Senior Business Partner

Opus People Solutions; Rugby; Hybrid; GBP 92,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

Rugby Borough Council is seeking two Interim Senior Finance Business Partners to join the finance team on a hybrid basis. You will work with Services across the Council to challenge financial performance and help shape future financial strategy.

Initially, you will be expected to attend Rugby offices for around 4 days per week to build relationships and gain thorough understanding; attendance is expected to reduce to two or three days per week depending on business needs.

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant with CCAB or equivalent.
• Recent and significant experience in a District or Borough Council environment.
• Strong business partnering experience within local government.
• Ability to influence and challenge stakeholders at all levels.
• Hands-on, proactive approach with strong analytical skills.
• Experience identifying issues, implementing solutions and driving financial improvement.

Responsibilities

• Develop a detailed understanding of assigned service areas.
• Build strong relationships with Service Directors and Managers.
• Identify financial risks, pressures and opportunities.
• Investigate and resolve complex financial issues.
• Deliver insightful reporting to senior leadership.
• Develop robust forecasting processes and monitor financial performance.
• Analyse changing service demands and assess financial implications.
• Identify transformation and efficiency opportunities.
• Review overspend and develop corrective action plans.
• Lead on budget setting and full budget builds for assigned services.
• Contribute to the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS).
• Produce monthly and quarterly financial reports.

Skills

Business partnering

Stakeholder influence

Financial analysis

Problem solving

Change management

Public sector experience

Education

CCAB or equivalent qualification

Job description

Senior Finance Business Partner (x2)

Rugby Borough Council Flexible Day Rate Hybrid Working

We are currently supporting Rugby Borough Council with the recruitment of two Interim Senior Finance Business Partners. These are exciting opportunities for experienced local government finance professionals who are looking for a role where they can genuinely make a difference.

Offering a flexible day rate and hybrid working arrangements, these positions require finance professionals who can move beyond traditional reporting and business partnering. You will play a key role in supporting services, challenging financial performance, identifying opportunities for improvement, and helping shape future financial strategy.

For the first few weeks, successful candidates will be expected to attend the Rugby offices for approximately 4 days per week to build relationships and gain a thorough understanding of the organisation. Following this period, attendance is anticipated to reduce to 2 3 days per week, depending on business requirements.

The Opportunity

This is far more than a routine business partnering position. The Council is seeking individuals who are willing to get under the skin of services, investigate complex financial issues, challenge existing practices, and work collaboratively with managers to drive better outcomes.

You will be a trusted adviser to Service Directors and Managers, helping them understand their financial position while providing high quality financial insight and support to senior leadership.

With Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) on the horizon, this is an opportunity to contribute to meaningful organisational change and leave a lasting impact.

Essential Requirements

• Fully qualified accountant (CCAB or equivalent)
• Recent and significant experience within a District or Borough Council environment
• Strong business partnering experience within local government
• Ability to influence and challenge stakeholders at all levels
• Hands on, proactive approach with strong analytical skills
• Experience identifying issues, implementing solutions, and driving financial improvement

Key Responsibilities

• Develop a detailed understanding of assigned service areas
• Build strong relationships with Service Directors and Managers
• Identify financial risks, pressures and opportunities
• Investigate and resolve complex financial issues
• Deliver insightful reporting to the Deputy S151 Officer, S151 Officer and Senior Leadership Team
• Develop robust forecasting processes and monitor financial performance
• Analyse changing service demands and assess financial implications
• Identify transformation and efficiency opportunities
• Review areas of overspend and work with services to develop corrective action plans
• Identify, quantify and deliver achievable savings opportunities
• Lead on budget setting and full budget builds for assigned services
• Contribute to the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS)
• Produce monthly and quarterly financial reports
• Complete Delta returns and associated reporting requirements
• Undertake proactive horizon scanning to identify emerging risks and opportunities
• Support wider finance and organisational improvement initiatives as required