Role Name - Finance Business Partner
Location - London
The Finance Business Partner is responsible for providing expert financial advice and strategic support to directors and service managers across the organisation. The role leads budgeting, financial planning, forecasting, and year-end processes, ensuring compliance with financial regulations and local government standards. Working closely with senior leaders, the postholder supports major projects, identifies savings opportunities, assesses financial risks, and prepares financial reports and implications for decision-making. The role also embeds financial systems (including Oracle), ensures accurate government returns, manages small teams, and occasionally deputises for the Head of Finance. This position requires strong analytical capability, stakeholder influence, technical financial knowledge, and the ability to drive improvements in financial management across the service.
Key Responsibilities (10 bullet points)
Provide financial advice and support to Directors, Assistant Directors, and service managers.
Lead budgeting, financial planning, and medium-term financial strategy (MTFS) processes.
Monitor budgets, forecast year-end positions, and identify risks, savings, and pressures.
Ensure timely and accurate year-end accounts, complying with accounting standards.
Support major projects such as procurement, restructures, and service redesigns with financial insight.
Produce financial reports, draft financial implications for committee papers, and respond promptly to information requests.
Embed Oracle/self-service systems and support managers in using financial tools effectively.
Conduct financial appraisals of proposed service changes and assess legislative/policy impacts.
Complete government returns, grant claims, and ensure compliance with financial regulations.
Manage one or two staff, deputise for the Head of Finance, and collaborate with internal and external partners.
Essential Skills & Experience (10 bullet points)
Fully qualified accountant (CIPFA preferred) with ongoing professional development.
Strong experience in budgeting, forecasting, and managing large/complex service budgets.
Excellent analytical and IT skills, including advanced use of financial systems and spreadsheets.
Deep knowledge of accounting principles, financial regulations, and local government finance frameworks.
Proven ability to manage complex financial issues and work effectively during organisational change.
Strong communication skills, able to present financial information clearly and influence senior stakeholders.
Ability to challenge assumptions, question current processes, and propose improvements.
Experience providing financial support to operational service departments.
Leadership experience, including managing staff, driving performance, and supporting change initiatives.
Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external partners, delivering accurate and timely outputs.
