About The Role

Senior Finance Business Partner - Maldon District Council

Maldon District Council

Permanent, Full Time

From £41,946 - £47,266 per annum

Location: Maldon

Closing Date: 4th August 2026

Maldon District Council is working in partnership with Essex Shared Services to support the role of Senior Finance Business Partner, a full-time position offering hybrid working with an expectation of attending the office 2 days per week.

Role Purpose:

• Provide trusted specialist financial advice and support to service areas, enabling informed decision-making.
• Providing timely and relevant financial analysis and advice supporting both corporate reporting and local service requirements.
• Adapting reporting approaches to the needs of the service.
• Ensuring that the financial position is communicated effectively and understood by the service.
• Coaching budget holders and encouraging them to develop financial acumen.
• Ensure compliance with statutory regulations, legislation, professional codes of practice, and council financial policies.
• Support the development and implementation of financial strategies, business planning, and budget management.
• Act as a trusted partner to service managers, guiding the effective use of resources and monitoring performance.
• Drive efficiency and value for money across service areas.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of financial processes and systems.
• Maintain high standards of professional practice within the finance team.

Accountabilities – Service Delivery:

• Provide proactive financial support and guidance to service managers to inform decision-making and drive business performance.
• Prepare, analyse, and interpret financial data, reports, and forecasts to support operational and strategic planning.
• Monitor service budgets, highlighting risks, opportunities, and ensuring effective resource management.
• Support the development and delivery of service and corporate financial plans, strategies, and initiatives.
• Act as a point of contact for financial queries, ensuring timely and accurate responses to internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of financial processes, systems, and reporting to enhance efficiency and compliance.
• Support corporate projects, initiatives, and service reviews by providing specialist financial input and advice.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the council to ensure alignment between finance, service delivery, and corporate objectives.

The Experience You Will Bring:

• CCAB qualified is desirable, AAT is a minimum requirement, equivalent prior learning and experience may be considered if demonstrating the ability to operate at a senior finance professional level.
• Evidence of continuous professional development (CPD) to maintain up-to-date technical knowledge and skills.
• Relevant experience in a local government or public sector finance environment is desirable. In-depth understanding of local government finance, governance arrangements, and statutory requirements.
• Strong working knowledge of relevant legislation, financial regulations, and professional codes of practice.
• Awareness of council policies, procedures, and strategic priorities, including corporate planning and service delivery frameworks.
• Knowledge of financial management principles, including budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation.
• Understanding of continuous improvement, business process redesign, and value-for-money principles.
• Awareness of digital financial systems and reporting tools relevant to local authority finance.
• Significant experience in financial management, preferably within a local government or public sector environment.
• Proven experience providing specialist financial advice to managers and senior leaders, influencing decision-making and business outcomes.
• Experience in preparing, analysing, and interpreting financial reports, forecasts, and budgets.
• Experience of managing or supporting the delivery of projects, initiatives, or service improvements with financial implications.
• Demonstrable experience in monitoring and controlling budgets, ensuring compliance with legislation, policies, and financial regulations.
• Experience working collaboratively across teams and with multiple stakeholders, including senior officers and members.
• Evidence of delivering continuous improvement in financial processes, systems, or reporting.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial information and provide clear recommendations.
• Proven ability to manage own workload, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and financial management systems.
• Ability to provide guidance and support to colleagues, contributing to a high-performing, collaborative team environment.
• Sound organisational skills to ensure accurate management of financial information, reporting, and documentation.
• Confident in identifying risks and recommending mitigating actions to ensure financial compliance and service delivery.