Finance Business Partner

Job Title: Business Partner (x2) (Adults & Health / Finance & Corporate)

Application closing date: Sunday 12th January 2025 at 23:59pm

Location: Civic Offices, 2 Watling Street, Bexleyheath, DA6 7AT

Salary: £50,181pa - £57,501pa (inclusive of Bexley Choices)

Employment Type: Permanent

Bexley is an outer London Borough, offering a unique blend of urban and rural living, making it an ideal place to experience the best of both worlds. It sits conveniently between the vibrant energy of central London and the serene landscapes of Kent, known as the Garden of England. The Borough is home to several award-winning parks and open spaces, and boasts a number of listed heritage sites, adding historical charm and character to the area.

The challenges faced by Bexley Council reflect broader national trends, as rising energy costs, increasing demand for vital social care services, and the growing costs of essential goods and services place significant pressure on local finances. These pressures make it more difficult to meet the ever-growing needs of the community, but despite these hurdles, the council remains dedicated to its mission of prioritising the services that matter most to residents.

We are looking to appoint two Business Partners across the following areas: Adults & Health, Finance & Corporate.

Key Responsibilities include:

• To proactively lead the financial advice and support to the defined service area particularly with reference to revenue and capital monitoring including delivering savings, and the budget setting and closure of accounts processes.
• To ensure that financial information is relevant and balanced and is received by decision-takers at the appropriate level.
• To ensure that financial data analytics are used where appropriate to better inform budget monitoring and longer term financial planning.
• Ensure managers within the service areas supported receive the financial management training required to be effective in their roles and are aware of Financial Regulations (in particular the responsibilities of the Director and budget holders/managers) and requirements for obtaining the necessary approval prior to taking decisions
• Continually review, update and report on quantified financial risks and opportunities in the delivery unit or commissioning area supported, advising how the risks can be mitigated and the opportunities exploited.
• To advise the Heads of Finance Business Partnering of any matters that should be referred to the Chief Financial Officer in their S151 role on funding, financial management and accounting requirements in respect of the portfolio of services which the postholder has responsibility for.
• To lead, manage and motivate staff through excellent communication, professional guidance, support and development in accordance with the council's policies and procedures.
• To provide advice and support to Members, management board, directors and deputy directors on the full range of issues within the scope of the job.
• Deputise for the Head of Finance Business Partnering as required

To be suitable for the role you need to hold a CCAB/CIMA accountancy qualification or similar. You will have extensive accounting and budgetary experience and a sound knowledge of local government finance frameworks, accounting principles and standards, statutory requirements and relevant codes of practice.

For more information about the role please refer to Home | Bexley-draft or for a confidential discussion contact Rob Phillips at Allen Lane - robertphillips@allenlane.co.uk or 07921 336 507.

To apply, please submit your CV to bexley@allenlane.co.uk alongside a supporting statement (no more than two pages) stating why you are interested in applying, what you can bring to this role and highlighting your relevant experience and suitability.

Equal opportunities

Bexley Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Subject to business needs, we will be pleased to consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements and support hybrid working, whereby staff attend the workplace for part of their working week and work from home, or elsewhere, remotely for the rest of the time.

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role.

Bexley Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.