A local authority in Essex, has an exciting opportunity for two ambitious, experienced and self-motivated Finance Business Partners to join their Finance team, one Junior and one Senior. These are fixed-term contract posts, covering maternity leave. The Council are looking for someone who is pro-active and flexible in their approach, who is committed to achieving the very best results on behalf of residents. Reporting to the Head of Finance, your duties will include: - To carry out regular budget monitoring of allocated cost centres in liaison with budget holders, including advice, investigation of variances, identification of miscodings and reconciliations - To prepare budget estimates for allocated cost centres in liaison with budget holders and Senior Finance Officers - To provide assistance as required in the preparation and presentation of the annual budget - To maintain and use the authorities computerised finance system, including administration of journals, virements and budget information - To complete the reconciliation of the councils main bank account - To produce the monthly VAT return and reconciliation, investigating and resolving any variances - To assist the Head of Finance in maintaining the financial administration for the councils trading company, including raising orders, paying suppliers, recovering debt, taxation and production of timely financial information The following requirements will ideally be met by applicants: - AAT qualified as a minimum, ideally studying towards a CCAB qualifcation - To have had exposure in one of the following sectors: Public, National Health, Charity, Housing, Not-For-Profit - Able to prioritise workload appropriately - Ability to work under pressure and maintain accuracy Reed Specialist Recruitment Limited is an employment agency and employment business