Senior Business Partner

Somerset Council; Taunton; Hybrid; GBP 37,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

LGPS pension

Hybrid working

Health and wellbeing support

Volunteer opportunities

Travel across sites

Job summary

Somerset Council's Community, Place & Economy directorate is seeking a Senior Finance Business Partner (Place Based Services) to act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders, delivering expert financial insight and challenge to support strategic decisions in a busy county context.

You will lead revenue and capital planning, drive investment and transformation, and promote financial sustainability across a diverse service portfolio.

Qualifications

• Recognised accounting qualification or working towards one.
• Strong financial management and budgeting expertise.
• Experience analysing financial performance and risks.

Responsibilities

• Provide clear, accurate financial analysis and reporting to support strategic and operational decisions
• Support budget holders with financial planning, monitoring and compliance with financial regulations
• Lead revenue and capital planning, drive investment and transformation initiatives
• Identify financial risks and opportunities, supporting mitigation plans and cost-saving initiatives
• Collaborate with senior colleagues to develop and support delivery of financial strategies

Skills

Financial analysis

Budget management

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Microsoft Office

Financial systems

Education

Accounting qualification (ACCA/CIMA/CIPFA) or working towards

Job description

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Salary: Grade 10, ranging from £37,280 - £41,771 per annum.

Contract: Permanent with 30 Days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays

Hours: 37 Hours a week (will consider a job share)

About the Role

Community, Place & Economy sits at the heart of Somerset Council's ambition to build a fairer, greener, and more prosperous county. This diverse and high-profile directorate brings together services that shape how Somerset grows and thrives — from economic development, planning and infrastructure to culture, partnerships, regulation and climate.

As a Senior Finance Business Partner (Place Based Services), you'll be a trusted adviser to senior leaders, providing expert financial insight and challenge to support strategic decision-making. You'll lead revenue and capital planning, drive investment and transformation initiatives, and promote financial sustainability and value for money across a diverse service portfolio.

Working closely with senior finance colleagues, you'll provide expert financial support to Place Based Services, ensuring robust planning, reporting and governance that enables informed decision-making.

How You'll Make a Difference

• Provide clear, accurate financial analysis and reporting to support strategic and operational decisions
• Support budget holders with financial planning, monitoring and compliance with financial regulations
• Work with senior colleagues to develop and support delivery of financial strategies
• Build strong working relationships with services, offering proactive financial advice and challenge
• Identify financial risks and opportunities, supporting mitigation plans and cost‑saving initiatives
• Contribute to financial projects, service reviews and continuous improvement activity

What You'll Bring

• A recognised accounting qualification (or working towards one), with strong financial management and budgeting expertise.
• Experience analysing financial performance, managing budgets, and identifying financial risks.
• Knowledge of public sector finance, procurement, and compliance requirements.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• A commitment to equality, diversity, and delivering high-quality services.
• Excellent analytical, organisational, and problem-solving abilities, with confidence using financial systems and Microsoft Office.

Why Join Us?

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• Generous annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchaseadditional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's mostenhancedand secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangementstosupportwork-life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.
• 30 day's annual leave (additionalto bank holidays).
• Based at our modern, refurbished County Hall offices in Taunton, and the option to work flexibly from home, with some travel required for meetings across sites.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for VISA sponsorship.

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.