Senior Finance Business Partner

We are committed to the development of our workforce. This position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council. We thank you for your interest in our roles and would encourage you to review our vacancies which are open to all. 

This permanent role has a starting salary of £63,823  per annum, based on a 36-hour working week.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced finance professional to take on a pivotal role during a period of significant change for local government in Surrey.

As a Senior Finance Business Partner within the AWHP Finance Team, you will provide financial leadership and business partnering support across Adult Social Care, Public Health and Communities, helping leaders make informed decisions that deliver the best outcomes for residents.

The post will initially be employed by Surrey County Council and will play a key role in supporting the transition to the new local government arrangements. Subject to Local Government Reorganisation, the role will transfer to East Surrey Council on vesting day, providing a unique opportunity to help shape the finance function of a brand-new authority.

• 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave 
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave 
• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources 
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping 
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents. 

As a trusted adviser and strategic partner, you will work closely with Directors, Heads of Service and senior managers to provide high-quality financial advice, support and challenge.

• Leading financial planning, budget setting, forecasting and monitoring for a portfolio of services.
• Providing strategic financial advice to support decision-making and policy development.
• Developing and reviewing business cases, investment proposals and savings initiatives.
• Supporting services to identify and manage financial risks and opportunities.
• Providing insightful financial analysis and modelling to support future planning.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across Finance and operational services to improve financial management and value for money.
• Presenting financial information to senior leadership teams and other stakeholders.
• Supporting the development of a strong business partnering culture across the finance service.

The role includes direct line management responsibility for finance professionals within the AWHP Finance Team. You will support, coach and develop colleagues, helping to build a high-performing and customer-focused finance team.

The successful candidate will play a significant role in:

• Supporting the financial aspects of Local Government Reorganisation and the transition to East Surrey Council.
• Helping to develop financial strategies and plans for the new authority.
• Supporting the alignment and transformation of finance processes and business partnering arrangements.
• Identifying opportunities for efficiencies, service improvement and financial sustainability.
• Ensuring robust financial planning and governance arrangements are embedded throughout the transition period.

This is a rare opportunity to be part of creating a new council and influencing how finance supports the organisation from day one.

Your work will directly contribute to:

• Ending Surrey County Council well.
• The successful implementation of Local Government Reorganisation.
• Strong financial stewardship and sustainability of AWHP services.
• Better informed strategic decision-making across AWHP.
• The delivery of efficient, effective and resident-focused services.
• Building a modern, proactive and influential finance function for East Surrey Council.

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following criteria and align with our behaviours:

• Fully qualified accountant (CIPFA, ACCA, ACA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Significant experience of providing strategic financial advice and business partnering support within a large and complex organisation.
• Strong experience of financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and financial modelling.
• Ability to build effective relationships and influence senior stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex financial information to non-financial audiences.
• Experience of leading, motivating and developing teams.
• Strong analytical skills and a proactive approach to problem solving.
• An understanding of local government finance and the challenges facing the sector is desirable.

To apply, we request that you submit your CV and answer the following four questions: 

1. Describe a time when you used financial insight and analysis to influence a significant strategic decision. What was your approach and what was the outcome?
2. How have you built effective relationships with senior stakeholders to improve financial management and business outcomes?
3. Tell us about a major change or transformation project you have supported. What was your role and what impact did you have?
4. What attracts you to this opportunity and how do you believe your skills and experience will help shape the future East Surrey Council?

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description and our Life at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey.

This post has been designated as a politically restricted post in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.  

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 01/11/26 with interviews planned to follow.

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.

Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment. Please contact Andy Wickes via email at andy.wickes@surreycc.gov.uk.

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation and will move to new authorities in April 2027. This role is currently employed by Surrey County Council and will remain so until then. If you are employed by Surrey County Council on 1 April 2027, your employment will transfer under TUPE arrangements to one of the new councils, with your current terms and conditions protected. The provisional allocation for this post is East Surrey, subject to final confirmation through the wider transition process later this year. Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council.

We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.

Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.

• Senior Finance Business Partner - Job Description.pdf - Senior Finance Business Partner - Job Description