Finance Business Partner

Positive Employment is currently recruiting for a Finance Business Partner for our client a government organisation in Southampton.

The successful post holder will provision of business modelling, analysis of financial risk and dynamic financial management information in support of Service Directors and underpin strong financial performance.

Key focus will be providing strategic and financial decision support to budget holders in managing their income and expenditure, medium term financial plans and financial governance across an area of business. In addition the role will ensure that all change initiatives are provided with financial modelling support, while also representing the financial impact to the wider organisation.

The role will manage and motivate a high performing team of Financial Analysts.

This role is a temporary contract initially for 3 months with the possibility to extend. This role is hybrid working with office attendance mandatory on Tuesdays.

Duties and Responsibilities but not limited to:

• Act as a key member of the Leadership Team for a distinct business area, representing finance and ensuring financial considerations are embedded in decision-making.
• Develop strong working relationships with other business partners to ensure alignment of financial planning across the organisation.
• Act as the finance counterpart to budget holders, supporting the development of financial acumen and acting as a trusted advisor.
• Engage confidently with stakeholders at all levels to build commitment to organisational goals and priorities.
• Maintain visibility across the service area, building trust and engagement with staff and stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with financial policies, procedures, and governance requirements.
• Identify and propose opportunities for innovation, commercialisation, cost savings, cost recovery, and income generation.
• Manage a Finance Business Partnering team in line with HR policies and service standards.
• Monitor and act upon customer feedback to improve service delivery and satisfaction.
• Drive continuous improvement in financial processes and service effectiveness.
• Escalate risks and issues that may impact performance or organisational reputation.
• Support employee engagement, performance management, recruitment, and development of team members.
• Identify and develop talent within the team and support succession planning.
• Take responsibility for personal development and continuous professional development.
• Support the development of change readiness across the finance business partnering function.
• Provide strategic and financial decision support to service areas to underpin strong financial performance.
• Collaborate with Service Directors to contribute to the Medium-Term Financial Forecast, focusing on sustainability and prioritisation.
• Provide analysis and management information to support policy, reporting, and decision-making processes.
• Lead on financial business modelling and communicate financial priorities across the organisation.
• Prepare and analyse management information on performance, trends, and financial position.
• Support the development and evaluation of business cases for investment, transformation, and service change.
• Drive delivery of budget reduction programmes and support cost-effective service delivery.
• Promote financial capability and understanding across the organisation.
• Ensure compliance with financial procedures and support effective financial governance.
• Assess priorities and financial impact to support value for money decision-making.

Personal Requirements:

• Full professional accountancy qualification (or equivalent).
• Proven experience in managing teams, including performance management, objective setting, and development.
• Experience of recruitment and selection in line with organisational policies.
• Experience of managing revenue budgets and working within financial policies and controls.
• Experience working within a local authority or similar complex organisation, including knowledge of governance frameworks.
• Experience of budget setting processes and statutory financial requirements.
• Strong experience providing financial advice and challenge to senior stakeholders.
• Excellent IT skills including advanced use of MS Office and financial systems.
• Strong analytical, communication, and influencing skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and build effective relationships across organisations.
• Understanding of best practice in public sector financial management.

Working Hours: 37hrs / Monday - Friday

Pay: £38.21 per hr

Please note this role is within the scope of IR35.