Service Financial Adviser (Finance Business Partner)

The organisation
London Borough of Merton is committed to “Building a Better Merton Together” over the next 3 years. Key priorities are creating a Borough of sport, nurturing civic pride and building a sustainable future. This is a key role within the Resources Department and offers an excellent opportunity to make a positive contribution to help achieve their ambitions.
The London Borough of Merton has a population of over 200,000. The council has a revenue budget of over £180m in 2023/24 and employs over 5000 staff. Merton plays host to one of the world's most famous sporting events – the Wimbledon fortnight, held at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
The role
The post holder will provide support and financial reporting for the Finance & Digital and Innovation & Change departments. The key responsibilities will include leading on revenue budget preparation and monitoring. Working closely with Executive Directors and budget managers, you will ensure that they are provided with invaluable financial information to provide decision-making support and for management reporting. You will also support the directorates and the wider finance team to build the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) each year and will have responsibility for ad hoc projects that relate to your areas of control. You will have direct responsibility for one Senior Accountant, and you may assume further management responsibility over time.
What you need to succeed
The successful candidate will be a fully qualified accountant and have a deep understanding of budget setting and supporting budget holders. You should be able to manage the fine balance between providing support to service areas whilst offering challenge and scrutiny and being able to provide information in a clear and meaningful manner. You may have worked in local government, but applications from candidates who have worked in another public service area or commerce would be welcome. You must be able to demonstrate that you are proactive, committed to adding value and dedicated to improving systems and processes to deliver a first-class service to budget holders.
Benefits include 31.5 days annual leave plus bank holidays, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK), hybrid working, flexible working, season ticket loan, staff discount schemes and lunchtime pilates.

Closing date 10th October
Interviews – Week commencing 23rd October.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk