Start Date: ASAP

Duration: 4 Months Initially (likely extension)

Rate: £700–£750 per day (Inside IR35)

Employer: A Local Authority in the South East

Location: South East England

Hybrid: On-site presence required in line with service needs (working from a modern council office environment)

A Local Authority in the South East is seeking an experienced Finance Business Partner (Technical) to lead statutory financial reporting and oversee core technical accounting functions across the organisation. This senior role plays a critical part in ensuring the authority maintains robust financial governance, delivers high-quality financial statements, and manages a complex capital and treasury portfolio with precision and compliance.

The postholder will act as a key advisor to senior leadership, provide expert technical financial guidance, lead on capital strategy development, and oversee the successful delivery of the annual accounts and external audit engagement. They will also play a pivotal role in supporting effective financial decision-making across the authority and managing technical finance staff.

• Lead the preparation and delivery of the organisation’s Financial Statements in full compliance with statutory requirements
• Manage technical finance functions including Capital Strategy & Planning, Treasury Management, Banking, Taxation, and Accounts Payable
• Provide high-quality, strategic technical financial advice to Directors, Chief Officers, and senior stakeholders
• Lead the development of capital strategies, annual capital budget cycles, and capital investment appraisals
• Oversee capital budget monitoring to ensure strong financial control, compliance, and alignment with corporate priorities
• Manage the closure of accounts process, external audit engagement, production of the Statement of Accounts, and training for members and senior staff
• Represent the finance function at committees, key internal/external meetings, and cross-organisational project boards
• Review, interpret, and appraise the financial implications of new legislation, ensuring full organisational compliance
• Lead the financial aspects of major capital projects, providing robust financial modelling, risk assessments, and cost/benefit analysis
• Manage and mentor technical finance staff, ensuring consistently high professional standards and delivery

• CCAB or CIMA qualified accountant with substantial post-qualification experience
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, local government financial legislation, capital financing, and final accounts processes
• Ability to analyse, interpret, and present complex financial information clearly and confidently to senior stakeholders
• Demonstrable experience in technical finance areas such as capital planning, treasury management, and financial strategy
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence at senior levels
• Strong organisational and workload-management skills with the ability to meet statutory deadlines
• Professional approach with a commitment to collaborative and high-quality service delivery

If this assignment aligns with your skills and experience, please apply with your most up-to-date CV and a member of our team will then be in touch if suitable.