Finance Officer

Please apply at

Main Purposes of Role

· To be the Council's bookkeeper, ensuring that Council finances are kept on a professional basis, compliant with appropriate legislation and regulations

· Making and receiving payments, maintaining the council's cash book, and ensuring management information is available in a timely and accurate manner

· Assist colleagues in project management, advising on budgets, liaising with suppliers, and assisting the Town Clerk & RFO with the internal and external audits

Main Duties

· ensure authorisation and payment of invoices

· prepare and manage invoices and receipts (including from the room hire booking system)

· undertake bank reconciliations

· maintain the cashbook and other integral parts of the finance system

· submit quarterly VAT returns

· assist in the preparation and management of project, committee, and council budgets

· prepare budget monitoring reports, schedules of payments and other statements as required for the council and its committees

· assist in the preparation of the Council's Annual Governance & Accountability Return (AGAR)

· operate the council's grant programme

· attend council meetings as required

· maintain the Council's asset register

· advise on matters relating to financial management and governance

· provide general administrative support to the Council as and when required

· any other financial duty commensurate with the role

General Duties

· to undertake such other duties and responsibilities as may be required and which are consistent with the general level of responsibility of this role and the needs of the Council

· to attend meetings of the Councils and its Committees as appropriate

· to convene or attend meetings, as appropriate within the community to promote partnership working and effective communications

· to prepare and produce reports and associated supporting materials for Council meetings

· to maintain personal and professional development to meet the demands of the job

· to establish and maintain effective working relationships within and outside the organisation, always engendering a team spirit

· to uphold the Council's core policies and procedures

· to maintain and process records accurately

Contacts

The postholder will be required to present an appropriate, positive image of the Town Council dealing with all contacts in a professional and respectful manner.

Councillors, officers of the council

contractors, suppliers, representatives of partner organisations and other local authorities, businesses and members of the public

Notes

The Town Council reserves the right to alter the content of this job description, after consultation, to reflect to the job or services provided without altering the general character or level of responsibility.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Qualifications

Essential

• Educated to A-level or above
• Recognised accountancy or bookkeeping qualification at Level 2 (AAT or similar) or above

Desirable

• educated to degree level
• Knowledge of RBS Omega financial software for local authorities or similar

Experience / Knowledge

Essential

• Minimum 3 years' experience in a relevant field
• Knowledge of budget setting, monitoring process and controls and financial management reports

Desirable

• 5 years' experience in similar job role without a degree
• Understanding of local government processes and procedures
• Experience of working in a political environment

Administration and Organisational Skills

Essential

• Good workload management skills.
• Successful project management
• Confident problem solver
• Time management skills
• self-motivated, punctual, reliable, and able to maintain confidentiality
• excellent attention to detail, organisational and administrative experience
• Experience of working proactively and on own initiative

Desirable

• Business perspective acumen

Communication

Essential

• Excellent inter-personal, written, oral, keyboarding and reporting skills.
• Effective communication with elected members, council officers, the public and the media.

Desirable

• Experience of giving presentations to a wide audience

Flexibility and Responsiveness

Essential

• Attendance at regular evening meetings
• Willingness to work weekends on occasion
• Ability to work as part of a team, and cover for colleagues when required.
• Ability to work to deadlines

Desirable

• Flexibility to respond quickly to situations

Information Technology

Essential

• Computer literate, particularly with spreadsheets
• MS Office literate

Special requirements & employee screening checks required for successful applicant

Essential

• High numeracy and analytical skills
• Right to work in the UK
• Qualifications check
• Pre-employment health questionnaire
• References

Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract

Contract length: 12 months

Pay: £15,966.00 per year

Expected hours: 20 per week

Benefits:

• Bereavement leave
• Company pension
• Flexitime
• Free parking
• On-site parking
• Sick pay

Work Location: In person