Senior Finance Partner

Job Title: Senior Finance Business PartnerLocation: Sutton CouncilPay Rate: £445 per day

Sutton Council's Shared Finance Service (SFS) is committed to adding value and inspiring success. We are seeking a Senior Finance Business Partner to provide expert financial support and advice to our corporate and front-line service areas. This role is pivotal in ensuring budget managers can successfully navigate a challenging financial environment while aligning financial strategies with the Council's priorities. The post holder will work closely with the Strategic Finance Business Partners (SFBPs) to deliver insightful financial analysis and support business improvement initiatives.

• Financial Support & Business Partnering:

  • Provide high-quality financial business partner support for both revenue and capital budgets.
  • Offer expert advice to service managers on financial risk management, budget setting, monitoring, and year-end processes.
  • Deliver insights to support business improvement and change, acting as a "critical friend" to drive decision-making.

• Budget & Financial Management:

  • Advise budget holders across high-risk areas on financial management, ensuring budget alignment with strategic objectives.
  • Manage capital program delivery, assist with financial forecasting, and oversee financial reporting for capital and revenue savings programs.
  • Support the development of the Medium-Term Financial Plan and resource allocation to mitigate financial risks.

• Business Change & Continuous Improvement:

  • Proactively contribute to business change initiatives, identifying and pursuing opportunities for service improvements and efficiency's.
  • Encourage and support continuous improvement in financial reporting, aiming to automate processes and enhance efficiency.

• Team & Stakeholder Support:

  • Build strong working relationships across the finance service and the wider Council to deliver effective, customer-focused services.
  • Mentor and coach junior finance staff, including Finance Apprentices or Trainees, to enhance team capability.

Essential:

• Education & Experience:

  • Part-qualified CCAB accountant or equivalent experience operating at a similar level.
  • Proven experience in delivering high-quality financial services in large, complex organizations.
  • Strong understanding of Local Authority financial context, processes, and regulations.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a collaborative approach to working with non-finance professionals.

• Technical Skills:

  • Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data and provide actionable insights.
  • Experience using IT systems, including Google Apps, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and financial software.
  • Experience supporting budget holders with financial management processes, such as budgeting, monitoring, and year-end closure.

Desirable:

• Qualifications:
  • Studying towards a professional qualification (AAT, CIPFA, CIMA, etc.).
• Experience:
  • Experience leading or supporting financial aspects of change programs or business improvements.
  • Experience with pooled or shared budgets, particularly in a Local Authority setting.