Finance Business Partner - Children's Services

Money: £40-50 per hour OR salary of £55,609 to £59,027 per annum
Location: Oldbury, West Midlands
Public Sector | Social Care | Strategic Finance Leadership

Are you an accomplished finance leader ready to make a meaningful impact across essential children's services? Our client, a high‑performing public sector organisation, is seeking a Finance Business Partner to lead financial operations and strategic planning across the Trust.

This is a highly influential role, working closely with senior leaders, budget holders and external partners to drive effective financial management, long‑term planning and high‑quality service delivery.

The Role

Reporting to the Head of Finance, you will manage a dedicated finance team responsible for budgeting, financial monitoring, modelling, funding and payments to care providers. You'll ensure the Trust has the insight, controls and financial strategies it needs to deliver excellent outcomes for children, families and the wider community.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and manage the Carer Payment Team, ensuring timely and accurate payments to foster carers, families of disabled children and third‑party care providers.
• Coordinate team activities to produce detailed annual budgets, Medium-Term Financial Plans and cost-saving strategies aligned with agreed corporate priorities.
• Lead staff development, support appraisals and promote a positive, inclusive and equitable working environment.

Financial Planning, Monitoring & Analysis

• Deliver high‑quality financial monitoring reports, analytical reviews and forecasts within agreed timescales and standards.
• Provide expert financial advice to all budget‑holding managers, acting as the Trust's key finance contact.
• Undertake robust financial modelling to support service redesign, transformation initiatives and long‑term planning.

Funding, Grants & External Partnerships

• Coordinate and oversee the completion of grant claims, ensuring compliance and maximising tripartite and external funding opportunities.
• Liaise with external auditors, regulators, local authorities (including SMBC) and professional bodies.
• Represent the Trust at external meetings, working groups and professional forums.

Systems, Governance & Process Development

• Support the development and optimisation of the Oracle Financials suite, particularly reporting tools and financial analytics.
• Lead on the development, implementation and application of Financial Regulations and Procedures.
• Contribute to the design and delivery of financial training programmes for Trust staff and partner organisations.

Corporate Contribution

• Deputise for the Head of Finance when required.
• Participate actively in project teams and management groups, advising on finance matters.
• Interpret legislation, statutory guidance and best practice to support continuous service improvement.
• Maintain responsibility for Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in line with Trust policies and the Equality Act 2010.
• Ensure all duties are carried out in accordance with Health & Safety procedures and Trust policy.

About You

We're looking for someone who is:

• A strong leader with proven experience managing finance teams in the public sector, social care or similar environments.
• Skilled in budgeting, financial modelling, forecasting and presenting complex data to non‑finance audiences.
• Confident engaging with auditors, external partners and senior stakeholders.
• Forward‑thinking, analytical and passionate about driving improvement across essential services.
• Committed to high standards of governance, compliance and equality.

Why This Role?

This is a unique opportunity to influence strategy, shape services and support a purpose‑driven organisation that makes a real difference to children and families. You'll be part of a supportive leadership team where your expertise will have a direct impact on community outcomes.

If you are interested in this role, please apply online and a member of the team will give you a call.