Finance Business Partner

Finance is at the heart of decision making in the Department for Business & Trade (DBT).

The Finance Business Partner team works with the Finance function and across the department and its Partner Organisations to support DBT’s ambitious agenda. The team builds relationships and works in partnership with policy and delivery colleagues as well as other key stakeholders in corporate services and other Departments including HM Treasury, to provide a seamless end-to-end service to customers.

Finance Business Partners work closely with the DG groups, supporting the development of policy and delivery plans and associated funding requirements, providing financial information, advice, challenge and assurance to enable effective decision making. They ensure that colleagues have the knowledge and support they need to manage spend effectively, ultimately supporting the wider Department to meet its objectives.

They provide expert financial advice, analysis and assurance to Ministers, Executive Boards and budget holders. They champion a value for money culture and embed a robust financial planning management and control regime throughout the department.

Grade 7 Finance Business Partners are business experts with strong interpersonal relationships.

They understand the business and are able translate and present complex financial information clearly. They provide valuable financial advice, challenge and support, strategic insight and business solutions to budget holders and senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities are varied, but will include:

• Building an in-depth knowledge of the areas of the Department for which you are responsible, understanding the financial and performance drivers, risks, opportunities and issues.
• Providing expert advice and challenge to the Group on financial matters, helping them to live within their delegated budgets and deliver value for money.
• Ensuring robust stewardship of, and accounting for, public money, underpinned by effective planning, risk management and internal controls.
• Supporting senior stakeholders and DGs through the transition to the new Department, working through ambiguity and championing change.
• Providing expert advice, challenge and assurance to senior stakeholders, including, where appropriate, the Accounting Officer in accordance with Managing Public Money.
• Providing tailored support to individual programmes on financial matters including correct budgeting treatment, accounting issues and how external delivery partners should manage DBT money, working with colleagues across Finance as appropriate.
• Influencing financial and business planning through the provisions of financial assessment and business case appraisal.
• Embedding a value for money culture within the department and supporting financial decisions through the provision of advice and challenge.
• Leading as the subject matter expert and key conduit between finance and the business for financial exercises such as Business Planning, Quarterly Reviews and the Spending Review, providing high quality information and advice to shape bids and support prioritisation decisions and ensure robust financial and delivery plans are in place.
• Working collaboratively and constructively with colleagues to support the development of business cases, ensuring that HMG controls and guidance are complied with, and to improve financial capability and understanding.