Location
London Borough of Waltham Forest

Hours
Full Time - 36 hours per week

Salary
PO10 £68,784 to £72,399 per annum

About the Role
Finance Business Partners are responsible for implementing the business partnering function for the assigned service area, in this case Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND), supporting delivery of the SEND reforms. This pivotal role provides strategic financial advice across the organisation and acts as a partner to service leadership teams to develop, challenge, and support service plans and project delivery. The post holder manages and reports on operational performance for the business partnering team.

Key responsibilities include controlling the deployment and allocation of service resources within the corporate and legislative framework, supporting budget development and wider service planning, and being professionally accountable for interventions within their area of responsibility.

The role requires assessing situations from commercial, business, or finance perspectives and providing appropriate financial advice to support complex decisions. The post holder works closely with stakeholders to ensure the best use of limited financial resources, producing high-quality financial analysis and robust risk assessments to support decision-making.

Beyond technical accounting expertise, the post holder will think strategically, support organisational objectives, and be aware of the political and commercial context. Innovation, focus on priorities, and clear decision-making are essential.

This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship; applicants must already hold UK work authorisation that does not require sponsorship.

Experience
Proven experience as a finance business partner or in a similar strategic financial advisory role, ideally with detailed knowledge of SEND and High Needs finance.
Experience in monitoring budgets, forecasting, risk management, and delivering financial solutions within complex public sector environments.
Ability to analyse cost drivers and develop financial models including scenario planning.
Experience working collaboratively with transformation and service teams to implement financial and operational plans.

About you
Strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen and the ability to provide clear, insightful financial advice.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with senior leadership and stakeholders.
Innovative, focused on key priorities, and capable of making clear decisions in a complex environment.
Committed to continuous professional development and maintaining professional standards.
Understanding of the political and commercial context within local government.

Qualifications
Fully qualified accountant (CIPFA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or part qualified with a demonstrable plan to achieve full qualification within 9 months.
Evidence of post-qualification continuing professional development.
Satisfactory employment references, CIFAS identity checks, declaration of interest, and DBS check.
Continued professional body registration is required.