Finance Business Partner
Planning Inspectorate
Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 29th September 2024
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Analytical
Finance
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About the job
Job summary
We have a fantastic opportunity for a Finance Business Partner to be part of our Finance Business Partnership Team. You will help to shape the team and wider Finance function as we continue to make the transition from providing a traditional, back-office service to being a more strategic, business facing and dynamic function. Working alongside senior leaders across the organisation we will provide insight, challenge, and advice to support better decision making and improved performance.
The Planning Inspectorate has a long and proud history in ensuring a fair planning system for England. The work we do has a significant impact on people’s lives, the communities where they live and the economy.
We want our colleagues to be able to work more flexibly and more collaboratively, exploring new and innovative ways to improve the way we provide services.
For further information on the Planning Inspectorate, please see the information pack attached. You can also view our careers page at Civil Service Careers
Job description
We need an experienced finance business partner with a passion for solving problems and influencing decision makers. You will enjoy building solid relationships and working collaboratively.
No two weeks are the same. You will spend much of your time:
Meeting with business area managers to support their decision making / help them improve their performance.
Line managing a team of two Management Accountants. This will include day to day management of the team (1-1’s, overseeing month end etc), supporting them in their development (mentoring, coaching and ensuring they have the support they need to progress their careers)
Assist in preparing Business Cases for major pieces of work e.g. in Digital and Data.
Supporting ad hoc project type work e.g. Spending Review Supplementary Estimates, this may include the modelling of different scenarios and engaging with stakeholders to agree the optimal solution.
Operational work: Understanding what is going on operationally in the organisation, keeping our financial plans aligned and ensuring the financial implications of any decisions that are being made are clearly understood / communicated.
For full information on the role and assessment process please refer to the candidate pack attached.
Office Attendance
This role is contractually based at Temple Quay House, Bristol which is currently out of use due to undergoing refurbishment work. In the interim, we have the use of alternative office space in very close proximity to Bristol Temple Meads railway station. We recognise and value the mutual benefits of hybrid working and have a flexible approach to in person attendance, which can vary dependent on the requirements of individual business units - the details of which can be discussed with candidates if invited to attend an interview.
Person specification
Essential Criteria
- Full professional qualification in accountancy UK CCAB or CIMA* with current membership of a professional body
- Experience of effective relationship and stakeholder management skills with the ability to persuade, influence and motivate others to engage actively in good financial management.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to describe complex technical issues in a clear non-technical way, including through report writing and presentation skills.
- Experience of budget setting in a time pressured environment using a variety of tools and knowledge and business intelligence.
- Sound problem solving skills.
- Robust analytical and interpretative skills.
- Ability to quickly assimilate and apply new techniques and knowledge.
*Candidates with international accountancy qualifications must have completed conversion to UK CCAB or CIMA prior to making an application.
Desirable Criteria
- A recognised Finance Business Partner qualification.
- Working with SAP and outsourced shared service centres.
Qualifications
*Candidates with international accountancy qualifications must have completed conversion to UK CCAB or CIMA prior to making an application.
Memberships
*Candidates with international accountancy qualifications must have completed conversion to UK CCAB or CIMA prior to making an application.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Making Effective Decisions
- Working Together
- Managing a Quality Service
Benefits
- Flexible working options, including flexi-time, part-time, compressed hours and home working if suitable for the role.
- A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity.
- 25 days annual leave increasing by 1 day per year up to 30 days after 5 years, plus 1 privilege day to mark the King’s birthday. In addition to the normal bank holidays.
- Generous family friendly policies.
- Fast and modern IT kit which utilises Windows 10 and Microsoft 365, enabling seamless working from home and collaboration across teams.
For full information see our Benefits information pack.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Application
Complete the online application form on Civil Service Jobs which requires the following information:
- A CV: The CV section is an opportunity for you to detail your career history. It should outline the jobs you have done, the length of time you were employed within each role and a brief description of your role, responsibilities and duties which demonstrate relevance to the role you are applying for against the essential criteria. You must type, or ‘copy and paste’ into the text box called ‘Employment History’ within the online application. You cannot attach a copy of your CV.
We will assess your application on the evidence you have provided against the Essential Criteria detailed in the Person Specification in the candidate pack.
All shortlisted candidates will be advised of the outcome shortly afterwards.
Interview
If you are shortlisted, you will:
- Be asked to attend an interview to have a more in-depth discussion about your experience and suitability for the role
- Interviews will be a blend of behaviour, strength, and experience questions
- Need to prepare and deliver a presentation
Candidates who are successful at shortlist stage will be sent full assessment requirements with their interview invitations.
Other Information
Shortlist Date: w/c 30 September 2024
Interview Date: w/c 07 October 2024
Interviews are currently being completed remotely using Microsoft Teams. We would like to reassure candidates that the virtual interview will not be recorded (or retained) within the Planning Inspectorate, other than usual interview protocol and in line with the Civil Service jobs Privacy notice.
We encourage all candidates to make themselves familiar with the role and what we will be assessing you against which is detailed in the Person Specification.
The Planning Inspectorate is committed to finding the right person for the job. We recruit using Success Profiles and consider the criteria you will need to demonstrate to be successful for the role.
ID and Documents
If specific qualifications/memberships are essential for the role and you are successful, you will be asked to provide accurate scanned or photographed images of the qualifications/memberships that you listed on your application prior to your start date.
We must check that any successful candidates are allowed to work for the Civil Service before we employ them. If successful, you will be asked to do a right to work check using identity document validation technology (IDVT) through the services of an Identity Service Provider (IDSP), Civil Service Jobs. If we are unable to confirm your right to work and through the IDVT we will need to do a manual right to work check using original documents with you in person.
Visa Sponsorship
The Planning Inspectorate cannot offer Visa sponsorship to candidates, we do not hold a Visa sponsorship licence.
Disability Confident Interview scheme
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. We run a Disability Confident Interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.
To be considered for an interview under the scheme you must:
- have a disability defined by the Equality Act 2010
- provide evidence in your application that you meet the minimum criteria in the job description
- meet all of the qualifications, skills or experience defined as essential
While we will endeavour to provide you with all the appropriate information, you are the expert on your specific requirements so if you require any adjustments, you should consider the information provided about the assessment process in the candidate pack and then:
- Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. The earlier and more clearly you tell us what you need and why you need it, the more likely we are to be able to accommodate you in a timely fashion.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Diversity and Inclusion
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Kirsty Vice
- Email : PINS.Recruitment@planninginspectorate.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : PINS.Recruitment@planninginspectorate.gov.uk
Further information
If you are not satisfied with the response, you receive you should then contact, Chief People Officer, via the Recruitment Team (PINS.Recruitment@planninginspectorate.gov.uk).
If you are still not satisfied with the response you receive from the Planning Inspectorate, you can contact the Office of the Civil Service Commission. https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/recruitment/recruitment-complaints/
