Finance Business Partner - 05747, 05815

West Berkshire Council; Newbury; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

West Berkshire Council is seeking a Finance Business Partner to join our Finance, Property and Procurement Team, providing robust financial advice and challenge across the Council.

The role reports to the Senior Financial Controller and will lead finance teams, manage financial close, audits, and support strategic service planning. Strong stakeholder management and public sector experience are essential.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a finance business partnering role within a public sector environment.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with ability to influence decision-making.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities with keen attention to detail.
• Proficient in financial modelling, forecasting and budgeting techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a finance team, overseeing financial control, reporting, assurance, and data management.
• Coordinate financial close-down and audit process with the wider Finance Service.
• Deputise for the Senior Financial Controller as required.
• Provide expert advice and support to finance colleagues, other managers, and elected members.
• Contribute to the management and direction of the Finance Service Plan and delivery of the annual service objectives.

Skills

Finance business partnering

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Financial modelling

Job description

Are you an experienced finance professional looking for an exciting new challenge within the public sector? West Berkshire Council is seeking a Finance Business Partner to join our dynamic and forward-thinking organisation, reporting to the Senior Financial Controller.The RoleResponsibilitiesAs a Finance Business Partner, you will play a key role in providing high-quality financial business partnering services across the Council. Working as part of the Finance, Property and Procurement Team, you will support effective decision-making by providing robust financial advice, analysis, and challenge.

Your responsibilities will include:

• To lead and manage a finance team effectively, overseeing financial control, financial reporting, financial assurance, accountancy advice and data management.
• To coordinate the financial accounts close-down and audit process and liaise with the wider Finance Service to deliver a robust control environment.
• To deputise for the Senior Financial Controller and/or
  Service Lead as required.
• To provide expert advice and support to finance colleagues, to other managers within the organisation and to elected members.
• As a member of the Finance Service Management Team, to contribute to the management and direction of the service area, including the implementation, monitoring and review of the Finance Service Plan.
• To ensure delivery of the relevant strategic and service objectives set out in the annual service plan, while maintaining strong and effective resource management within the team

The Ideal Candidate

• Significant experience in a finance business partnering role, ideally within a public sector environment.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective relationships and influence decision-making.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a keen attention to detail.
• Proficient in financial modelling, forecasting, and budgeting techniques.

A