Deputy Town Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer

**Salary**: £44,711 per annum
Contract type: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time

Closing date: Sunday 6 July 2025
Interview date: Preliminary Teams interviews w/c 7 July
Assessment day: Wednesday 16 July 2025

Are you a highly motivated, experienced, and values-driven leader, ready to take on the crucial role of Deputy Town Clerk & Responsible Financial Officer ?

This is a rare opportunity to step into a high-impact leadership role in one of East Sussex’s most vibrant coastal towns. You’ll help shape the Council’s direction, ensure financial and governance excellence, and serve the local community through strategic service delivery and compliance.

As part of the Strategic Management Team, the Deputy Town Clerk provides senior-level support to the Town Clerk and takes direct responsibility for all aspects of corporate and democratic governance, financial oversight, and organisational development.

You will also fulfil the statutory role of Responsible Financial Officer, accountable for ensuring accurate financial records, regulatory compliance, and sound financial planning. In the Town Clerk’s absence, you’ll act as Proper Officer, stepping into one of the most important positions in the organisation.

What You'll Be Doing
- Supporting the Town Clerk with the day-to-day running of the Council and deputising when required
- Acting as the statutory Responsible Financial Officer, managing budgets, audits, reporting, and the annual precept
- Leading key governance functions including finance, HR, policy, risk management, communications, and complaints
- Attending and presenting at council meetings and committees, including evening sessions (approx. 15-20 per year)
- Managing and supporting four senior operational managers and their teams
- Supporting the Town Clerk and Mayor in engaging with councillors and the wider community
- Developing and implementing policies that support strong governance and high-quality service delivery
- Ensuring legal, financial, and data protection compliance, and overseeing public engagement and transparencyPlaying a key part in the Council’s strategic development and continuous improvement
- What We’re Looking For

You’ll be a confident and capable leader with strong experience in local government, finance, or corporate governance. You will combine analytical thinking and strategic insight with a passion for community service and high ethical standards.

Essential Skills & Experience
- Senior-level experience in finance or governance, ideally in the public sector
- Strong working knowledge of local council legislation and operations
- Demonstrated success in budgeting, financial reporting, and audit oversight
- Able to deputise as Proper Officer and take on statutory responsibilities
- Skilled in managing people, resolving complaints, and delivering high-quality outcomes
- Experienced in producing reports for public and committee meetings
- Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and leadership skillsTechnically proficient, especially in spreadsheets, financial software, and digital systems
- Desirable Qualifications
- CiLCA (or willingness to complete within 12 months)
- FILCA or AAT/ACCA/CIMA qualification (or similar finance certification)
- Experience working with councillors or in a political/public sector environment

What We Offer
- You’ll be working with a welcoming and supportive team based in central Seaford, with hybrid working options available.
- A rewarding role with a stable local government employer, with a competitive salary and generous pension.
- Flexible working hours and a culture that values wellbeing and work-life balance.The chance to take ownership of a varied, meaningful role - and grow with us.

Seaford Town Council is committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values difference, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Council and can improve the way we deliver services.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know.