Senior Financial Analyst

A local authority are currently recruiting a Senior Finance Analyst on an interim basis to provide strategic financial support and business partnering to two housing companies focused on delivering high-quality, affordable homes and tackling housing challenges. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of decision-making, supporting major investment programmes, long-term business planning and corporate growth within a dynamic housing environment. This will be a 3 month initial contract with extensions likely and a rate of £500 - £550 per day umbrella. Their hybrid policy is 3 days attendance per week. The Opportunity As Senior Finance Analyst, you will act as a trusted finance business partner, providing high-quality financial analysis, strategic advice and robust financial planning. Working closely with senior leadership teams, company boards and operational stakeholders, you will help drive sound financial management, support investment decisions and ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the organisations. You will play a leading role in capital programme management, business planning, funding strategy and financial reporting, while helping to identify opportunities for efficiency, growth and improved financial performance. Key Responsibilities Financial Planning & Analysis

• Lead the financial management of the companies' capital programmes, including monitoring, forecasting and performance reporting.
• Develop and maintain robust financial models, forecasts and scenario analyses.
• Prepare and update long-term business plans, including 30-year financial projections.
• Provide insightful financial analysis to support strategic and operational decision-making. Investment & Development Appraisal
• Undertake detailed financial appraisals of potential development and investment opportunities.
• Evaluate project viability, risks and returns to support investment decisions.
• Present findings and recommendations to senior stakeholders and company boards. Treasury & Funding Management
• Take ownership of liquidity management and funding strategies.
• Support the negotiation and management of borrowing arrangements, grants, capital receipts and other funding sources.
• Assess financial risks and ensure appropriate mitigation strategies are in place. Financial Reporting & Governance
• Ensure compliance with statutory financial reporting requirements and accounting standards.
• Lead on capital accounting and contribute to the preparation of annual statements of accounts.
• Manage capital-related audit processes and responses to external auditors.
• Maintain strong financial controls and governance frameworks. Business Partnering
• Provide strategic financial advice and challenge to senior managers, directors and board members.
• Support business cases, investment decisions and organisational transformation initiatives.
• Ensure financial implications, risks and opportunities are fully considered in key business decisions.
• Promote a culture of sound financial management and value for money. Leadership & Continuous Improvement
• Lead, coach and develop finance colleagues to deliver high performance.
• Drive process improvement and financial modernisation initiatives.
• Promote self-service financial management tools and best practice across the organisation.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings, efficiencies and service improvements. About You They are looking for a proactive and commercially aware finance professional who can combine strong technical expertise with excellent business partnering skills. Essential Experience & Skills
• Qualified accountant (CCAB/CIMA or equivalent).
• Significant experience in financial planning, analysis and business partnering.
• Strong experience of capital programme management and investment appraisal.
• Advanced financial modelling and forecasting skills.
• Experience providing strategic financial advice to senior stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of statutory financial reporting and financial governance.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex financial information to non-finance audiences.
• Proven ability to build effective relationships and influence decision-making.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience managing, coaching or mentoring colleagues. Desirable
• Experience within housing, local government, social housing or property development.
• Knowledge of treasury management and corporate funding arrangements.
• Understanding of housing business planning and long-term asset investment strategies.
• Experience supporting boards and governance committees. If you have the right skills and experience for this position, apply now and we'll be in touch.