Your new companyWe are delighted to partner exclusively with Newport City Council in the search for a talented Head of Business Partnering and Financial Planning. Working in close collaboration with Newport City Council, we are running a dedicated campaign to identify and attract the best talent for this pivotal leadership role.This unique opportunity allows you to lead financial strategy and operational excellence in a forward-thinking council committed to impactful community outcomes. Newport City Council are at the forefront of local innovation, offering a unique opportunity to be part of transformative plans that focus on economic growth, digital advancements, and community-centered projects. Their forward-thinking initiatives for the upcoming year include sustainable development, strategic partnerships, and cutting-edge technological investments. Your new role
- Manage and supervise Senior Finance Business Partners and their teams to ensure strategic financial oversight and implement a standardised operating model for effective financial services.
- Lead the organization's strategic financial management, including the development of the Medium-Term Financial Plan, annual budget, and local tax strategies.
- Act as the primary finance professional for the organization's transformation plans, ensuring they are strategically sound, integrated, and financially sustainable.
- Oversee the daily operations and performance management of the Budget Strategy team, ensuring consistent high performance.
- Ensure compliance with S151 statutory officer responsibilities, developing and maintaining internal financial policies and regulations, while aligning with external standards and best practices.
- Drive the development of the Accountancy Service under the direction of the Assistant/Head of Finance, focusing on HR, workforce matters, and service provision to ensure quality accountancy support.
- Build and maintain strong, independent relationships with senior officers and members, providing financial compliance advice, addressing challenges, and guiding financial governance.
- Act as a financial authority on major organisational projects, ensuring financial controls and governance are integrated throughout.
- Serve as the primary advisor on specialised financial topics, demonstrating expertise in relevant financial disciplines.
- Oversee the preparation and delivery of financial and non-financial reports relevant to the role, presenting these to senior officers as necessary.
- Support and deputise for the Assistant/Head of Finance, helping to achieve service objectives and acting as a deputy S151 officer in their absence.
- Represent the Assistant/Head of Finance in various internal and external meetings, contributing as a key expert on financial matters.
What you'll need to succeed
- Proven experience in a senior financial role, public sector experience is imperative
- Relevant accounting qualifications (e.g., CIPFA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA) are highly desirable.
- Excellent analytical, organisational, and leadership skills.
- The ability to communicate complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
- Clear business partnering and financial planning experience
What you'll get in return
- Up to £58,000 per annum with an increase next year
- Hybrid/Remote working - 1 day in Newport
- Clear progression in the next couple of years
- The Local Government Pension Scheme - 23.2% employers contribution
- Annual leave 26 days + 8 bank holidays (34 total)
- The option to purchase up to one week of additional annual leave
- Employee wellbeing schemes and childcare vouchers
- Cycle-to-work and car lease scheme
- Technology purchase scheme
- Discounted gym and leisure membership
- Pay advance facility, advance loans for sustainable rail and bus travel
What you need to do nowIf you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
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