Senior Business Partner

Schools’ Choice; Rugby; Hybrid; GBP 92,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

Rugby Borough Council, supported by Schools’ Choice, is recruiting two Interim Senior Finance Business Partners. Hybrid working with an initial 4 days per week in the Rugby office, reducing to 2-3 days later. You will challenge financial performance, support services, and help shape future financial strategy.

You will act as a trusted adviser to Service Directors and managers, delivering high-quality financial insight and supporting organisational change.

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant (CCAB or equivalent).
• Recent and significant experience in a District or Borough Council setting.
• 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 the Deputy 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 overspend areas and develop corrective action plans.
• Lead on budget setting and full budget builds for assigned services.
• Contribute to the MTFS and produce monthly/quarterly reports.
• Complete delta returns and horizon scanning for risks and opportunities.
• Support wider finance and organisational improvement initiatives.

Skills

CCAB or equivalent

Local government finance

Business partnering

Stakeholder influence

Analytical mindset

Problem solving

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