Finance Business Partner
Job title: Finance Business Partner
Grade: PO 5
Role code: EBC0464
Status: Police Staff
Main purpose of the role:
Provide strategic professional advice and guidance covering all aspects of financial management to designated business areas. Integrate into the business as a core part of the management decision-making team, using financial information to influence and shape outcomes; utilising effective communication and presentation skills to contribute effectively to the delivery of operational objectives in partnership with Chief Officers and senior management teams.
Main responsibilities:
- Act as principal advisor to Chief Officers and management teams within the business area on all matters relating to financial management; building strong relationships and working closely with Chief Officers and management teams to support their portfolio and guide them in effective financial management, including significant restructures and business change; simplify complex situations so management are able to easily understand the current situation and the consequences of alternate courses of actions.
- Influence, challenge and support management teams in identifying, managing and implementing change to improve financial performance and efficiency; advise on strategic financial development to enable the business to deliver its objectives; communicate findings, advice and options in an optimal way for both finance and non-finance professionals to support effective decision making.
- Consider and provide guidance on both the revenue and capital implications of any project related work or proposal for change, ensuring that outcomes are communicated and reported effectively in liaison with Corporate Finance colleagues in Management Accounting and Corporate Accounting; act as an ambassador for Corporate Finance and drive the delivery of the financial management strategy within the business area to ensure a high performing finance service.
- Develop effective working relationships with other Finance Business Partners to ensure a joined up service to Chief Officers and senior management teams; work on a rotational basis with other Business Partners at periodic intervals, engaging in new areas of work as and when required.
- Participate and contribute to strategic management development, formulation of policy and business planning through the provision of advice and support in relation to resources, financial planning, reporting and control/audit issues, review and identify efficiency savings, develop innovative solutions to these issues ensuring statutory and financial regulations are complied with and accounting procedures are adhered to.
- Support the Chief Finance Officer of the Chief Constable, Chief Accountant and Chief Officers in financial planning, reporting, performance monitoring and identifying efficiency savings and undertaking financial and costing reviews as identified by Chief Officers and key stakeholders to formulate various options and to make recommendations on the most appropriate course of action.
- Attend Strategic corporate meetings, policy group meetings and project boards, assist with corporate ad hoc projects which support operational efficiency and effectiveness and contributes to the Force in achieving its strategic objectives and priorities.
- Develop and maintain the Police Objective Analysis (POA) structure and the Forces Management Objective Analysis (MOA) structure, ensuring that variance analysis is well understood and communicated effectively to Chief Officers and senior management teams, including statutory returns.
March 2017
Vetting level:
Management Vetting req.
Necessary experience:
The Finance Business Partner will be qualified to CCAB level or equivalent professional body. The post holder must be able to demonstrate a broad range of practical financial skills and knowledge, and experience of working in a financial environment.
The post holder must have practical experience and knowledge of financial accounting systems and have the ability to interrogate the financial information available from the system and provide appropriate support to system users and the capability to consider a range of possible options. Management Report writing, presentation and proficient communication skills; both verbal and written are essential for this role. The ability to effectively communicate with non-Finance colleagues is essential to ensure that key financial information is clearly understood enabling appropriate management action to be taken. This will be combined with a practical common sense approach to problem solving, which will require strong analytical skills.
The successful candidate will require a high level of professional motivation and pro-activeness and will possess proficient management experience or have experience of working at a senior level. The post holder must be able to manage and motivate staff and possess the ability to deal with difficult and challenging situations. They will also be expected to form part of an effective team which is essential. They will have the ability to prioritise and manage individual/s and personal workloads and have the competence to work under pressure and to deadlines.
The post holder will also be expected to maintain an awareness of legislation and developments in relation to Local Government Finance.
Advanced Excel and Word skills and the ability to use IT to manage and present information are essential.
Behaviours:
Analyse Critically (Level 2)
I ensure that the best available evidence from a wide range of sources is taken into account when making decisions. I think about different perspectives and motivations when reviewing information and how this may influence key points. I ask incisive questions to test out facts and assumptions, questioning and challenging the information provided when necessary. I understand when to balance decisive action with due consideration. I recognise patterns, themes and connections between several and diverse sources of information and the best available evidence. I identify when I need to take action on the basis of limited information and think about how to mitigate the risks in doing so. I challenge others to ensure that decisions are made in alignment with our mission, values and the Code of Ethics.
Collaborative (Level 2)
I manage relationships and partnerships for the long term, sharing information and building trust to find the best solutions. I help create joined-up solutions across organisational and geographical boundaries, partner organisations and those the police serve. I understand the local partnership context, helping me to use a range of tailored steps to build support. I work with our partners to decide who is best placed to take the lead on initiatives. I try to anticipate our partners' needs and take action to address these. I do not make assumptions. I check that our partners are getting what they need from the police service. I build commitment from others (including the public) to work together to deliver agreed outcomes.
Deliver, Support and Inspire (Level 2)
I give clear direction and expectations, helping others to understand how their work operates in the wider context. I identify barriers that inhibit performance in my teams and take steps to resolve these, enabling others to perform. I lead the public and / or colleagues, where appropriate, during incidents or through the provision of advice and support. I ensure the efficient use of resources to create the most value and the right impact within my areas. I keep track of changes in the external environment, anticipating both the short and long term potential implications for the Police Service. I motivate and inspire others to achieve their best.
Emotionally Aware (Level 2)
I consider the perspectives of people from a wide range of backgrounds before taking action. I adapt my style and approach according to the needs of the people I am working with, using my own behaviour to achieve the best outcome. I promote a culture that values diversity and encourages challenge. I encourage reflective practice among others and take the time to support others to understand reactions and behaviours. I take responsibility for helping to ensuring the emotional well being of those in my teams. I take the responsibility to deal with any inappropriate behaviours.
Innovative and Open-minded (Level 2)
I explore a number of different sources of information and use a variety of tools when faced with a problem and look for good practice that is not always from policing. I am able to spot opportunities or threats which may influence how I go about my job in the future by using knowledge of trends, new thinking about policing and changing demographics in the population. I am flexible in my approach, changing my plans to make sure that I have the best impact. I encourage others to be creative and take appropriate risks. I share my explorations and understanding of the wider internal and external environment.
Take Ownership (Level 2)
I proactively create a culture of ownership within my areas of work and support others to display personal responsibility. I take responsibility for making improvements to policies, processes and procedures, actively encouraging others to contribute their ideas. I am accountable for the decisions my team make and the activities within our teams. I take personal responsibility for seeing events through to a satisfactory conclusion and for correcting any problems both promptly and openly. I actively encourage and support learning within my teams and colleagues.
Values:
Impartiality (Accredited)
I take into account individual needs and requirements in all of my actions. I understand that treating everyone fairly does not mean everyone is treated the same. I always give people an equal opportunity to express their views. I communicate with everyone, making sure the most relevant message is provided to all. I value everyone's views and opinions by actively listening to understand their perspective. I make fair and objective decisions using the best available evidence. I enable everyone to have equal access to services and information, where appropriate.
Integrity (Accredited)
I always act in line with the values of the police service and the Code of Ethics for the benefit of the public. I demonstrate courage in doing the right thing, even in challenging situations. I enhance the reputation of my organisation and the wider police service through my actions and behaviours. I challenge colleagues whose behaviour, attitude and language falls below the public's and the service's expectations. I am open and responsive to challenge about my actions and words. I declare any conflicts of interest at the earliest opportunity. I am respectful of the authority and influence my position gives me. I use resources effectively and efficiently and not for personal benefit.
Public Service (Accredited)
I act in the interest of the public, first and foremost. I am motivated by serving the public, ensuring that I provide the best service possible at all times. I seek to understand the needs of others to act in their best interests. I adapt to address the needs and concerns of different communities. I tailor my communication to be appropriate and respectful to my audience. I take into consideration how others want to be treated when interacting with them. I treat people respectfully regardless of the circumstances. I share credit with everyone involved in delivering services.
Transparency (Accredited)
I ensure that my decision-making rationale is clear and considered so that it is easily understood by others. I am clear and comprehensive when communicating with others. I am open and honest about my areas for development and I strive to improve. I give an accurate representation of my actions and records. I recognise the value of feedback and act on it. I give constructive and accurate feedback. I represent the opinions of others accurately and consistently. I am consistent and truthful in my communications. I maintain confidentiality appropriately.
Technical skills:
Customer Services (Level 4)
Able to identify and interpret more complex problems affecting customers. Suggests improvements in customer services and generates solutions on behalf of customers, taking the necessary action to deliver these solutions. Regularly provides enhanced and high level customer service. Demonstrates the ability to select information for communication to customers and improve the flow of information between the organisation and customers. Actively seeks opportunities for improving working relationships.
Finance - Budget Preparation (Level 5)
Can undertake detailed checking of budget proposals ensuring that all aspects of expenditure have been considered and accounted for. Plans and assists with the implementation of remedial action based on out-turns to avoid over/under spends. Able to quality assure final Division / Departmental budget proposals, in accordance with Force financial procedures. Able to revise and amend Division / Departmental budgets which are affected by centrally driven Force initiatives and projects. Likely to possess a Professional Accountancy qualification.
Finance - Final Account Production (Level 5)
Able to produce and enforce the close down timetable for the Force. Produces high quality, well presented and properly balanced set of books for the Force. Undertakes a quality assurance role to gain external auditor and Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner, including the presentation of agreed final accounts to Police & Crime Commissioner by 30 September each year.
Finance - Management Costing (Level 5)
Able to quality assure costing projects and services, ensuring that they accurately reflect and fit the financial context of the Force. Able to produce high quality well presented summaries of findings. Demonstrates an eye for accuracy and detail and possesses a comprehensive knowledge of Force financial regulations and procedures. Undertakes a quality assurance role, in respect of finance, for projects, proposals and initiatives produced by other departments for presentation to the planning committee. A Professional Accountancy qualification such as CIMA is desirable.
Health and Safety (Level 4)
Has received Supervisor training and takes responsibility for the safety of directly subordinate staff and visitors. Understands the procedures in place for the safe storage of hazardous substances, fire precautions and evacuation. Resolves hazards or problems identified within roles or work environments. Undertakes skills passport assessments for new and existing staff. Re-assesses passport as and when new equipment/technology is introduced. Completes annual reviews of skills passports, training needs analysis.
Interviewing - General (Level 4)
Has received some training in reliable interviewing techniques and is able to apply these techniques fairly, consistently and to good effect. Identifies the key issues for examination and tests these using open and probing questions. Identifies weaknesses and inconsistencies in the account and seeks clarification. Keeps good written records of the interview for future
Knowledge of Police Environment and Policy (Level 4)
Displays a general appreciation of changes affecting the police service. Understands the inter-relationships between the roles of the various Operational and Support activities, and how organisation structures and police systems work. Possesses a detailed understanding of working procedures, practices and policies relevant to the current role and the roles of subordinates and ensures that these are followed at all times. Is clear about Force goals and effectively contributes to local business plan objectives.
Management of Police Information (MOPI) (Level 4)
Full compliance with Level 3. Has successfully completed all standard relevant Information Management and Security training package(s). Accurate use of Government Security Classification (GSC). Ensures physical and digital records are stored with appropriate security relevant to the sensitivity of the documents and has working understanding of appropriate National Retention Schedules. Is able to quality assure own records management processes as well as those of any staff for whom they have supervisory responsibility. Is aware of where to seek further support in relation to Records management within force when necessary. If nominated as an Information Asset Assistant is familiar with the NPCC Information Asset Owners Handbook.
Office Technology (Level 5)
Expert in the use of one or more office software products. Is proficient in the use of these packages to significantly enhance the quality and/or presentation of work required within the role. This is likely to relate to the use of spreadsheet, database or desktop publishing packages and may include the manipulation of reports, moving data between applications, using scanning or optical storage peripherals, etc. to make the best use of information Recognises and makes the best possible use of office systems and/or understands how office systems can be used to improve the way work is undertaken.
Risk Management (Level 5)
Able to anticipate, accurately define and establish the relative level of risk likely to affect their specialist function, in terms of likelihood and impact, together with how the challenges facing the wider organisation might affect their role within the force. Assesses the risks of national initiatives providing feedback at the relevant level. Has an understanding of pathways to alert all appropriate senior managers to flawed or ineffective control strategies and provide continuity/recovery options. Has an appreciation that seizing opportunities also generates risks.