Senior Finance Business Partner

We are seeking a positive, proactive, and self-motivated individual to join our team at Epping Forest District Council. The successful candidate will lead on financial planning and forecasting within the corporate finance team.

This role offers an excellent opportunity for hybrid working with the requirement to attend Epping Forest District Councils as the service requires.

As Senior Finance Business Partner, you will lead on financial planning and forecasting, ensuring that the Council’s strategic and operational decisions are underpinned by robust financial insight.

Reporting directly to the Service Director, you will:

• Lead and line manage a team of up to five staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.
• Deliver timely, accurate, and insightful financial support to Service Directors, grounded in strong Business Partnering principles.
• Play a key role in shaping the Council’s medium- and long-term financial strategy.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives on making a difference, values public service, and brings a strong track record in financial leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide effective financial management and support to the Council and Finance team.
• Interpret and explain financial performance, driving financial improvements.
• Support the Service Head in developing and maintaining a rolling Medium-Term Financial Plan.
• Analyse and advise on financial risks and opportunities.
• Deliver Finance Business Partner support for the Housing Revenue Account.
• Promote a culture of strong financial control across the organisation.
• Review and support the development of business cases.
• Assist the Chief Accountant and wider Corporate Finance Team in delivering key outputs, including the annual Statement of Accounts.
• Provide professional financial advice and support to Service Directors and budget holders to continuously improve business case development, financial planning, and forecasting.

About You

• Professionally qualified accountant (or part-qualified and actively working towards qualification).
• Proven experience in a similar financial planning or corporate finance role.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated ability to advise and influence senior officers on financial matters.
• Experience in staff supervision and people management.
• Highly organised, efficient, and articulate, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to prioritise workload effectively.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products, especially Excel and Outlook, and comfortable using financial systems.
• A genuine enthusiasm for transformation and excellence.
• Local Authority experience – highly desirable

Working Arrangements

The Council can offer an excellent collaborative working environment which promotes remote working as well as on site working at the Civic Offices in Epping, which offer a modern, high specification workspace

This role is offered on a hybrid basis, with an expectation that colleagues are expected to be in the office at least once per month for team meetings (as a minimum), for project work and collaborative activities, and as often as the role requires face to face attendance.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a supportive finance team committed to professional development and shaping the future of the Council’s financial function.
• Competitive salary of £55,307, with a market supplement available for the right candidate.
• Generous benefits including:
• 28 days annual leave (plus public holidays)
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Ongoing professional development support

What you should do next

If you are interested in finding out more about this role, we would love to hear from you. Please apply via the Working for Essex website. If you have any queries relating to this post please email Ashleigh.Drake@essex.gov.uk

Epping Forest District Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.