Jobs

We have an exciting opportunity for Finance Business Partner - Resources and Commissioned Services to join us!

This is a full-time, permanent role with hybrid working, and a salary of £61,961 - £67,471 per annum.

About us:

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) is set in the wider county of Berkshire, one of the most economically productive and innovative areas of the country.  The borough council – a unitary authority - takes pride in its exceptional team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about providing quality services to the community. RBWM is a unique borough, with huge opportunity given its proximity to London and expanding business sectors, as well as being a major cultural and tourism area which includes international attractions such as Windsor Castle, Legoland and Ascot Racecourse.

Given our Royal connections, the eyes of the world are often on us and we continue to rise to the challenge.

The role:

This is an exciting opportunity to join the finance team at the RBWM at a pivotal time in our development. Under new leadership, we are investing in building a high-performing, forward-thinking finance function that supports services to deliver excellent outcomes while navigating the increasingly challenging financial landscape facing local government.

As a council, we have a strong track record of delivering value for money and continue to maintain one of the lowest Council Tax rates of any unitary authority outside London. However, we recognise that meeting future challenges requires continuous improvement, innovation and strong financial leadership. Strengthening our finance team is therefore a key priority as we shape a modern, resilient and commercially aware service.

Reporting to the Head of Finance Business Partnering, this role provides strategic financial support to the Resources Directorate (Corporate Services) and commissioned services delivered through Achieving for Children. You will play a key role in leading the annual budget-setting process, financial monitoring and forecasting activities, and providing high-quality financial advice to senior leaders. The role will also support the financial oversight of commissioned service arrangements, ensuring value for money and robust financial management.

Working closely with colleagues across the wider Finance Business Partnering team, you will help drive financial performance, challenge decision-making constructively, and contribute to the delivery of the Council's financial strategy. The post also includes line management responsibility for two members of staff, including the opportunity to support and develop apprentices undertaking CIPFA professional studies.

We operate a hybrid working model. While there is flexibility in where you work, the role requires an average office presence of two days per week to support effective team leadership and close collaboration with Executive Directors and their management teams.

Your role will involve:

As a Finance Business Partner, you will play a key role in supporting the delivery of council services through high-quality financial advice, challenge and support. Your responsibilities will include:

• Acting as the lead Finance Business Partner for the Resources Directorate, supporting a diverse range of services including Human Resources, Legal Services, Libraries and Registration Services.
• Providing financial oversight and strategic support in relation to the Council's contract with Achieving for Children, ensuring effective financial management and value for money.
• Managing and developing a small team of finance professionals, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.
• Contributing as a senior member of the finance leadership team, helping to shape the direction of the service and drive organisational success.

What we are looking for:

We are looking for a motivated and collaborative finance professional who can build strong relationships and provide trusted financial advice. You will have:

• A recognised professional accountancy qualification (CCAB or equivalent) with relevant post-qualification experience.
• Experience of providing high-quality financial management, business partnering and strategic financial advice.
• Local government experience is desirable but not essential; we welcome applications from candidates with transferable skills from other sectors.
• A positive and proactive approach, with a genuine commitment to supporting, mentoring and developing colleagues.
• The ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and engage confidently with senior managers and stakeholders.

This is an excellent opportunity to influence decision-making, support the delivery of vital public services and contribute to the ongoing development of a high-performing finance function.

What we offer:  

• 32 days annual leave.
• Flexible working including a hybrid working pattern for a better work-life balance. 
• Generous Local Government Pension scheme includes life cover (3 times of annual salary); and an Additional Voluntary Contribution (AVC) scheme to enhance your pension provision.  
• Free employee parking close to the RBWM libraries.  
• Give As You Earn scheme.  
• Instant Reward Scheme to recognise and reward innovative achievement.  
• Employee Assistance Programme providing counselling, advice and information.  
• Access to discounts and deals with hundreds of retailers, including discounted gym memberships and travel deals. 

RBWM values a collaborative and inclusive work environment, fostering creativity and innovation in all aspects of its operations. As an equal opportunities’ employer, we encourage applications from all as we believe diverse talent makes us stronger.   

If you have a disability, are a current or former member of the armed forces or have been part of any formal care system up to the age of 25, you will be guaranteed an interview, should you meet the minimum requirements for the role.  

Interviews: Week commencing 26 October 2026 and will be held in person at Maidenhead Town Hall.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Julian McGowan, Assistant Director of Finance, at julian.mcgowan@rbwm.gov.uk

We reserve the right to close the advert prior to the stated end date.

Company: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

Salary: £61,961 - £67,471 per annum

Location: Maidenhead, Berkshire

Sector: Corporate Services

Sector: Corporate Management Team

Sector: Finance

Job Role: Head of Service