Assistant Finance Business Partner

Hastings Borough Council is looking for an enthusiastic and detail-oriented Assistant Finance Business Partner to join our Financial Services team. This role is crucial in supporting the Finance Business Partnering team, helping to provide high-quality financial services, including budget setting, monitoring, financial analysis, and final accounts preparation. You will work closely with budget managers and council stakeholders to ensure financial planning and management meet the Council's objectives, while also assisting in the development of financial policies, processes, and reporting improvements.,

• Assist in preparing annual revenue and capital budgets, ensuring compliance with corporate procedures and financial regulations.
• Support the identification and monitoring of financial risks and pressures, including efficiency savings.
• Help produce monthly budget monitoring reports, supporting budget managers with forecasting and financial analysis.
• Assist in the closing of accounts, ensuring compliance with statutory and audit requirements.
• Support the reconciliation of control accounts and address any inconsistencies.
• Contribute to financial returns, grant claims, and compliance reporting.
• Provide financial training and guidance to council officers.
• Ensure financial audit standards are met, working collaboratively with auditors.
For a full list of responsibilities, please see the attached person specification.

We are looking for a finance professional who is AAT-qualified or currently studying towards their AAT qualification or progressing toward a CCAB qualification (ACA/CIMA/ACCA/CIPFA). You will bring experience in budget setting, monitoring, and financial reporting, along with strong numerical, analytical, and IT skills. The role also requires the ability to communicate complex financial information in a clear and accessible way.,
• AAT-qualified or currently studying towards their AAT qualification or progressing toward a CCAB qualification (ACA/CIMA/ACCA/CIPFA).
• Experience in budget setting, monitoring, and closing accounts.
• Knowledge of local government accounting procedures.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Strong understanding of financial, accounting, and budgeting principles.
• Ability to analyse financial information and produce clear, concise reports.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise workload.
For the full requirements of the role, please see the attached person specification.

At Hastings Borough Council, we offer a supportive and collaborative work environment where you will have opportunities for professional development. You'll play a key role in ensuring strong financial management for the borough, helping to shape our financial future. Our benefits include:
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Flexible working arrangements
• Employee Discount Scheme
• Seafront office location with hybrid working options
If you're passionate about public sector finance and want to develop your career in a forward-thinking council, we'd love to hear from you!