Accountant (Business Partner)

Cheshire East Council

  • Crewe, Cheshire
  • £41,771 per year
  • Contract
  • Full-time
  • 16 days ago
Like many councils, Cheshire East is navigating increasing demand for services and rising costs. That’s why we’re transforming how we work in order to build a stronger, more flexible Council that delivers vital services and supports our communities effectively.Finance Business Partners play a key role in helping managers deliver financially sustainable services through high-quality financial advice and support.OrganisationCheshire East CouncilLocationCreweJob CategoryFinanceGradeCEC NJC - Grade 10Salary Min£41,771 per annumSalary Max£48,072 per annumHours per week37Weeks per year52.143Employment TypeFixed TermContract Duration12 MonthsClosing Date10/09/2025Ref NoE3228Documents(PDF, 322.98kb)Cheshire East is an amazing place to live and work. As one of the largest employers in the borough, we are able to offer you a wide range of challenging and rewarding career opportunities.At Cheshire East Council we are working for a brighter future – together and our commitment to you is that our workplace culture will provide a shared purpose, a well-led organisation with valued people succeeding together as one team and one council to deliver the best service for our customers and communities.If you want to be part of our award-winning council and contribute to our ongoing success, have the flexibility and drive to enable us to innovate, are committed to working as part of a team and striving to deliver exceptional service wherever you can, we would especially like to hear from you.As an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and want our workforce to reflect the diversity of our local communities so that we can all work for a brighter future - together.Key responsibilities include:
  • Lead and manage a team to deliver effective financial services.
  • Prepare and manage capital and revenue budgets in compliance with Council regulations and strategic objectives.
  • Monitor and report on financial performance, ensuring timely corrective actions are taken.
  • Maintain financial systems and procedures to meet audit and regulatory standards.
  • Identify and advise on financial risks and support their mitigation through planning and monitoring.
  • Provide accurate financial analysis and advice to support informed decision-making.
There are both permanent and 12-month temporary contract opportunities available. This advert is for a 12 month temporary contract. The role will include accounting for the dedicated schools grant.About youYou should:
  • Be a full member of a professional accountancy body (CIPFA or CCAB equivalent) with extensive experience in accountancy, particularly in the public sector or large organisations.
  • Have a proven track record of delivering reliable and accurate financial information.
  • Be flexible as you will work in a fast-paced environment with changing deadlines and priorities.
  • Be able to work independently and as part of a team, managing and prioritising competing workloads.
  • Have strong IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word, and experience with finance systems.
What we offer in return:
  • Career Progression: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the Finance team. This includes the ability to move roles within the service and gain wider experience.
  • Hybrid Working: Flexible work options, including regular work-from-home opportunities, with the requirement to attend the office as needed. The Finance Team is based in Delamere House, Crewe, with the option to work in Macclesfield Town Hall and a need to attend meetings across the borough.
  • Cheshire Pension Fund (LGPS): A secure, inflation-proof pension with generous employer contributions, tax relief, and family protection.
  • New employees are required to be office-based for the first three months of their employment, working in Delamere House, Crewe, to facilitate effective induction, training, and integration with the team.
  • Competitive Salary: With a pending pay award.
  • Flexible Working Pattern: 37 hours per week, with up to 18 days of flexible leave per year.
  • Annual Leave: 26 days (plus bank holidays), increasing to 31 days after just 5 years of service.
  • Open to Applications from candidates seeking full time and part-time roles.
  • NHS Fleet Solutions Green Car Scheme: Drive a brand-new electric or hybrid car and save on tax and National Insurance.
  • Vivup Home & Electronics Scheme: Spread the cost of essentials like white goods, tech, and furniture.
How to contact usIf you would like to have an informal discussion about the roles, please contact Tracy Baldwin, Finance Manager of Strategic Finance and Accounting at or Nikki Wood-Hill, Finance Manager – Adults and Health atPlease ensure you check the email account (including junk/spam boxes) from which you apply regularly as we will use this to contact you regarding your application.If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date then it is likely that you have not been shortlisted on this occasion, however please do not be discouraged from applying again.For any technical enquiries please emailPlease quote job reference number in all correspondence.

Cheshire East Council