Finance Business Partner

Finance Business Partner

Location: Sandford Road, Chelmsford, CM2 6DT

Start Date: ASAP
Contract Duration: 12+ Months
Working Hours: Mon - Fri, 09:00 - 17:00, 37 Hours per week
Pay rate: £29.05 per hour

Job Summary:

Responsibilities include:

• Provide strategic professional advice and guidance on financial management to designated business areas, influencing and shaping outcomes through effective communication and presentation skills.
• Act as the principal advisor to Chief Officers and management teams, simplifying complex financial situations to aid understanding and decision-making.
• Influence, challenge, and support management teams in improving financial performance and efficiency, advising on strategic financial development.
• Provide guidance on revenue and capital implications of business cases, project work, or proposals for change, acting as an ambassador for Corporate Finance.
• Develop effective working relationships with other Finance Business Partners to ensure a cohesive service to Chief Officers and senior management teams.
• Contribute to strategic management development, policy formulation, and business planning through advice on resources, financial planning, reporting, and control/audit issues.
• Support the Chief Finance Officer and Chief Officers in financial planning, reporting, and performance monitoring, contributing to the force annual budget setting cycle.
• Attend strategic corporate meetings and project boards, assisting with projects that support operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Apply professional expertise to contribute to in-year revenue and capital monitoring, ensuring timely and accurate reports are produced for Senior Leaders.
• Provide financial advice and support on contractual management and negotiations for large-scale projects, including the 9-Force Athena contract.

Person Specification:

• Qualified CCAB accountant with at least 1 year post-qualification experience.
• Extensive practical experience and knowledge of financial accounting systems, with the ability to interrogate financial information and support system users.
• Proficient in management report writing, presentation, and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to effectively communicate with non-Finance colleagues to ensure key financial information is understood.
• Strong analytical skills and a track record of success in a senior finance leadership role.
• High level of professional motivation and proactiveness, with proficient management experience.
• Ability to manage and motivate staff, handle challenging situations, and prioritize workloads under pressure.
• Aware of legislation and developments in Local Government Finance, with skills in Advanced Microsoft Office applications.
• Mandatory skills include CCAB level qualification, proficient management experience, experience in a complex financial environment, and advanced Excel and Word skills.
• Essential training includes management report writing, presentation skills, excellent negotiating and influencing skills, and knowledge of SAP and Business Object reporting.
• Desirable qualifications include 3 years post-qualification experience and 3-5 years experience in an accounting environment, ideally within a medium or large public sector organization.

Equal Opportunities Statement:
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.