Senior Finance Business Partner

All about the Role

As a Senior Finance Business Partner, you will:

• Lead and review balance sheet reconciliations and ensure robust financial controls are maintained.
• Support the production of the Council's Statement of Accounts and associated working papers.
• Work closely with external auditors, providing timely and evidence-based responses to audit enquiries.
• Provide professional financial accounting advice to senior managers and finance colleagues.
• Help strengthen governance, compliance and financial reporting across the Council.
• Identify and implement improvements to systems, processes and ways of working.
• Support and develop finance colleagues while contributing to wider corporate finance priorities.
• Play a key role in the Council's ongoing journey to strengthen financial resilience and audit assurance.

All about our Team

Following significant recent investment in our Finance Team, we're continuing to strengthen our capacity and are looking for talented, ambitious individuals who want to make a real difference.

This is an exciting time to join the Council. Finance sits at the heart of some of the most important challenges and opportunities facing the organisation. From enabling major transformation programmes and service redesign, to supporting ambitious capital projects and helping deliver the Rebuilding Local Audit Assurance Programme, our team plays a critical role in shaping the future of the city.

Every day, you'll work alongside colleagues, services and partners to support key decisions that have a direct impact on residents, communities and businesses across Peterborough. You'll help ensure resources are used effectively, support the delivery of better outcomes for local people and contribute to improving the Council's long-term financial sustainability.

We are on a journey of improvement, and while there is still much to achieve, the progress being made is real, visible and already having a positive impact. This progress has recently been recognised by CIPFA through its Financial Assurance Review, providing independent confirmation that we are moving in the right direction and building strong foundations for the future.

Most importantly, you'll be joining a supportive, friendly and collaborative team that is committed to helping each other succeed. We are passionate about developing our people, encouraging new ideas and creating an environment where everyone can thrive. With us you'll find opportunities to develop your career, broaden your experience and contribute to meaningful work.

If you are looking for a role where your work matters, your contribution is valued and you can help shape the future of Peterborough, we'd love to hear from you.

All about You

We are looking for someone who can bring:

• A CCAB professional accounting qualification and membership.
• Strong technical financial accounting knowledge and understanding of financial reporting standards.
• Experience of statutory accounts preparation, year-end closedown and audit processes.
• Proven ability to analyse complex financial information and apply sound professional judgement.
• Experience preparing or reviewing balance sheet reconciliations and resolving accounting issues.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex financial matters clearly to both finance and non-finance audiences.
• A collaborative approach and the confidence to provide constructive challenge and advice.
• Experience of working within a public sector or local government environment (desirable).
• A commitment to continuous improvement, innovation and high standards of financial governance.

Our Commitments
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to fostering diversity, advancing equity, and building an inclusive workplace for everyone. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and particularly encourage those from underrepresented groups, including disabled people, care leavers, and individuals from minority ethnic communities. Your unique perspectives and experiences are encouraged and valued and will play a vital role in our success.

We are committed to making our recruitment process as accessible as possible. If you are a person who has or considers yourself to have a disability and you require reasonable adjustments to the application or interview process, please contact pccrecruitment@peterborough.gov.uk.

Appointment to this post will be subject to the outcome of an Enhanced Disclosure obtained through the Disclosure and Barring Service. The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.