RQ1714756 – Finance Business Partner

Job Details

£218.21 PAYE per day

Job Title: Finance Business Partner – Technical Accounting

Grade: Grade 10

Service Area: Finance

Reports To: Lead Accountant

Location: Walsall Council

Special Conditions

• Leave must be planned considering workloads, deadlines and team cover.
• Occasional work outside normal office hours (e.g. meetings, training, workload demands).
• Must be a member of a CCAB/CIMA body undertaking CPD, or actively studying towards a CCAB/CIMA qualification.
• The post is covered by the Government’s Code of Practice on the English Language Fluency Duty for public sector workers.

About Walsall Council

At Walsall Council, people are at the heart of everything we do. How we listen and respond to customers and colleagues shapes how we deliver our vision and services. We strive to provide outstanding service, create opportunities for individuals and communities, and ensure value for money in all that we do.

Managers are expected to:

• Work collaboratively and build strong relationships with communities.
• Embrace change and drive continuous improvement.
• Deliver services efficiently while maintaining quality and sustainability.
• Challenge existing practices and act with integrity.

Corporate Duties and Responsibilities

The post holder will:

• Comply with and promote Health, Wellbeing and Safety at Work policies.
• Support the Council’s safeguarding responsibilities for children, young people and vulnerable adults.
• Promote diversity, equality and inclusion in employment and service delivery.
• Ensure services align with the Council’s strategy, objectives and policies.
• Work in accordance with Standing Orders, Financial Regulations and the Code of Conduct.

This job description summarises the key duties of the role and is not exhaustive.

Main Purpose of the Role

The Finance Business Partner – Technical Accounting provides professional technical accounting support and financial advice to ensure effective financial management across the Council.

Key areas include:

• Providing specialist financial advice and technical accounting expertise.
• Supporting statutory accounts preparation and financial reporting.
• Providing specialist knowledge of Collection Fund accounting and VAT.
• Supporting financial planning, forecasting and internal controls.
• Delivering financial support to charities where the Council acts as trustee.
• Supporting business intelligence and benchmarking initiatives to improve decision‑making.
• Developing business cases and financial models to support service improvements.
• Ensuring financial governance and compliance with statutory requirements.
• Supporting the Section 151 Officer’s statutory responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Accounting and Financial Advice

• Provide professional financial advice to budget holders, managers and senior finance officers.
• Maintain expert knowledge of VAT, Collection Fund accounting and accounting standards.
• Provide technical financial support to charities managed by the Council.
• Support preparation of Statutory Annual Accounts and external audit processes.
• Provide financial advice to managers, members and stakeholders through reports, meetings and briefings.

Financial Planning and Analysis

• Contribute to budget setting, forecasting and financial planning.
• Produce financial models, reports and analysis to support decision making.
• Develop business cases and options appraisals.
• Identify cost pressures, savings opportunities and efficiency improvements.

Governance, Risk and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with financial regulations, legislation and best practice.
• Maintain strong internal financial controls.
• Identify financial risks arising from policy changes, legislation or operational developments.
• Support internal and external audits.

Stakeholder and Partnership Working

• Build effective working relationships with managers, stakeholders and external bodies.
• Collaborate with organisations such as HMRC, external auditors and government bodies.
• Work closely with finance colleagues and service managers to improve financial management.

Service Improvement and Transformation

• Support transformation initiatives in areas such as VAT and Collection Fund processes.
• Identify improvements in financial systems and processes.
• Contribute to the development of shared services and efficiencies.

Leadership and Team Support

• Support and guide Accountancy Officers and apprentices where appropriate.
• Manage workloads and ensure deadlines are met.
• Provide financial training and guidance to staff and managers.

Managing Resources

The role contributes to the effective delivery of key finance activities including:

• Final accounts and audit liaison
• Budget preparation and financial planning
• Medium‑term financial planning
• VAT claims and compliance with HMRC guidance
• Government and statistical returns
• Benchmarking and performance indicators
• Treasury management support
• Income monitoring and maximisation

Managing Performance

• Respond effectively to enquiries, feedback and complaints.
• Build positive working relationships with officers, partners and customers.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of financial services.

Managing Self

• Manage workload effectively to meet deadlines and service priorities.
• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity and accountability.
• Undertake any duties appropriate to the grade of the role.

Key Stakeholders

Reporting Line

• Senior Technical Accounting Manager

Internal Stakeholders

• Head of Finance / Section 151 Officer
• Executive Directors and Heads of Service
• Service Managers and Budget Holders
• Council Members

External Stakeholders

• HMRC
• External Auditors
• Central Government
• Charities
• Other Local Authorities

Person Specification

Behaviours

• Professionalism: Demonstrates innovation and challenges inefficiencies.
• Leadership: Leads by example and supports organisational change.
• Accountability: Takes responsibility for decisions and performance.
• Transparency: Works collaboratively and shares information.
• Ethical Behaviour: Treats others with respect and builds trust.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong technical accounting knowledge (VAT, Collection Fund, accounting standards).
• Ability to build relationships and act as a trusted financial advisor.
• Ability to produce financial models, reports and business cases.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strategic thinking and complex problem‑solving ability.
• Strong organisation, prioritisation and time management skills.
• Ability to explain complex financial information clearly.

Knowledge and Experience

• Experience in financial services within a large or public sector organisation (preferably local government).
• Experience of public sector budgeting and accounting procedures.
• Experience using financial modelling, spreadsheets and business intelligence tools.
• Experience providing business partnering and financial advice.
• Experience supporting service improvements, savings and action plans.
• Understanding of working within a political environment.

Qualifications

• Member of a CCAB body or studying towards CCAB/CIMA qualification.
• Evidence of continuous professional development (CPD).

Other Requirements

• Commitment to equality and diversity.
• Awareness of confidentiality and data protection requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively in clear spoken English.

If you feel you would be suited to this role, or know someone who would be a great fit, please drop an email to rebeccabentum@carringtonblakerecruitment.com

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