About us

Somerset is a county of incredible contrasts; complete with beaches, moors, a National Park, historic villages and bustling market towns. It is a great place to work. We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated finance professional to join the Council’s Finance team as one of four Finance Service Managers in our Business Partnering team. Together we provide financial advice and support to a range of service areas, with the aim of improving lives for Somerset residents.

About the job

The Finance Service Manager will support Schools and Education Services providing high level financial advice and support to key stakeholders including Assistant Directors and Strategic Managers within the Council and the leadership teams of our education partners. There are significant financial challenges for these key stakeholders which have been heightened by the impact of the Covid-19 crisis, and you will have a critical role in ensuring they meet this challenge. Your role will be to support the Directorate in their recovery from the pandemic alongside the transformation journey that the Council and education partners are on.

About you

To be suitable for the role you need to be a fully qualified accountant (or studying towards) with experience of adding value and driving through a business partnering approach. You need to be able to demonstrate excellent leadership, communication and organisational skills. The ability to advise and challenge senior management is essential, whilst exposure within a Local Government or Public Sector setting is highly desirable. You will need to thrive in a fast-changing environment and draw on your problem-solving expertise, using your knowledge of legislation. The Council has an ambition and culture for flexible working which has been enhanced as a result of COVID-19. You will be based in Taunton with flexibility to work from home and other locations. You must be prepared to travel to different locations in Somerset and on occasions further afield.

For more information please contact Sian Kenny, Strategic Finance Manager for Business Partnering on 01823 359392 or via email SKenny@somerset.gov.uk

Due to the current situation regarding Covid-19 interviews will be taking place remotely via Teams