HRA and Housing Finance Business Partner

Colchester City Council; Colchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Colchester is seeking a Finance Manager to lead on Housing Revenue Account and financial management. The role requires expertise in budget-setting and forecasting, effective monitoring of finances, and strong communication skills. Candidates should be part qualified with a CCAB body and have relevant experience, preferably within the public sector. This is a permanent position offering a chance to engage with key stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Detailed knowledge and experience in financial management, preferably in the public sector.
• Actively studying towards full CCAB qualification.

Responsibilities

• Manage HRA budget-setting and forecasting.
• Ensure effective monitoring of HRA finances.
• Oversee the financial and business planning process for the HRA capital programme.
• Forecast and manage HRA debt levels.
• Provide regular updates and briefings to the Senior Management Team.

Skills

Financial management

Budget setting

Risk management

Communication

Education

Part qualified with a CCAB body

Job description

Contract type: Permanent

Please note this vacancy may close at any time, once sufficient applications have been received, therefore early submission of your application is encouraged.

Responsible to: Senior Finance Business Partner

Line Management Responsibility for: Finance Officer (TBC)

Contact with: Officers of all levels, external organisations and local authorities.

Purpose of job: To lead on all aspects of Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and Housing financial management, ensuring long-term financial sustainability and compliance with statutory requirements. The postholder will be an effective communicator capable of building good working relationships with Heads of Service and other budget holders, members, Senior Leadership Board, Finance Committee and other stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Manage HRA budget-setting and forecasting, ensuring accurate financial planning and risk management.
• Ensure effective monitoring of HRA finances, identifying risks early and implementing strategies to address them.
• Manage the financial and business planning process for the HRA capital programme, ensuring effective financial control and reporting.
• Forecast and manage levels of HRA debt, working closely with the Treasury team.
• Oversee the monitoring and evaluation of the 30-year Housing Asset Management Plan, ensuring accountability and value for money.
• Undertake the annual rent setting process.
• Completion of statutory returns for the HRA.
• Provide regular updates, briefings and advice to the Senior Management Team, Cabinet, Portfolio Holders, Heads of Service and Budget Holders.
• Act as the key liaison between the Council and its Arm’s Length Management Organisation, Colchester Borough Homes, on financial management and reporting matters.
• Work closely with the Finance Leadership Team and others in preparing for the impact of Local Government Reorganisation.
• Manage the team’s Human Resources in terms of performance, development, attendance and health and safety.

Person Specification

What we expect you to have:

• Be at least part qualified with a CCAB body and be actively studying towards the full qualification.
• Detailed knowledge and experience obtained within a similar role, preferably within the public sector.

What we hope that you have:

• Have experience in a similar role in another Local Authority
• Full membership by examination of a CCAB recognised body (eg CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA)

For more details on this role please visit our dedicate microsite for this campaign - https://www.ambientpeople.co.uk/colchester-city-council/

If you would like to discuss the role please contact Tim Salmon – [e-mail]/ 07355624693

To apply for this vacancy, please visit the Ambient People website.