Interim Finance Business Partner – Children's Services

£600–£700 per day | Essex Local Authority | Initial 3–4 Month Contract

Start Date: Mid-November 2026

We are currently working with a local authority in Essex to recruit an experienced Interim Finance Business Partner – Children's Services to provide financial support across the Children's finance function.

The successful candidate will have a strong local government finance background, with particular experience in Children's Social Care and placements finance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic financial advice and business partnering support to senior managers and budget holders across Children's Services.
• Lead on budget monitoring, forecasting and financial planning, with a particular focus on Children's Social Care placements.
• Analyse placement expenditure, identify financial pressures and provide robust financial reporting and advice.
• Support the delivery of savings, efficiencies and financial improvement initiatives.
• Provide financial modelling, analysis and challenge to support service planning and decision-making.
• Support budget setting, year-end processes and the management of financial risks.

Key Requirements:

• Significant experience as a Finance Business Partner within local government.
• Strong Children's Social Care finance experience, particularly around placements and associated budget pressures.
• Excellent financial planning, forecasting and budget management skills.
• Proven ability to work closely with senior stakeholders and provide constructive financial challenge.
• CCAB/CIMA qualified accountant with strong analytical and communication skills.

This is an initial 3–4 month interim assignment, providing cover while the council undertakes permanent recruitment.

If you have the relevant experience and are available from mid-November, please apply with your updated CV for further information.