Senior Finance Business Partner

Location: Basildon, United Kingdom
Contract: Interim

About the role

Our client, a local authority, is looking for a Senior Finance Business Partner to join them in Essex on an interim basis. The role provides financial advice and support to senior managers and elected members, helping services plan, manage and monitor their budgets and make sound decisions on how resources are used.

You will work closely with directors, heads of service and budget holders, translating financial information into clear, practical guidance. The position suits an experienced finance professional who is comfortable working independently, challenging constructively and building strong relationships across a local government setting.

The successful candidate will bring sound technical knowledge of local authority finance, good judgement and clear communication. This is a hands-on assignment where your experience will be put to work from the outset.

Main responsibilities

• Act as the main finance contact for senior managers and service areas, providing clear financial advice and support
• Lead the preparation, monitoring and forecasting of revenue and capital budgets
• Contribute to the annual budget setting process and the medium-term financial plan
• Prepare and present financial reports for senior management, committees and elected members
• Provide financial analysis and challenge to support service planning, savings proposals and business cases
• Support budget holders to understand their financial position and manage risk
• Contribute to the closure of accounts and the production of the statement of accounts
• Support the delivery of grant claims, returns and other statutory reporting
• Work with colleagues across finance, procurement and services to improve financial processes and controls
• Coach and support less experienced finance colleagues and budget holders

Requirements

• A CCAB accountancy qualification (CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW or equivalent)
• Significant post-qualification experience in a finance business partnering or senior finance role, ideally within local government
• Sound knowledge of local authority finance, including budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting
• Experience advising senior managers and presenting financial information to non-finance audiences
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to turn complex data into clear recommendations
• Experience of budget setting, monitoring and the year-end closedown process
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Competence with finance systems and advanced Excel
• The ability to work from the council’s offices in Essex

The offer

• An interim role based in Essex
• Duration and rate to be confirmed with candidates

If you are an experienced finance professional looking for an interim assignment in Essex, this role offers real influence and a clear scope of work. Apply below.