Corporate finance business partner - Financial accounting

Job Description

Join Us as Corporate Business Partner – Financial Accounting

We’re seeking a qualified, strategic and values-led financial leader to join our Finance team at Avon and Somerset Police.

This is a high-impact role, responsible for the production and integrity of all financial statements across the Force, ensuring full compliance with regulatory and audit requirements.

You’ll lead a high-performing team of senior accountants, finance officers, and assistants, shape capital accounting processes, and play a key role in setting financial strategy and driving performance across the organisation.

What We Offer

• Strategic Impact: A leadership role where your expertise will shape financial governance, risk and policy across the Force
• Purpose-Driven Work: Contribute directly to operational success in an organisation committed to protecting and serving the public
• Supportive Culture: Work in a values-led environment that prioritises collaboration, wellbeing and inclusive leadership
• Professional Growth: Ongoing opportunities to lead transformation, mentor others and strengthen your leadership through CPD and internal networks
• Flexible Working: A commitment to work–life balance, with hybrid and flexible working arrangements available
• Employee Benefits: Access to staff networks, wellbeing services, generous leave, pension schemes and lifestyle support
  
  

Key Responsibilities

This role is both operationally grounded and strategically critical, offering a unique opportunity to influence financial performance, enable transformation, and drive value for the communities we serve.

As Corporate Business Partner For Financial Accounting, You Will

• Lead the year-end closure process and deliver high-quality statutory accounts that meet all regulations and audit standards
• Ensure all statutory financial returns and legislative reporting obligations are completed on time and to the highest standard
• Develop and implement financial planning frameworks that support organisational priorities, manage risk, and respond to audit findings
• Act as the lead contact for internal and external auditors and maintain strong relationships with regional finance partners
• Oversee all balance sheet reconciliations and manage the exchequer function, including accounts payable, payment runs (BACS and cheques), cashiering, income receivable, and CIS compliance
• Translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insights for non-financial stakeholders across the Force
• Drive collaboration across Financial Services, ensuring coordinated delivery and supporting capability development within the team
• Lead the design and continuous improvement of capital forecasting and financial monitoring processes, embedding best practice
• Influence strategic change through financial insight, ensuring performance measures support informed decision-making
• Inspire and develop a team of finance professionals, fostering a high-performance culture through strong leadership, mentoring, and performance management
  
  

What You’ll Need To Succeed

You’ll bring the expertise, leadership, and attention to detail needed to thrive in a complex public sector finance environment, including:

• A relevant degree or equivalent professional experience
• A full professional accounting qualification (CIMA, ACA, ACCA,CIPFA), or at least five years’ senior-level financial management experience
• Significant post-qualification experience in public sector financial accountancy
• Proven leadership experience managing finance teams in a complex, regulated environment
• Strong technical knowledge of VAT, taxation, and capital and revenue statutory accounting requirements
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence, engage, and advise stakeholders at all levels
• A strategic mindset and the ability to prioritise, meet deadlines, and deliver under pressure
• Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to high standards
• A full UK driving licence or the ability to travel independently across the Force area
  
  

Inclusivity and Accessibility

We’re committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all communities. We will implement reasonable adjustments for disabled candidates throughout the recruitment process, in line with the Equality Act and EHRC guidance.

Help us build a strong, accountable, and future-ready Force. Apply now and make a difference.