Finance Business Partner

Are you a finance professional skilled in business partnering?

Due to an internal secondment, WMCA is now seeking a Finance Business Partner to lead the finance business partnering service to our Transport for West Midlands Directorate, acting as a trusted advisor and critical friend.

TfWM has a growing portfolio of work with a real opportunity to work in innovative schemes. You'll also be part of a finance team who are focused on delivering a high-quality service to support the organisation in achieving its objectives.   

This is a true business partnering role that will support future financial planning for the organisation.

Please note, this is a 36 month fixed-term-contract/ secondment, covering an internal secondment. 

What you will be doing. 

• Lead finance services for Transport for West Midlands, providing advice and analysis.
• Act as the lead financial advisor on complex business matters.
• Embed financial planning into strategic decisions and business outcomes.
• Ensure realistic financial plans and identify risks/opportunities.
• Link operational data to financial data for decision-making.
• Adhere to WMCA policies and financial regulations.
• Review and incorporate legislative changes into practices.
• Develop relevant policies and procedures.
• Lead finance workstreams and act as a technical expert, whilst navigating a political environment.
• Represent finance leadership in specialist matters and external meetings, contributing expertise to national and regional finance initiatives.
• Coordinate policy setting, financial strategy, and budget monitoring.
• Develop effective relationships to drive service delivery.
• Build high-performing teams focused on stakeholder needs.
• Foster an agile workforce and maximise use of corporate assets.
• Support alternative service delivery models.

What’s essential.

• CCAB Qualified Accountant or QBE.
• Extensive experience of providing a high-quality finance service within a tightly constrained financial environment.
• Successful track record of developing and maintaining effective relationships to work in partnership with senior stakeholders.
• Evidence of supporting sustained organisational change to deliver effective outcomes for service users.
• Experience of, or ability to acquire, a deep understanding of the business and services offered by the designated Directorate.
• Knowledge of finance systems and the development of financial reporting.
• A good understanding of business processes and governance gained through extensive experience of financial planning, controlling and reporting.
• Broad understanding of service delivery models, concepts and principles, as well as IT and business solutions, gained through business exposure in a diverse range of organisations or services.

Location. 

The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.

How to apply. 

Applying for a role with WMCA is straight forward. Follow these steps to get started.

1. Create your Careers Account. Register with your name, email address, and a password.
2. Build your Profile. Upload your CV to help populate your career and education details.
3. Write your Supporting Statement. Make sure to address each of the required essential criteria.
4. Submit your application. Do one final check and once complete, click submit.

Anonymised Applications.

Your uploaded CV won’t be visible after submission. Our process is anonymised, and only the information in your profile is used for shortlisting. Be thorough in each section. it’s your chance to showcase your skills and experience.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) 

We cannot stop anyone from using AI help write application content. Used right, it can be a great tool. If you choose to use AI, then use it as a helper rather than relying on it wholly to write your application.

Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting. For help on how to write a supporting statement, please visit the FAQs section of our careers site.

Reasonable adjustments.

If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team (careers@wmca.org.uk).

Salary and benefits.

We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more), giving you have ample time to relax.
• ethical saving options and healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership.
• An option to buy a bicycle, including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
• 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Interest free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology
• Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more.  

For more information, please visit the benefits page on our career site.

Why join WMCA?

WMCA is laser-focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home.

We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it's needed most. What you do, really matters. Your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people's lives, every day.

Creating an inclusive workplace.

WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We’re a Disability Confident Employer with ‘Leader’ status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria.

We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.

We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying

Right to Work in the UK

Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.

Non-UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).