South Norfolk and Broadland Council

We have a great opportunity to take the next step in your finance career whilst studying to become a fully qualified Public Sector Accountant. Working within our finance team delivering high quality financial support and advice to two local authorities, you will gain experience within both corporate accountancy and finance business partnering. You will be expected to study for the full CIPFA Professional Accountancy Qualification (L7 Accountancy Professional Apprenticeship) over approximately three and a half years, alongside your day-to-day role; for which you will be given study time during your working hours. All course and professional membership fees will be paid for you. The successful applicant will have experience of working within finance and with financial systems. You will need the drive, ability and dedication to study online for the CIPFA Professional Accountancy Qualification (L7 Accountancy Professional Apprenticeship). You will also need to meet the course minimum entry requirements ready for enrolment in May/June with a September 2026 course start date. Entry requirements for CIPFA Professional Accountancy Qualification (L7 Accountancy Professional Apprenticeship): Three GCSEs, grades 4-9 or A-C, and two A-Levels, grades A-C, or accepted equivalent (subjects must include Maths and English at either level). You must be a citizen of the UK or European Economic Area (EEA) or have lived in the UK or EEA for the past 3 consecutive years and have the Right to work in the UK. Closing date: Sunday 29 March 2026 at 11:30pm Interview date: To be confirmed Why Join Us? We offer flexible working hours for most office-based roles, allowing for a healthy work-life balance. As part of our team, you will enjoy a range of employee benefits, including free onsite parking, employee discounts, a competitive holiday allowance, wellbeing initiatives, and the opportunity to join the Local Government Pension Scheme. You will be joining a progressive and supportive organisation that is committed to making a positive impact on the communities we serve. The Councils reserve the right to close any and all vacancies at any time if there is judged to be a sufficient number of applications received. South Norfolk and Broadland Councils are committed to promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and all applicants must be willing to undergo appropriate checks for the position, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

We are looking for a proactive and commercially minded Finance Business Partner to join our team, where you will play a key role in driving financial strategy and business improvement across the Councils. Your role will incorporate the full breadth and depths of responsibilities associated with providing a comprehensive Business Partnering service to the organisation. These will include providing accurate monthly management accounts working with budget managers to produce forecasts and variance analysis, supporting Assistant Directors and Service Managers with financial expertise, modelling and insightful analysis and leading on budget preparation for service areas and assisting with financial business cases for projects. You will act as Finance Lead on programme boards, ensuring robust, commercially focused decision-making, identify savings efficiencies and income generation opportunities, contribute to year-end accounts, audits and statutory reporting requirements, and mentor other staff to support their professional development. About You You will either be a part-qualified accountant (either CCAB or CIMA) or hold a full AAT qualification (or you will have the equivalent experience in finance). With strong management accounting and financial planning skills, you will have the ability to analyse complex information and present it clearly to non-financial colleagues. You will have a collaborative approach, with confidence to challenge and influence at senior levels, and will have demonstrable experience in supporting services in a commercial, fast-changing environment. Closing Date: Monday 29th September 2025 Interview Date: w/c 10th October 2025 Why Join Us? We offer flexible working hours for most office-based roles, allowing for a healthy work-life balance. As part of our team, you will enjoy a range of employee benefits, including free onsite parking, employee discounts, a competitive holiday allowance, wellbeing initiatives, and the opportunity to join the Local Government Pension Scheme. You will be joining a progressive and supportive organisation that is committed to making a positive impact on the communities we serve. The Councils reserve the right to close any and all vacancies at any time if there is judged to be a sufficient number of applications received. South Norfolk and Broadland Councils are committed to promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and all applicants must be willing to undergo appropriate checks for the position, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.