Senior Business Partner

Finance Business Partner – 6 Month Contract

Office Attendance

• First 2 weeks: Approximately 4 days per week on-site in Rugby to gain service insights and establish key stakeholder relationships.
  
• Thereafter: 2-3 days per week on-site, subject to business needs.
  

Summary

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Service Directors and Managers to gain a comprehensive understanding of service delivery and financial performance.
  
• Investigate and resolve intricate financial issues.
  
• Offer expert financial advice and challenge to facilitate informed decision-making.
  
• Develop and implement robust forecasting models.
  
• Identify financial risks, pressures, overspends, and opportunities.
  
• Work proactively with services to address budget variances and implement corrective measures.
  
• Identify and cultivate savings opportunities.
  
• Assist services in calculating savings proposals and understanding their implications.
  
• Lead complete budget-setting exercises for designated service areas.
  
• Contribute to the development of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS).
  
• Prepare and present financial reports to:
  • Deputy S151 Officer
    
  • S151 Officer
    
  • Senior Leadership Team
    
  • Directorate Management Teams
    
• Deliver monthly and quarterly budget monitoring reports.
  
• Complete Delta returns and other statutory or corporate financial submissions.
  
• Support organizational transformation and Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) initiatives.
  
• Conduct horizon scanning to identify emerging risks, opportunities, legislative changes, and service impacts.
  
• Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance financial understanding and capability.
  
• Train, coach, and guide managers to improve financial ownership and accountability.
  

Essential

• Fully Qualified Accountant (CCAB, CIPFA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent).
  
• Extensive experience in Finance Business Partnering.
  
• Recent and significant experience within District and/or Borough Councils.
  
• Experience in supporting and challenging senior stakeholders.
  
• Experience in full budget builds and financial planning exercises.
  
• Strong skills in forecasting, budget monitoring, and financial modeling.
  
• Proven ability to identify and resolve complex financial issues.
  
• Experience in delivering financial improvement and transformation initiatives.
  
• Ability to interpret financial data and translate it into actionable business insights.
  
• Experience in presenting financial information to senior leadership teams.
  
• Strong communication and influencing skills.
  
• Ability to work independently and manage complex workstreams.
  

Desirable

• Experience in supporting Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).
  
• Experience contributing to Medium-Term Financial Strategies.
  
• Experience in politically sensitive public sector environments.
  
• Knowledge of Local Government finance regulations and reporting requirements.
  

What's on Offer?

• £451.53 per day (Umbrella)
  
• 6 Month Contract
  
• Hybrid Working
  
• 2-3 Days Per Week On-Site Following Initial Onboarding Period
  
• Bi-weekly Pay
  
• Opportunity to influence strategic decision-making.
  
• Highly visible role working directly with senior leadership.
  
• Involvement in transformation, financial improvement, and LGR preparations.
  
• Opportunity to make a genuine impact across multiple Council services.