Are you looking for a new opportunity to further your career and where you can contribute for real change? We are going through a challenging but exciting period at Southampton City Council and now have an opportunity for a Finance Business Partner. We are looking for qualified accountants able to develop good working relationships with service managers to really take forward the strategic advice and the high-level financial management needed at the heart of a good finance business partnering service.  

You will support and enable the delivery of high-quality services to residents, businesses and visitors to the city of Southampton. You will be responsible for working in partnership with service areas, providing productive financial challenge and recommendations to senior leaders in the council. You will ensure high quality of financial management, through the provision of business modelling, analysis of financial risk and financial management information to inform the decisions needed by our Service Directors, Executive Directors and Councillors.

Your key focus of the role will be providing strategic support to budget holders and be the integral part of the management team across specific areas of business.  Key tasks are to

• Provide an effective finance business partnering service, helping services deliver their aims with good financial management and governance support.
• Support services in their budget monitoring and financial forecasting work, highlighting ways to mitigate financial pressures, achieve savings and reduce financial risks.
• Ensure services obtain good value for money.
• Ensure that all initiatives are provided with financial modelling support and highlighting the financial impact to the wider organisation.

You will also manage and motivate a high-performing team of Financial Analysts.

The role will allow you the opportunity to shape and deliver our services for the future whilst being part of a finance team that are supportive and a willing partner with your career development needs.

The positions, in line with current government guidance, are currently largely working from home. However, government guidelines are expected to change soon, and this will provide the opportunity to work in a more hybrid way, with an expectation that there will be a mix of days in the office and working from home.

Southampton City Council

We are a leader in local government and are recognised for our innovation, initiative, leadership, service, quality and support for its people. We pride ourselves on employing and retaining quality professionals / staff whilst maintaining an environment where every employee feels valued and part of the team.

The Finance and Commercialisation Team will play a key role in promoting change and continuous development of our services, as well as ensuring sound financial management. We provide strategic, financial and commercial services and advice to ensure the council’s planning and operational activity is delivered in sustainable and cost-effective ways. We work in collaboration with operational teams and partners to ensure financial and commercial services deliver the agreed outcomes in our medium- and long-term financial strategies.

We offer a wide range of benefits which includes:

• Flexi time
• Competitive salary
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Career advancement opportunities 
• Cycle scheme
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Keith Petty, Senior Finance Business Partner on  023 8083 3429 

To be considered for this post please submit an online application through our website: https://www.southampton.gov.uk/jobs/ or click on the 'Apply for this job' button below.

The supporting statement section of the application form must be completed.  Unless there are specific criteria questions for you to evidence against, you will need to detail how you meet the essential, and if applicable the desirable criteria for the role. A CV on its own will not be considered.

To apply for the position please select the 'Apply for this job' button at the bottom of the page.

We are proud to be #Disability Confident and support fair recruitment practices. Find out how you can get involved at gov.uk/disability-confident