Finance Business Partner - Children's Services

We have an exciting opportunity for a motivated and experienced Finance Business Partner (Children's Services) to join our Finance Team here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a full-time, permanent basis.                                     

As the Finance Business Partner - Children's Services, you will play an integral role in providing strategic support on all financial matters relating to Children’s Services and Schools, including timely and high-quality financial advice to a range of senior managers and budget holders.

To be successful in this role you will have proven experience of finance in a complex organisation and share a commitment to continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will have a background in Children’s Services Finance with a good working knowledge of SEND and High Needs Block funding arrangements and the challenges this brings.

Benefits

Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including:

⭐ A generous annual leave entitlement of 31 days (rising to 36 days after 5 years continued local government service), plus Bank Holidays

⭐ An excellent local government pension scheme

⭐ An employee assistance programme including 24/7 wellbeing helpline

⭐ A range of local & lifestyle discounts

⭐ Use of a free onsite gym (located at Shute End office)

⭐ Salary sacrifice car & cycle to work schemes

⭐ And much more! 

Key responsibilities

• Lead on budget setting, budget monitoring, year-end closedown and statutory returns
• Provide support and advice to a range of stakeholders, promoting strong financial governance
• Preparation and presentation of reports to senior leadership team(s) and elected members
• Prepare and present reports to Schools Forum
• Provide advice and support on legislative and guidance changes
• To be the Finance representative on multi-disciplinary groups,
• Assisting with delivery of training, such as to budget managers / other council colleagues

Candidate requirements

• Qualified accountant, or able to demonstrate ‘qualification by experience’
• Good working knowledge of DSG / High Needs Block finance
• An outstanding track record in delivering a customer focused service
• Excellent verbal and written skills
• Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Teams, Excel, Outlook, Word and PowerPoint
• Ability to operate in large, complex and political organisations

Our area

Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside. 

We’re home to a range of high performing schools, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. The borough has a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life. 

Interested in the role and want to know more?

For an informal discussion please contact: Stu Taylor, Head of Finance Business Partnering at stu.taylor@wokingham.gov.uk. Strictly no agencies.

Closing date: Sunday 5th January 2025, 11pm

Interview date: Week commencing Monday 13th January 2025

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.

If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer.

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.   

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.