Strategic Business Partner (Children and Young People)

About the role

We are supporting a London Borough Council in recruiting a Strategic Business Partner for Children and Young People to join its Finance function. The role leads a high‑performing accountancy and financial planning team, providing trusted advice and challenge to senior officers, elected members and service leaders.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of high‑quality financial management and accountancy support.
• Oversee revenue and capital budget monitoring, challenge significant variances and support corrective action.
• Support medium‑term financial and service planning, including growth and savings proposals.
• Coordinate the production of annual revenue budgets and develop the capital budget in line with the Council's Capital Strategy.
• Provide clear financial analysis, advice and commentary for senior officers, elected members and formal Council reports.
• Ensure robust financial systems, controls and processes comply with legislation and professional standards.
• Coordinate the closing of accounts process and meet statutory and professional deadlines.
• Maximise external funding opportunities and oversee grant claims and returns.
• Support partnership working with health and other agencies to deliver integrated services.
• Manage, develop and motivate finance professionals, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Deputise for the Head of Service Finance when required.

Required profile

• CCAB‑qualified accountant (CIPFA, ACCA or similar) with substantial local government experience.
• Proven experience in Children’s Services finance and good DSG/Schools finance knowledge.
• Credibility working with directors and senior stakeholders.
• Experience of financial planning, savings and budget management.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Commercially aware, solutions‑focused and able to challenge constructively.
• Excellent communication skills to translate financial information for non‑finance colleagues.