Strategic Business Partner; Children and Young

Position: Strategic Business Partner (Children and Young People)
We are supporting a London Borough Council with their recruitment of a Strategic Business Partner for Children and Young People to join its Finance function and lead a high-performing accountancy and financial planning team on a permanent basis. This is an important leadership role, providing trusted financial advice and challenge to senior officers, elected Members and service leaders. You will play a key role in ensuring strong financial management, effective budgetary control and robust financial planning across the Council.

Job responsibilities:

Leading the delivery of high-quality financial management and accountancy support Overseeing revenue and capital budget monitoring, challenging significant variances and supporting corrective action. Supporting the Council's medium-term financial and service planning, including the development and challenge of growth and savings proposals. Coordinating the production of annual revenue budgets and supporting the development of the capital budget in line with the Council's Capital Strategy.

Providing clear financial analysis, advice and commentary for senior officers, elected Members and formal Council reports. Ensuring robust financial systems, controls and processes comply with legislation, professional standards, the Council's Constitution and relevant reporting requirements. Coordinating the closing of accounts process and ensuring statutory and professional deadlines are met. Maximising external funding opportunities and overseeing grant claims and returns. Supporting partnership working, including with health and other agencies, to facilitate the delivery of integrated services.

Managing, developing and motivating finance professionals, creating a culture of continuous improvement and high performance. Deputising for the Head of Service Finance when required. About you We are looking for a CCAB qualified accountant (CIPFA, ACCA or similar) with substantial local government experience, who can combine strong technical expertise with excellent leadership and communication skills. You will have a proven track record of:
Children’s Services finance experience Good DSG / Schools finance knowledge Credibility working with Directors and senior stakeholders

Experience of financial planning, savings and budget management Strong leadership and team management skills You will be commercially aware, solutions-focused and confident enough to challenge constructively. Just as importantly, you'll be able to build strong relationships and communicate financial information in a way that enables non-finance colleagues to make informed decisions. If you're an experienced local government finance professional looking for a role where your expertise can have a genuine strategic impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now to find out more.