Finance Business Partner

EU Exit Finance Business Partner

London

£35,188 - £43,520

Two-year fixed-term appointment with the potential for extension or permanency

Other opportunities are available in our York office.

We are immersed in an exciting period of change. At the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) our work ranges from supporting the UK’s world-leading food, farming and fishing industries to protecting the environment and providing robust defences against natural threats. Leaving the EU will fundamentally transform the work we do and how we deliver it. We are embracing this opportunity to become even more efficient, focused and innovative. Join us as Finance Business Partner and you will be at the heart of this change - helping us to secure a more sustainable future for the UK.

Joining the Finance Business Partner team, which is instrumental in supporting Defra’s activities and plans relating to EU Exit, you will:

• Support senior colleagues (such as Ministers and Directors) in their decision-making processes with comprehensive financial analysis.
• Ensure finance remains at the heart of key decisions. Acting as the face of the Finance team, the Finance Business Partner will work with colleagues across the organisation and with external organisations, to build a comprehensive understanding of the business, how it operates and the measures that need to put in place to ensure ongoing success.
• Ensure robust controls are in place in relation to public funds and the effective use of budgets. As such, you will see to it that the team are adhering to the Managing Public Money principles.
• Take responsibility for financial reporting and monthly management information reporting. The Finance Business Partner will therefore need to be confident in their capacity to analyse and translate information from programmes and other data sources.
• Provide a calm response to unplanned events and emergencies that may impact on budgets, providing advice on how best to solve any problems.

To excel in this dynamic team, the Finance Business Partner will enjoy working at pace and providing alternative thought-processes to complex challenges. While a financial qualification (or part qualification) would be preferred, it is not absolutely necessary – though you must have a background in being a Finance Business Partner or in financial management. Highly numerate, as Finance Business Partner you will have comprehensive budget management, planning and forecasting skills, and you will be fluent in in applying financial guidelines, rules and governance standards to financial or commercial information. With hands-on experience of using Excel to analyse data trends, issues and risks, you will thrive on solving problems. With the capacity to provide clear insight and quickly recover from setbacks, the Finance Business Partner will be a resilient individual with exceptional communication, team-playing, partnership and negotiation skills.

Everyone in Defra is supported to develop their skills and capabilities. As Finance Business Partner, you will have access to learning and development from quality providers and support from mentors and coaches. We offer flexible working alongside a range of other policies and schemes to support your physical and emotional wellbeing.

Benefits: 

• Generous annual leave
• A contributory pension
• Staff bonuses and recognition
• Volunteering days
• Childcare vouchers and other salary sacrifice options
• Employee discount scheme

Closing date: 10th April 

Apply for this Finance Business Partner role by clicking the Apply button now.