+)

Tools

Excel

Job description

Melton, United Kingdom | Posted on 11/09/2026

At Civic Recruitment and Limited, we know that individuals are more than just fixed expenses; they are the cornerstone of every thriving organisation. That’s why we are passionate about transforming recruitment in the public and private sectors.
In the modern job market, organisations in both public and private sectors face significant workforce challenges. Public sector entities, such as local councils and central government departments, often struggle with lengthy recruitment processes, limited access to qualified candidates, and stringent budgetary and regulatory constraints. Private sector businesses, on the other hand, encounter high turnover rates, difficulties managing a mix of permanent and temporary staff, and challenges in sourcing specialised talent for niche industries. These sector-specific obstacles, coupled with the universal complexities of payroll management, create a pressing need for efficient workforce solutions.
Civic Recruitment Limited addresses these challenges with innovative recruitment and payroll solutions tailored for diverse organisational needs. Recognising the critical hurdles organisations face, the company leverages its expertise to streamline processes, reduce recruitment times, and alleviate administrative burdens. With an extensive database of over 1 million pre-screened candidates, Civic Recruitment Limited is well-positioned to cater to the specific needs of both public and private sectors.

Job Description

Housing Finance Business Partner (HRA) – 6-Month Contract

Location: Remote with occasional travel to Lowestoft and Melton offices

Contract: 6-Month Contract

Hours: 37 hours per week

Working Pattern: Mainly remote, with some office visits and evening meetings as needed

DVLA Check: Required before starting

Summary

We are seeking a seasoned Housing Finance Business Partner to oversee the financial management of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and Housing Services portfolio. This pivotal role involves crafting the annual HRA revenue and capital budgets, finalizing year-end accounts, engaging in business planning, financial forecasting, and budget monitoring. The position also requires providing strategic financial advice across various housing services, including Private Sector Housing, Homelessness Services, and the Housing Capital Programme. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with Housing Services, the Chief Finance Officer, Senior Management Team, and Members to ensure robust financial planning and long-term sustainability.

Responsibilities

Housing Revenue Account (HRA)

• Spearhead the development of the annual HRA revenue and capital budget.
  
• Oversee the preparation of the annual statutory HRA year-end statement and related documentation.
  
• Draft HRA budget reports for Cabinet and Committee approval.
  
• Determine annual HRA rents and service charges in line with legislation and Council policies.
  
• Monitor and manage HRA financial performance.
  
• Offer expert guidance on the HRA regulatory and financial framework.
  
• Contribute to Treasury Management activities concerning the HRA.
  
• Ensure effective funding for the Housing Capital Programme.
  

Strategic Financial Management

• Support the execution of the Council's Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS).
  
• Provide financial advice, challenge, and support to Service Managers and Senior Officers.
  
• Lead financial planning, forecasting, and budget monitoring across Housing Services.
  
• Deliver monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial reports.
  
• Identify financial pressures, risks, savings opportunities, and corrective actions.
  
• Support organizational transformation and service improvement initiatives.
  
• Conduct financial appraisals and assessments of contractors and funding proposals.
  

Business Planning & Reporting

• Maintain and enhance the HRA 30-Year Financial Business Plan.
  
• Produce financial models and long-term sustainability forecasts.
  
• Complete Government returns, statistical returns, and partner funding reports.
  
• Prepare reports for Cabinet, Committees, Corporate Management Team, and Senior Leadership Teams.
  
• Coordinate with Internal and External Audit teams.
  
• Ensure compliance with local government finance regulations and statutory requirements.
  

Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the lead finance officer for Housing Services.
  
• Provide coaching, support, and financial guidance to service managers.
  
• Supervise and support the Housing Support Accountant.
  
• Attend Cabinet and Committee meetings as needed.
  
• Act as a deputy for the Finance Planning Manager, Deputy Chief Finance Officer, or Chief Finance Officer when necessary.
  
• Collaborate with Housing Teams, Government Departments, and external partners to maximize funding opportunities.
  

Requirements

Requirements:

• Extensive experience in Housing Finance.
  
• In-depth knowledge of Housing Revenue Accounts (HRA), HRA Business Planning, Local Authority Accounting, and Housing Capital Funding.
  
• Experience in producing statutory accounts, budget reports, financial forecasts, and MTFS contributions.
  
• Proficiency in advanced Excel and financial modeling.
  
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
  
• Experience in influencing senior stakeholders and elected members.
  
• Strong coaching and financial business partnering skills.
  
• CIPFA Qualification.
  
• Housing qualification such as CIH Level 3 or higher.
  
• Experience supervising finance staff.
  
• Familiarity with Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019.
  
• Experience within District or Borough Councils.
  

Working Arrangements

• Remote work is available.
  
• Occasional travel to Lowestoft and Melton offices is required.
  
• Some evening availability may be necessary for Cabinet or Committee meetings.
  
• A full driving license is required, with a DVLA check needed before starting.
  

What's on Offer?

• 6-Month Contract
• 37 hours per week
• Remote working available
• Bi-weekly pay
• Opportunity to lead a significant Housing Finance portfolio
• Strategic role with extensive stakeholder engagement
• Involvement in HRA budgeting, business planning, capital programmes, and corporate financial strategy
• High-profile position within a Local Authority finance team

Ideal for candidates with experience as a Housing Finance Business Partner, HRA Finance Manager, Senior Finance Business Partner, Principal Accountant, Housing Accountant, Finance Manager (Housing), Capital Finance Manager, or Local Government Finance Consultant with substantial Housing Revenue Account experience.