Strategic Finance Partner – Public Sector

Independent Commission for Reconciliation & Information Recovery (ICRIR); Belfast City District; Hybrid; GBP 59,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) is seeking a Finance Business Partner to lead key financial workstreams and deliver on critical objectives. Reporting to the Head of Finance and Corporate Reporting, the role is fast-paced and collaborative, emphasizing strong relationships across the Commission and with external auditors.

The successful candidate will bring qualified accounting credentials, solid PQE, and proven expertise in budgeting, forecasting,

Qualifications

• Be a fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CPA or equivalent).
• Have at least two years’ post qualification experience gained within the last ten years in a finance environment.
• Excellent technical skills.
• Extensive financial experience, including journals and accruals, forecasting, budgeting and variance analysis.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data analysis, reporting, and use of complex functions.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including competent use of PowerPoint for creating clear and engaging presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly adapt to new systems, processes, and technologies, ensuring efficient and effective service delivery.
• Excellent communication skills, with strong time‑management and organisational abilities to meet competing deadlines.
• Proven ability to work independently using initiative, as well as collaboratively within a team to achieve shared objectives.
• Demonstrate the values set out in the ICRIR Code of Conduct.
• Willingness to be assessed against the requirements for, and ability to obtain, CTC clearance, if not already cleared.
• Applicants must meet the nationality requirements for this role.

Responsibilities

• Providing high‑quality financial information within agreed timescales.
• Leading effective Finance Business Partnering processes by ensuring regular budget meetings are in place and technical support is being provided to teams across the Commission.
• Assisting with the preparation of monthly management accounts and provided promptly, clearly and in line with the requirements of senior management.
• Managing the budget and forecast against the Commission’s Outline Business Case and monitoring how this evolves, assessing costs, pressures and financial risks.
• Providing advice, guidance and direction on the management of budgets, the in‑year monitoring of expenditure, and the preparation of Estimates.
• Supporting each of the business areas, being the finance contact and offering assistance to enable the teams to monitor and manage their budget.
• Ensuring that specific streams of expenditure, e.g. Estates and ICT, are monitored with appropriate controls and are in line with delivery and value for money.
• Assisting in completion of multi‑year budget exercises, including measuring and identifying savings as required.
• Supporting in year budget requirements and Monitoring Returns.
• Engaging with the external and internal auditors to ensure the audit processes run efficiently.
• Ensuring audit recommendations are implemented on a timely basis.
• Developing and implementing of financial systems and assisting with projects as required.
• Reviewing business cases and investment appraisals for financial affordability.
• Providing financial input for FOIs and other ad hoc exercises.
• Fostering an environment and culture that delivers excellence in all activities.
• Maintaining an up‑to‑date and comprehensive understanding of current public expenditure planning monitoring, control and accountability systems.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships across the Commission.
• Managing relationships with and requirements of stakeholders, including the sponsor department and the external and internal Auditors.
• Deputising for the Head of Finance and Corporate Reporting as required.
• Manage and support staff to deliver high‑quality work, ensuring clear objectives and effective workload prioritisation.
• Lead on staff development through coaching, feedback, and identifying training needs to build team capability.
• Create a positive, collaborative team culture that encourages learning, engagement, and continuous improvement.

Skills

ACA/ACCA/CIMA/CPA

Excel

PowerPoint

Communication

Adaptability

Independent work

Education

Professional accounting qualification

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) is seeking a Finance Business Partner to lead key financial workstreams and deliver on critical objectives. Reporting to the Head of Finance and Corporate Reporting, the role is fast-paced and collaborative, emphasizing strong relationships across the Commission and with external auditors.

The successful candidate will bring qualified accounting credentials, solid PQE, and proven expertise in budgeting, forecasting,