Senior Finance Business Partner (Fixed Term 18 Months)

WFS Patron; West Yorkshire; Hybrid; GBP 47,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

Free parking

37-hour flexible working week

Employee assistance programme

Training and development

Sports and social clubs with gym use

Job summary

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service invites applications for a Senior Finance Business Partner. You will work with Directors, senior managers and budget holders, delivering high-quality financial advice, planning, and challenge to support decisions.

This 18-month fixed-term contract offers hybrid working, a generous Local Government Pension Scheme, and development opportunities. You will lead budgeting, forecasting, business cases, and contribute to financial accounts while building strong

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with extensive management accounting experience.
• Proven budgeting, monitoring and forecasting capabilities.
• Ability to advise senior managers with constructive challenge.
• Strong communication, analytical and relationship-building skills.
• Solid understanding of public-sector funding and financial statements.
• Experience leading and developing a finance team.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial planning, budgeting and forecasting for key areas.
• Support development of business cases and optimal resource use.
• Assist in preparation of the Authority's financial accounts.
• Develop and enhance the Finance service and stakeholder relationships.

Skills

Management accounting

Budgeting & forecasting

Financial analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Public-sector funding

Team leadership

Education

Fully qualified accountant (CIMA/ACA/ACCA)

Job description

Contract Type: 18-month fixed-term contract

Job Function: Finance

Location: Fire Service Headquarters, Birkenshaw, BD11 2DY / Hybrid

Closing Date: 29th November 2026

Salary: £46,579 to £49,817 per annum

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service as a Senior Finance Business Partner, playing a key role in supporting an organisation that makes a real difference to communities across West Yorkshire.

Your role

As Senior Finance Business Partner, you will work closely with Directors, senior managers and budget holders, providing high-quality financial advice, insight and constructive challenge to support effective decision-making.

You will lead financial planning, budgeting and forecasting for key areas of the organisation, support the development of business cases and help ensure that resources are used effectively. You will also contribute to the preparation of the Authority's financial accounts and the continued development of our Finance service.

This is a varied and influential role where you will have the opportunity to build strong relationships across the organisation and act as a trusted financial adviser and critical friend.

What you’ll bring

You’ll be a fully qualified accountant who brings:

• Strong management accounting experience.
• Experience in preparing budgets, monitoring performance and forecasting.
• Confidence to advise senior managers and offer constructive challenge.
• Excellent communication, analytical and relationship-building skills.
• A good understanding of public-sector funding and financial statements.
• The ability to lead, support and develop a team.

You’ll enjoy working collaboratively, taking the initiative and turning complex financial information into clear, practical advice that helps others make informed decisions.

What we offer

We offer an excellent package, including Local Government Pension Scheme, free parking, 37-hour flexible working week, an employee assistance programme, training and development, sports and social clubs with free use of gym.

Our flexible working arrangements include hybrid working. Whilst you will be required to work from our offices during your initial training, after this you’ll work both in the office (3 days a week) and from home as part of our 'hybrid' working model. Therefore, applicants must have a reliable home internet connection.

Job share applicants are welcome to apply.

The post is subject to a standard Disclosure and Barring Service Check

We are a caring organisation, promote an environment of inclusivity and learning and welcome people from all walks of life – just as long as you can show commitment to our values such as integrity and teamwork.

Closing date for all applications is midnight on Sunday 29th November 2026. Interviews are scheduled to be held on 8th/9th December 2026.

We are an equal opportunities employer; we value and celebrate equality, diversity & neurodiversity and inclusion. We particularly welcome candidates from communities that are currently under-represented at WYFRS, including women, racially & ethnically diverse applicants and applicants with disabilities. We can offer support and adjustments for candidates and staff who experience barriers to work that result from health conditions or Specific Learning Differences, such as dyslexia. We are a 'Real Living Wage' employer.

West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service are committed to the safeguarding of our staff, volunteers, visitors and the community we serve. This includes protecting vulnerable adults, children and young people from potential neglect and harm. All employees must share the same commitment.