Commercial Finance Business Partner

Working on behalf of a Local Authority, Aatom Recruitment has a new opportunity for a Commercial Finance Business Partner on a 4 month contract with the possibility of an extension.

The post holder will inform and influence strategy and business decisions, to resolve problems and exploit opportunities in collaboration with managers in order to further policy goals by offering expert analysis and interpretation of financial information within the options available ensuring that added value is provided from the support and advice given.

Main duties and responsibilities:

1. Keep up to date with:

• national and local issues
• new and changing legislation.

2. Interpreting the impact to the organisation and business plans of these changes/issues, providing financial advice, options and recommendations.

3. Be responsible for ensuring all statutory and non-statutory returns, including grant claims, contain accurate financial information and are completed on time and to standard

4. Grants are maximised and exit strategies are in place

5. Ensure that the forecasted financial position is an accurate and true reflection of the business position and be proactive in identifying:

• Further training requirements of managers using the forecasting system;
• What corrective action is required by managers and
• Supporting managers in developing those actions.
• Business risks.

6. Provide accurate and timely professional support; advice and robust challenge to programmes, projects, business cases and decisions:

• Ensuring processes and procedures are in place to provide robust monitoring of the outcomes.
• The appropriate use of techniques and regulations.
• Value for money is maximised.
• Support is proactive and creative.

7. Ensure that the professional advice given enables the Leadership of the organisation to make clear, informed policy and funding decisions through the appropriate constitutional process.

8. Support mangers in the development, achievement and updating of business plans to

ensure the robustness of the MTFP is maintained.

9. Deputise for the Strategic Finance Business Partner when required.

10. Support the S151 officer in achieving their duties and liaise with Internal Audit on areas of risk.

11. Ensure corporate timelines, standards and processes are applied to in the budget and closedown process.

12. To manage colleagues in line with corporate competency framework and undertake recruitment, training, development and performance management of staff, tackling any issues that may arise.

13. To liaise with other external organisations with regard to data collection, financial analysis and benchmarking.

Requirements:

• Significant experience of providing financial support and advice to a wide range of services in a large and complex organisation
• Able to utilise a range of systems to produce easily understandable financial information
• Experience of supporting decision making and delivering solutions through financial analysis and option appraisals
• Awareness of current national and local issues relating to local government.
• An understanding of accounting principles and practices and the applicability to local government accounts.
• Qualified member of a CCAB recognised accounting body with diverse experience at a senior level within a local authority setting or qualified by experience.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development.
• Ability to provide an innovative approach to the resolution of problems.
• Ability to influence colleagues from other disciplines through strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Ability to support the direction of service change and pursue opportunities both internally and with other organisations to aid modernisation of the service
• Ability to represent the service at relevant boards and committee meetings, conferences and seminars.
• Ability to communicate effectively to both internal and to external audiences through various channels.

If this sounds like you, please apply or contact Inesa!