Opportunities

Job Title: Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer

Hours: 37 per week

Salary: SCP scale 42 to 46 (£50,512 to £55,325) depending on qualifications and experience

We have an exciting opportunity for a Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer (RFO) to join our team. This is a senior role within our organisation and is the “Proper Officer” of the Council having responsibility for its financial and administrative affairs including the custody of Council documents and records. 

The Parish, one of the largest in population terms in the New Forest District Council area, lies on the eastern boundary of the District.  It is situated on the banks of Southampton Water and covers an area of approximately 6 square miles with a resident population of approximately 20,000. There are good travel links from the Hythe area with the M27 some 10 miles north providing direct access to the motorway network linking to London (77 miles), Birmingham (128 miles). The rail link from Southampton gives a 70 minute link to London. Southampton is a twelve minute ferry journey from Hythe Pier. Southampton and Bournemouth Airports are approximately a half hour’s drive.

There are 13 elected Members, some of whom also represent the community at  New Forest District Council and Hampshire County Council.

The Council has an adopted Neighborhood Plan. As part of its aims to improve the quality of life of residents the Council introduced a Police Accredited Community Safety Service just over 3 years ago.

One of the key challenges facing the Council is identifying ways to increase the economic viability of the Parish. More information can be found on the Council’s website www.hytheanddibden.gov.uk

Role & Responsibilities

• Overall administration of the Parish Council’s business – preparation of Agendas and papers for Council Meetings, production of accurate Minutes, dealing with correspondence, updating Council’s policies and advising Council of legal and good practice requirements. Accurately guiding and advising the Council in its statutory role as a local authority is of paramount importance.
• Updating policies and procedures in line with current legislation and following advice from advisory bodies to the sector.
• Setting meeting agendas and taking minutes for the Council.
• Maintenance of accurate and up-to-date financial records of the Parish Council– placing orders, preparing invoices for payment, receiving and banking income and liaising with Internal and External Auditors and processing employees’ payroll.
• Maintenance of Risk Management processes – monthly Risk Reviews and adequate Insurance Cover.
• Responsible for ensuring that the instructions of the Council in connection with its function as a Local Authority are carried out.
• Implementation of the Council’s resolutions from the regular council and committee meetings.
• Be under a statutory duty to carry out all of the functions, and in particular to serve or issue all the notifications required by law of a local authority’s Proper Officer.
• Update the Council’s website.
• Dealing with correspondence by e-mail, post and publication of newsletters.
• Advise the Council on, and assist in the formation of, overall policies to be followed in respect of the Council’s activities and in particular to produce all the information required for making effective decisions and to implement constructively all decisions.
• Accountable to the Council for the effective management of its 17 members of staff and associated resources and reporting on staff management issues as and when required.
• The post-holder will act as the Clerk to two charities where the Council is the sole Trustee.

Key requirements of the successful candidates

You will have extensive experience in senior management and a financial background, and be able to evidence a wide variety of skills. Previous financial experience within local government is desirable.

You are also required to have proven organisational, administrative, managerial, communication and IT skills, together with experience in finance and budget control.  You will need a commitment to public service and community focus, and the drive to move the Council’s services forward in challenging times. Financial acumen will be essential as well as leadership and communication skills and the ability to work efficiently and effectively under pressure and on your own initiative. You will be ably supported by a Deputy Clerk.

Previous Local Government/public centre experience is desirable and you will already hold the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA) or be prepared to qualify within the first year of your employment.

Attendance at evening meetings will be a requirement.  Committee and Council meetings are currently held on Wednesday evenings with working group meetings held as and when required in the evenings.

You will be based in the Parish Council Offices at The Grove in Hythe where free parking is available. You may also be required to be based in one of the Council’s other facilities from time to time. You will be entitled to 23 days annual leave per annum rising to 26 days after 5 years continuous service plus statutory public holidays. You will also be able to join the LGPS workplace pension scheme.

For more information and a copy of full job description and person specification please contact: Sue Bailey telephone 023 8084 1411, or visit our website on www.hytheanddibden.gov.uk 

Please complete the application form to apply and return to [email protected]  

The closing date for applications is noon 30 May 2024.

Interviews will be held early/mid June 2024.

We look forward to hearing from you!