Job Description

You will work closely with the S151 Officer and their Deputy, as well as the Transformation Team to deliver robust and accurate budget proposals. Your knowledge of financial planning will assist in ensuring that budget holders across the Council have professional financial advice and support to manage their budgets and are challenged to ensure forecasts are accurate and savings are delivered.

Heading into year-end you and your team of Business Partners will be responsible for supporting the organization with managing and accurately reporting on their outturn position. As we move through the year, you will ensure that your Business Partners are providing effective advice and support to budget managers and that they apply a critical mindset in challenging financial data, with a view of presenting accurate analysis of the financial position and the budget proposals being developed.

Your ability to work in a fast paced environment is key to delivering against our objectives. Forward thinking about the next iteration of the medium term financial strategy and closing the budget gap for 2024/25 will be a key part of the role. Against a challenging economic backdrop, your experience and expertise will bring clarity and understanding to the senior team of officers and elected members to support in the decision making and delivery of our financial targets.

Benefits:

• Generous annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays (pro-rata if part-time working hours apply)
• Three volunteering days per year
• Flexible and agile working arrangements
• Comprehensive learning and development programme
• Discounts on a range of local shops, restaurants, gyms and leisure Centre’s
• Interest free season ticket loans
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Bicycle loan facilities and cycle to work scheme
• Zip car scheme
• Free eye tests and contribution towards glasses
• Confidential wellbeing and counselling support
• Subsidized gym membership

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Qualified accountant with experience of local government finance and the unique challenges it poses.
• Experience of either leading financial planning or leading a business partnering team at a senior level.
• Good communication skills are vital and being confident at giving presentations and providing advice to senior stakeholders.
• The knowledge and confidence to challenge budget holders in an effective manner will be crucial.