Your new organisation

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council is a unitary authority based in the heart of the town centre. This diverse and busy town has a great seafront, public parks and leisure activities, competitive house pricing and excellent travel links, accessible via two train lines from Liverpool Street and Fenchurch Street. It offers traditional seaside living that makes it a fantastic place to live and work.

The Council delivers a wide range of vital services at the heart of the community, as well as investing in exciting and ambitious projects that keep Southend-on-Sea firmly on the map. The Council has high expectations for the future and is working with local partners and local communities to ensure we deliver our exciting ambition for what the Borough will be like by 2050. The finance team is at the heart of the council, they are currently going through a period of transformation and these roles will be leading and integrating the delivery of a range of financial services to add value, drive change and facilitate the ambitions of Southend-on-Sea.

Your new role

Southend Borough Council is seeking to recruit a Finance Business Partners for Culture and Partnerships. You will report to a Senior Finance Business Partner and lead a small team of financial analysts delivering a comprehensive Financial Management and Business Partnering service. Your role will include being the Financial subject matter expert. You will deliver comprehensive and insightful analysis of spend and income against budget plans. You will work closely with Directors and Heads of Service, to ensure high level of support, providing professional challenge and compliance in shaping future service delivery. The Finance Business Partner with be expected to build trust and professional credibility with colleagues and stakeholders ensuring financial insight and advice which adds value, with resources targeted to deliver better outcomes and facilitates towards the achievement of Southend-on-Sea’s 2050 ambition.

What you'll need to succeed

You must be a qualified accountant or a finalist, who is expected to complete their studies within the next 6 months. This role would suit those wishing to develop their skills and have ambition to progress to a future leadership role within the council. You must have a professional approach and confidence when providing advice to senior officers and members of the Council. Southend-on-Sea Borough Council is looking for people to drive positive change whilst delivering improved results, building great relationships within the organisation and delivering a first-class service to the Senior Leadership Team. You will be a champion in promoting the Business Partnering ethos to budget holders and be prepared to address their concerns in a positive manner. There is also a need to build relationships with external partners and an understanding of the need to achieve VFM from contract arrangements. Southend has a thriving tourism industry which boasts the world’s longest peer, with a wide selection of museums and galleries. You will be seen as the financial lead who is able you are able to convert this into information to senior managers, to aid them in the decision-making process.

What you will get in return

We are offering a competitive salary from £38,890 - £44,863 dependant on expertise. However, this role offers the opportunity for candidates to develop their skills with progression to £45,859 - £50,840 dependent on experience and performance. For all successful candidates, a career development plan will be in place to ensure there are opportunities to develop further. You will be able to work in a flexible manner, whether remotely or office based, dependant on your location. When joining Southend Borough Council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including flexible working, salary sacrifice scheme and excellent training and development opportunities. You will receive a minimum of 24 days annual leave (rising with continuous Local Authority service) plus an excellent pension scheme. A full list of benefits can be viewed on the Southend Council–Hays website

What you need to do now

If you are interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV and a cover letter, or call Lucy West at Hays on 07713388799. 

Closing Date: 15/10/21 Interview Date: 07/11/21