Finance Business Partner
Contract: Temporary, 6 Months
Location: Essex
Salary: Dependent on Experience.
Start date: ASAP

Harper Recruitment are looking for an experienced Finance Business Partner to join a local authority in Essex on a temporary basis.

Duties will include:

Deliver financial and management accounting support, including budget setting, financial monitoring, forecasting, year-end accounts, and long-term planning.
Advise service managers on financial procedures, processes, and systems.
Provide financial insight and assess the implications of management reports submitted for senior or elected member consideration.
Partner with service teams to conduct financial reviews and analysis, ensuring optimal use of resources and assisting in the preparation of funding bids or claims.
Challenge existing budgets and assumptions to drive efficiencies and improve service delivery.
Support corporate and service-led projects, working groups, and initiatives with clear financial advice and guidance.
Promote a value-for-money culture by equipping budget holders with financial insight, benchmarking data, and cost analysis.
Ensure accurate and timely completion of statutory financial returns and data submissions, including those related to capital and revenue.
Contribute to cross-departmental initiatives and maintain an up-to-date understanding of service-specific financial requirements and developments.

Skills/Experience required:

Full CCAB (or equivalent qualification) or extensive experience.
Previous experience in a finance business partner role within local government or a similar public sector environment.
Strong understanding of local authority financial frameworks, including CIPFA Codes of Practice and regulatory requirements.
Skilled at interpreting financial legislation, changes in accounting standards, and implementing best practices.
Able to meet tight deadlines and manage conflicting priorities effectively.
Strong working knowledge of financial systems and tools, with excellent Excel and financial modelling skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills, able to build effective relationships with senior stakeholders, budget holders, and cross-functional teams.

Apply NOW to avoid disappointment! Unfortunately, we are unable to contact all candidates due to the large volume of applications we receive. If you have not heard from a consultant within the next three days, please assume that you have not been successful on this occasion. Please do not hesitate to apply for other suitable roles in the future