Finance Business Partner

MAIN PURPOSE

As an integral member of the Finance Department, deliver a comprehensive financial management service to designated Directorates, providing strategic financial leadership, advice and support to senior management teams. Ensure effective financial governance, budgetary control, compliance and value for money, while supporting organisational priorities through data-driven financial insight, business planning and continuous improvement.

The post-holder will play a key role in developing the future Finance Function, delivering a modern, professional and responsive financial service.

Location: Lisburn (Valid UK driving license)

Job Type: Temporary 

Duration of booking: Expected to last 6 months with possible extension

Proposed start date: ASAP

Pay Rates: £25.22 per hour PAYE inclusive of holiday pay

Hours / Working Days: 36.25 hours per week / Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm 

Sector: Healthcare 

Based: Office / Hospital

Summary of Key Responsibilities:

Financial & Resource Management

• Provide comprehensive financial management support to designated Directorates, ensuring effective financial control and organisational oversight.
• Lead on financial governance, ensuring compliance, regularity, value for money and alignment with organisational objectives.
• Provide strategic financial advice and challenge financial plans and decisions to support effective resource management.
• Work with the Strategic Financial Management Team to deliver accurate, high-quality financial information and insight.
• Support devolved budgeting by advising budget holders on delegated budgets, savings targets, forecasting and financial management best practice.
• Promote financial awareness through guidance, training and support across Directorates.
• Deliver monthly financial reporting, including variance analysis, forecasting, scenario planning and service development costing.
• Analyse financial performance and cost drivers, identifying opportunities for savings, efficiencies and improved resource use.
• Prepare financial forecasts and strategies to achieve breakeven, managing risks and reporting to the Board and Department of Health.
• Produce complex financial analysis and management information to support strategic decisions and business planning.
• Support procurement activity, acting as the link between Directorates and the Procurement Function.
• Review and authorise payments within delegated limits, including BACS payments, cheques and petty cash.

Business Planning & Financial Strategy

• Support the senior Finance Team in maintaining effective financial control and delivering financial strategies and plans.
• Contribute to Directorate business plans, ensuring financial implications are considered.
• Support the annual budget-setting process, reviewing policies, recommending improvements and providing guidance to business support teams.
• Work with senior managers across Finance and the wider organisation to align financial plans with strategic priorities.
• Lead on the financial aspects of organisational change projects and policy initiatives, providing forecasts, expert advice and financial solutions.
• Advise on financial strategies, plans and targets, including long-term budgets of up to 10 years.
• Work with stakeholders to develop and quality-assure business cases and option appraisals, providing financial guidance and advice.
• Assess the financial impact of operational decisions and prepare long-term financial projections.
• Recommend business case appraisals to Directors and the Executive Leadership Team for approval.
• Provide specialist financial advice on post-project evaluations, focusing on financial performance.

Governance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with statutory financial and governance requirements, identifying, managing and escalating financial risks.
• Support Directorate management teams in maintaining effective financial controls and complying with Standing Financial Instructions.
• Prepare responses to Freedom of Information and Data Protection requests, Ministerial and Parliamentary correspondence, and NI Assembly Questions.
• Advise budget holders and senior managers on their financial responsibilities, ensuring decisions align with objectives and approved policies.
• Identify and communicate the financial implications and risks of organisational decisions and proposed actions.
• Ensure compliance with professional standards, government accounting requirements, and Treasury and departmental guidance on public funds.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of financial policies and procedures, promoting effective financial management, statutory compliance and best practice.

Continuous Improvement & Service Development

• Identify and implement improvements to financial processes, procedures and service efficiency.
• Represent the Finance Department at committees, working groups, project teams and external meetings.
• Support the development and implementation of new finance operating models.
• Contribute to the development of the Finance Function, promoting teamwork, cohesion and accountability.
• Provide support to other Finance teams and Directorates as required to maintain effective and resilient service delivery.

People Management & General Support

• Provide leadership and professional support across the financial management function and wider Finance Directorate.
• Contribute to the professional development and performance management of colleagues, supporting a skilled, flexible and motivated workforce.
• Deliver a high standard of internal and external customer service, taking ownership of queries and complaints through to resolution.
• Direct and signpost managers and officers to appropriate sources of advice on matters outside the remit of the role.
• Undertake project work as directed by the Head of Strategic Financial Management, applying effective project management principles.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of financial regulations, legislation, national and local terms and conditions of employment, and undertake continuing professional development.

Essential Criteria

• Be a fully qualified accountant, having successfully completed the relevant professional examinations and hold full membership of one of the following

professional bodies:

• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
• Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA).
• Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).
• Chartered Accountants Ireland.
• Institute of Chartered Accountants in Scotland (ICAS).
• Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).
• Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Ireland (CPA Ireland).

AND

• Have a minimum of two years' relevant experience providing a comprehensive management accounting and analysis service to senior management.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Strong analytical skills, with experience analysing, interpreting and presenting financial information in an accessible and user-friendly format to support at least

TWO of the following:

• Strategic decision-making.
• Effective financial management.
• Effective performance management.
• Process improvement.
• Excellent communication, influencing and interpersonal skills, with experience working collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes.
• Strong IT skills, including advanced-level Microsoft Excel experience.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent planning and organisational skills.
• Ability to deliver high-quality work with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work accurately under pressure while managing multiple deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal, relationship management and influencing skills.
• Strong customer service orientation and the ability to build effective working relationships.