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

Summary

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.
  
  

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