Opportunities

Littlemore Parish Council is seeking a committed, forward looking, and enthusiastic professional for the position of Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer (RFO) (18 hours /week).

However, applications for the separate positions of Parish Clerk (15 hours/week) and RFO (3 hours/week) will also be considered.

Littlemore is a pleasant, diverse civil parish on the southern border of Oxford City which includes an attractive conservation area, a Science Park and expanding business premises, two small green spaces and two playing fields, one of which provides a range of play equipment.  There are approximately 7,000 residents who currently face the challenges associated with new infill housing, involving the building of around 500 new dwellings.

The Parish Council has 10 councillors (6 vacancies) who are responsible for a budget of £116k, with a precept of £106k from Oxford City Council, and reserves of £324k. The Clerk line manages the Assistant Clerk, two Maintenance Team members and the Editor of the bi-monthly Littlemore Local newsletter. There are three Committees (Finance, Personnel and Planning), while seven working groups incorporating both councillors and non-councillors, seek to engage with the public in developing ideas for improved facilities and opportunities in the community.

As Clerk, you will ensure administrative support and advise the Council on legal, personnel, planning and regulatory matters related to council business. The Clerk takes instructions from the Council as a body, with the Council taking responsibility for all decisions. The position requires attendance at all council and committee meetings, held on pre-set evenings. Attendance at occasional day-time meetings may also be needed. The successful candidate(s) will demonstrate a friendly manner, competency in using Microsoft Office (primarily Word, Excel and PowerPoint), and excellent communication and organisational skills.

As the Responsible Financial Officer, you will administer the Council’s financial affairs, reporting to the Finance Committee. This position requires experience of financial/accounting practices, a sound working knowledge of receipts and payments bookkeeping, VAT, and the ability to prepare budgets, accounts, manage the Council’s assets, insurance, payroll, audit processes and use of accounting software.

Applicants for the position of Clerk or combined position of Clerk/Responsible Financial Officer should hold a recognised qualification in Local Government Administration e.g. CiLCA or ILCA, or attain the CiLCA award within 15 months of appointment. The Council will support your continuous professional development. The successful candidate’s starting salary will be based on skills and experience and fall within scale LC2 SCP 19-25 (FTE £25,481 – £29,577 pro rata, £13.24 – £15.37/ hour), pay award pending.  A full job description and person specification can be found on the Littlemore Parish Council website.

Could you be our new Clerk /RFO, working to support our community through a range of exiting projects and services?  If you would like to discuss these opportunities, please contact the Chairman at [email protected]

A job description,person specification and application form can be found on the Council’s website.  Applications should be sent to:  [email protected]

The closing date for applications is Friday 22 October