Finance Business Partner

Finance Business Partner
Contract: Temporary, 6 Months
Location: Essex
Salary: Dependent on Experience. 
Start date: ASAP

Harper Recruitment are looking for an experienced Finance Business Partner to join a local authority in Essex on a temporary basis.

Duties will include:

• Deliver financial and management accounting support, including budget setting, financial monitoring, forecasting, year-end accounts, and long-term planning.
• Advise service managers on financial procedures, processes, and systems.
• Provide financial insight and assess the implications of management reports submitted for senior or elected member consideration.
• Partner with service teams to conduct financial reviews and analysis, ensuring optimal use of resources and assisting in the preparation of funding bids or claims.
• Challenge existing budgets and assumptions to drive efficiencies and improve service delivery.
• Support corporate and service-led projects, working groups, and initiatives with clear financial advice and guidance.
• Promote a value-for-money culture by equipping budget holders with financial insight, benchmarking data, and cost analysis.
• Ensure accurate and timely completion of statutory financial returns and data submissions, including those related to capital and revenue.
• Contribute to cross-departmental initiatives and maintain an up-to-date understanding of service-specific financial requirements and developments.

• Full CCAB (or equivalent qualification) 
• Previous experience in a finance business partner role within local government or a similar public sector environment.
• Strong understanding of local authority financial frameworks, including CIPFA Codes of Practice and regulatory requirements.
• Skilled at interpreting financial legislation, changes in accounting standards, and implementing best practices.
• Able to meet tight deadlines and manage conflicting priorities effectively.
• Strong working knowledge of financial systems and tools, with excellent Excel and financial modelling skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, able to build effective relationships with senior stakeholders, budget holders, and cross-functional teams.