Housing Finance Business Partner (HRA) – 6-Month Contract

Location: Remote with occasional travel to Lowestoft and Melton offices
Rate: £500 per day (Umbrella)
Contract: 6-Month Contract
Hours: 37 hours per week
Working Pattern: Mainly remote, with some office visits and evening meetings as needed
Pay: Bi-weekly
DVLA Check: Required before starting

Summary

We are seeking a seasoned Housing Finance Business Partner to oversee the financial management of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and Housing Services portfolio. This pivotal role involves crafting the annual HRA revenue and capital budgets, finalizing year-end accounts, engaging in business planning, financial forecasting, and budget monitoring. The position also requires providing strategic financial advice across various housing services, including Private Sector Housing, Homelessness Services, and the Housing Capital Programme. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with Housing Services, the Chief Finance Officer, Senior Management Team, and Members to ensure robust financial planning and long-term sustainability.

Responsibilities

Housing Revenue Account (HRA)

• Spearhead the development of the annual HRA revenue and capital budget.
  
• Oversee the preparation of the annual statutory HRA year-end statement and related documentation.
  
• Draft HRA budget reports for Cabinet and Committee approval.
  
• Determine annual HRA rents and service charges in line with legislation and Council policies.
  
• Monitor and manage HRA financial performance.
  
• Offer expert guidance on the HRA regulatory and financial framework.
  
• Contribute to Treasury Management activities concerning the HRA.
  
• Ensure effective funding for the Housing Capital Programme.
  

Strategic Financial Management

• Support the execution of the Council's Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS).
  
• Provide financial advice, challenge, and support to Service Managers and Senior Officers.
  
• Lead financial planning, forecasting, and budget monitoring across Housing Services.
  
• Deliver monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial reports.
  
• Identify financial pressures, risks, savings opportunities, and corrective actions.
  
• Support organizational transformation and service improvement initiatives.
  
• Conduct financial appraisals and assessments of contractors and funding proposals.
  

Business Planning & Reporting

• Maintain and enhance the HRA 30-Year Financial Business Plan.
  
• Produce financial models and long-term sustainability forecasts.
  
• Complete Government returns, statistical returns, and partner funding reports.
  
• Prepare reports for Cabinet, Committees, Corporate Management Team, and Senior Leadership Teams.
  
• Coordinate with Internal and External Audit teams.
  
• Ensure compliance with local government finance regulations and statutory requirements.
  

Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the lead finance officer for Housing Services.
  
• Provide coaching, support, and financial guidance to service managers.
  
• Supervise and support the Housing Support Accountant.
  
• Attend Cabinet and Committee meetings as needed.
  
• Act as a deputy for the Finance Planning Manager, Deputy Chief Finance Officer, or Chief Finance Officer when necessary.
  
• Collaborate with Housing Teams, Government Departments, and external partners to maximize funding opportunities.
  

Requirements

Requirements:

Essential Skills & Experience

• Extensive experience in Housing Finance.
  
• In-depth knowledge of Housing Revenue Accounts (HRA), HRA Business Planning, Local Authority Accounting, and Housing Capital Funding.
  
• Experience in producing statutory accounts, budget reports, financial forecasts, and MTFS contributions.
  
• Proficiency in advanced Excel and financial modeling.
  
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
  
• Experience in influencing senior stakeholders and elected members.
  
• Strong coaching and financial business partnering skills.
  

Desirable Requirements

• CIPFA Qualification.
  
• Housing qualification such as CIH Level 3 or higher.
  
• Experience supervising finance staff.
  
• Familiarity with Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019.
  
• Experience within District or Borough Councils.
  

Working Arrangements

• Remote work is available.
  
• Occasional travel to Lowestoft and Melton offices is required.
  
• Some evening availability may be necessary for Cabinet or Committee meetings.
  
• A full driving license is required, with a DVLA check needed before starting.
  

What's on Offer?

• £500 per day (Umbrella)
  
• 6-Month Contract
  
• 37 hours per week
  
• Remote working available
  
• Bi-weekly pay
  
• Opportunity to lead a significant Housing Finance portfolio
  
• Strategic role with extensive stakeholder engagement
  
• Involvement in HRA budgeting, business planning, capital programmes, and corporate financial strategy
  
• High-profile position within a Local Authority finance team
  

Ideal for candidates with experience as a Housing Finance Business Partner, HRA Finance Manager, Senior Finance Business Partner, Principal Accountant, Housing Accountant, Finance Manager (Housing), Capital Finance Manager, or Local Government Finance Consultant with substantial Housing Revenue Account experience.