Are you an experienced finance professional looking for an exciting new challenge within the public sector? West Berkshire Council is seeking a Finance Business Partner to join our dynamic and forward-thinking organisation, reporting to the Senior Financial Controller.
The Role
As a Finance Business Partner, you will play a key role in providing high-quality financial business partnering services across the Council. Working as part of the Finance, Property and Procurement Team, you will support effective decision-making by providing robust financial advice, analysis, and challenge. Your responsibilities will include:
To lead and manage a finance team effectively, overseeing financial control, financial reporting, financial assurance, accountancy advice and data management.
To coordinate the financial accounts close-down and audit process and liaise with the wider Finance Service to deliver a robust control environment.
To deputise for the Senior Financial Controller and/or Service Lead as required.
To provide expert advice and support to finance colleagues, to other managers within the organisation and to elected members.
As a member of the Finance Service Management Team, to contribute to the management and direction of the service area, including the implementation, monitoring and review of the Finance Service Plan.
To ensure delivery of the relevant strategic and service objectives set out in the annual service plan, while maintaining strong and effective resource management within the team
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and attributes:
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Significant experience in a finance business partnering role, ideally within a public sector environment.
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective relationships and influence decision-making.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a keen attention to detail.
- Proficient in financial modelling, forecasting, and budgeting techniques.
- A professional finance qualification (e.g., CIMA, ACCA, CIPFA) is essential.
Why Work for West Berkshire Council?
West Berkshire Council offer excellent employment benefits such as:
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Flexible working wherever possible between the hours of 07.00-21.00
- Hybrid working wherever possible working 40% in the office
- Access to a wide range of training and development opportunities
- Generous Local Government pension scheme
- Family friendly policies
- A range of local discounts
- Wellbeing Programme including Employee Assistance Programme and employee benefits
- You will also be entitled to a generous annual leave entitlement starting at 30 days per annum (plus public holidays) Rising by an additional 5 days after 5 years’ service.
Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Join us at West Berkshire Council and make a positive impact in our community while advancing your career. Explore everything that a career with West Berkshire Council has to offer here: Working with Us
For an informal discussion to learn more about this role, please contact Joshua Ngeresa email
[email protected]
Equal Opportunities
The Council supports Equal Opportunity of employment and positively encourages applications from people who fall within any of the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.
How to apply
Please now complete a short online application form. You will then be able to upload your CV.
This role has been identified as public facing in accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016; the requirement to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English applies.
This post is a Sensitive Post for the purpose of the Local Government Housing Act 1989 and the post-holder is therefore restricted from engaging in any prescribed political activities. In summary, this means that you are prohibited from holding political office and from involvement in any political activity within or outside the workplace. Full details of the restrictions can be found in the Council’s Policy and Guidance on Politically Restricted Posts.
This privacy notice applies to job applicants applying for vacancies with West Berkshire Council https://info.westberks.gov.uk/pnapplications
AI in Applications
We recognise that candidates may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support the preparation of their job applications. When used appropriately, AI can be a helpful aid in structuring responses, checking clarity, and improving presentation.
However, applications must reflect your own skills, experience and understanding. If an application appears to rely excessively on AI-generated content, it may not meet the required standard and could be rejected.
We encourage all applicants to ensure their submissions are authentic, tailored to the role, and clearly demonstrate their own knowledge, experience and suitability.
