Job Title: Head of Finance Business Partnering
Department: Finance
Reports To: Director of Finance / Chief Finance Officer

Job Purpose

To lead a team of finance professionals delivering a comprehensive Financial Management and Business Partnering service to Corporate and Operational Directors, management teams, budget holders, portfolio holders, and elected members.

The role ensures financial sustainability by providing clear, professional financial advice, robust challenge, and strategic insight. The postholder will enhance the financial viability of business strategies and operational plans, ensuring decision-making is transparent, commercially sound, and aligned with both short- and long-term financial objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Business Partnering

Lead, manage, and develop a team of Finance Business Partners.

Build and sustain strong relationships with senior stakeholders, including Cabinet Members, Corporate Directors, and Operational Directors.

Act as the key strategic finance contact for directorates, providing trusted advice and challenge.

Embed effective financial management practices across all services.

Financial Planning & Analysis

Provide high-quality financial analysis and insight linking financial performance to business strategies.

Lead long-term financial modelling, forecasting, and planning activities.

Support and guide the Council's budget-setting process, identifying opportunities for cost reduction and performance improvement.

Deliver accurate and timely financial monitoring reports, including monthly and quarterly forecasts.

Advisory & Governance

Provide expert advice on complex, sensitive, and contentious financial matters.

Ensure compliance with accounting standards, best practice, council constitution, and financial regulations.

Advise on policy changes, legislative developments, risks, and opportunities impacting financial performance.

Ensure transparency and accountability in financial decision-making.

Commercial & Operational Support

Develop and implement effective commercial procedures to achieve financial and operational targets.

Support delivery of complex strategic initiatives and transformation programmes.

Drive productivity, efficiency improvements, and cost reduction initiatives.

Risk Management & Continuous Improvement

Proactively identify financial risks and issues, implementing mitigation strategies.

Research and stay informed on external developments affecting financial strategy.

Promote innovation and continuous improvement in financial management practices.

Stakeholder Engagement & Capability Building

Deliver training programmes to enhance financial awareness across directorates.

Promote a self-service culture for accessing financial information.

Build trust and credibility across all levels of the organisation.

Key Skills & Experience

Qualified accountant (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).

Significant experience in senior financial management and business partnering roles.

Strong leadership and team management capability.

Proven ability to influence and challenge senior stakeholders.

Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Experience in financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting within complex organisations.

Strong communication skills with the ability to present complex information clearly.

Key Competencies

Strategic thinking and commercial awareness

Leadership and people development

Stakeholder engagement and influencing

Financial expertise and analytical capability

Risk management and decision-making

Change management and innovation

Additional Information

The postholder will play a critical role in supporting the Council's Corporate Plan by ensuring financial sustainability, enabling transformational change, and delivering value for money across all services