Finance Business Partner – AR

Main Purpose of the Role

We are seeking an experienced finance professional to lead on the financial management of the Council’s Housing services, with particular responsibility for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA).

The successful candidate will lead the annual HRA revenue and capital budget, HRA year-end accounts and long-term financial planning, while providing expert financial advice, challenge and support to Housing managers, senior officers and Members.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the HRA budget setting, monitoring, forecasting and year-end outturn processes.
• Take responsibility for the annual HRA budget and statutory HRA year-end accounts, including supporting documentation and audit requirements.
• Manage and develop the HRA 30-year Financial Business Plan, ensuring financial sustainability and alignment with the Housing and Corporate Strategies.
• Lead on the financial management and funding of the Housing Capital Programme.
• Oversee the annual calculation of HRA rents and service charges in line with legislation and Council policy.
• Provide financial advice, guidance and constructive challenge to Housing managers, senior officers and Members.
• Prepare financial reports and commentary for Cabinet, Committees, Senior Management and budget holders.
• Monitor budget pressures, identify financial risks and recommend appropriate corrective actions and financial solutions.
• Complete relevant Government, partner and statistical financial returns within statutory deadlines.
• Support internal and external audit and ensure appropriate financial controls and governance arrangements are maintained.
• Provide financial evaluation of contractors, customers, funding proposals and service agreements.
• Contribute to the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy in relation to the HRA.
• Work with Housing colleagues, external partners and Government departments to maximise funding opportunities.
• Supervise and develop finance staff, supporting continuous improvement and high-quality financial service delivery.
• Deputise for senior finance officers when required.

Essential Experience & Skills

• CCAB or CIMA qualified accountant with relevant post-qualification experience, or significant demonstrable experience in a similar finance role.
• Strong experience of financial management, budgeting, forecasting and performance reporting.
• Experience preparing statutory accounts and financial returns.
• Advanced knowledge of financial systems, Excel, financial modelling and financial appraisal.
• Experience of supervising or managing finance staff.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and report-writing skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex financial information to different audiences.
• Experience providing financial advice and challenge to senior managers and stakeholders.
• Ability to work strategically while managing competing deadlines.

Desirable

• Experience working within Housing Finance/HRA.
• Knowledge of local authority accounting.
• Knowledge of the regulatory and financial requirements surrounding the HRA.
• CIPFA qualification.
• CIH Level 3 Certificate in Housing Practice or above.

Reporting Line

Reports to: Finance Planning Manager
Responsible for: Support Accountant – Housing