At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage Direct Payments for families with children with disabilities and ensure proper fund usage.
- Company: Join Bedford Borough Council's supportive finance team in Children's Services.
- Benefits: Part-time role with competitive salary and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of families while developing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance administration and strong attention to detail required.
The predicted salary is between 28598 - 31022 £ per year.
We are currently recruiting for a Finance Officer to join our team within Children Services, on a part-time basis. This role will hold a specific focus on the administration of Direct Payments for families of Children with Disabilities. You will be required to set up new direct payments and make amendments to or end existing Direct Payment packages. The role will also involve ensuring scheduled payment runs take place every 4 weeks, as well as the reconciliation of user accounts to ensure funds are being used appropriately by families and in line with our policy. This is an exciting opportunity to take the lead on this area of work and to work within an already well established finance team with Children's Services.
How to apply: When you are ready to apply, click on ‘Apply for Vacancy’; you will be asked to upload a CV and answer some application questions. The application questions require a yes/no response. Please make sure your CV shows how you meet the requirements for the role you are applying for, the job profile below will show the essential selection criteria.
Closing Date: 17th July 2026
Interviews: 10th August 2026
Please note: The Council will not normally re-employ ex-employees in receipt of:
- a severance payment (within 12 months of leaving)
- a local government pension (applies to Senior Officers only) unless the appointment is business critical
For further information, please email recruitment.team@bedford.gov.uk
Guaranteed Interview Schemes: Bedford Borough Council is proud to be a member of the Armed Forces Covenant and the Care Leavers Covenant, we pledge to interview any eligible job applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the job they are applying for. Bedford Borough Council is also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer and guarantees to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the role they are applying for.
Visa Sponsorship: Bedford Borough Council is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
Enhanced DBS Post: This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. If your application is successful you will be required to declare any spent and unspent convictions, adult cautions (simple or conditional) that are not 'protected' as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013 and 2020).
Additional Vacancy Information: Work Pattern Within office hours, between 8:45 and 5:20. Is this an enhanced DBS role? Yes. Is this a politically restricted role? No. Is this a customer facing role which requires a fluent English Speaker? Yes. Location: Bedfordshire, Borough Hall Bedford. Is this a designated car user position? No.
Finance Officer (Direct Payments) in Bedford employer: Bedford Borough Council
Bedford Borough Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a meaningful impact in the community. As a part-time Finance Officer within Children's Services, you will benefit from flexible working hours and opportunities for professional growth, all while being part of a dedicated team focused on improving the lives of families with children with disabilities in Bedfordshire.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Officer (Direct Payments) in Bedford
✨Connect with Campus Reps
If you're looking for part-time work in banking, try to connect with your university's career services and campus representatives from banks. They often host recruitment events or provide exclusive job listings, which can give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Get Involved in Financial Societies
Join finance or investment clubs at your university. These societies not only provide fantastic networking opportunities but also often collaborate with financial institutions for internships or part-time roles, making it easier for us to land those positions.
✨Use LinkedIn for Hidden Gems
Keep an eye on LinkedIn for part-time opportunities at banks, specifically targeting roles like customer service or administrative support. Companies like Bedford Borough Council often post openings there first, so be on the lookout and don’t forget to engage with their content!
✨Showcase Your Skills Directly
When applying for a part-time role, consider creating a simple portfolio that highlights your finance-related skills or projects. Whether it's a personal finance blog, a financial analysis you've done, or any relevant coursework, having this ready can impress hiring managers at Bedford Borough Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Officer (Direct Payments) in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In the banking and financial services world, it's all about numbers. Highlight any relevant coursework, grades, or certifications, like AAT or CFA, on your CV. If you can point to specific projects or tasks where you managed finances or analysed data, that's a big plus!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Us:When writing your cover letter, don’t just reiterate your CV. Tell us why you want to work at Bedford Borough Council and how this part-time role fits into your career goals. Map your skills and experiences directly to the job spec, and don’t forget to weave in any technical skills you have, like experience with financial software!
Marry Experience with Availability:Since this is part-time, it’s super important to state your availability clearly in your application. Highlight any previous work experience, even if it's not directly in finance, that shows your reliability and ability to juggle various commitments. Flexibility can be a real asset!
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While you want to keep a professional tone, don’t be afraid to inject a bit of your personality into your application. Especially for a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who's not just skilled but also a good fit for the team at Bedford Borough Council. A little light-heartedness can go a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bedford Borough Council
✨Brush Up on Your Numbers
For a role in banking and financial services, you’ll likely encounter numerical tests that gauge your analytical skills. So, let’s whip out those maths skills! Practise mental arithmetic and get comfy with basic financial concepts; this'll really help you shine during the assessment stages.
✨Know Your Financial Products
Knowing your stuff about the various financial products and services is crucial. Be prepared to discuss topics like loans, mortgages, investment funds, and credit options. Having a finger on the pulse of current market trends and economic events can also give you an edge—the interviewers will appreciate your insight!
✨Flexibility and Commitment are Key
Since you're aiming for a part-time position, emphasise your flexibility and willingness to commit your time effectively. Highlight your ability to balance studies or other commitments while delivering results at work. This kind of attitude can set you apart from the competition.
✨Showcase Your Portfolio of Experience
Even though it’s a part-time role, companies want to see your motivation and past experience. Bring examples of relevant projects or roles, including internships or coursework that demonstrate your understanding and passion for banking and finance. The more tangible your examples, the more convincing you’ll be!
