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- Tasks: Support local councils by managing finances and clerical duties.
- Company: Southminster Parish Council, dedicated to community improvement.
- Benefits: Negotiable pay, full training, and mentoring provided.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Computer literacy and strong organisational skills required.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for career development.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
First Floor Offices, Room 2 & 3, RCCE House, Threshelfords Business Park, Inworth Road, Feering, Colchester, Essex, CO5 9SE.
Supporting local town and parish councils within Essex. Due to a vacancy, Southminster Parish Council is seeking to appoint a Clerk Responsible Financial Officer (RFO). The council has nine members and manages its own property portfolio. Southminster has a total of 2034 residential properties and a population of approximately 5000 residents.
Subject to Contract: The post will be for 83 hours per calendar month, this equates to approx. 20 hours per week, spread over 5 days from 9am until 1pm. The council has its own offices. The pay is negotiable according to experience and qualifications.
You will need to be computer literate in Microsoft Office including Outlook, Excel, and Word. The preferred candidate will have a demonstrable record of good organisation skills, be able to work on their own aptitude and initiative, and be able to initiate decisions of council in a timely manner. Full training, mentoring, and support will be offered to the right candidate.
Clerical Duties will include:
- Attendance at monthly Parish Council Meetings in the evening on the third Monday in each month, the Annual Parish Meeting, and additional meetings if required.
- Working with members to ensure the efficient delivery of council policies and the betterment of the Council.
- Producing Council Agendas in consultation with the Chairman, producing Minutes of Meetings in a timely manner.
- Where requested, providing written reports to council.
- Updating and adding documents to the Parish Council Website and other media channels as required.
- Monitoring Actions/Decisions of the Parish Council and advising the Council on its statutory duties and the regulatory requirements regarding its activities.
- Dealing with the Council's correspondence and emails.
- Ensuring planning responses are sent to the local planning authority in accordance with deadlines.
- Assisting in the formation and review of Council policies.
- Liaison with other agencies: Highways, District and County Councillors.
- Maintaining the Corporate Memory and Diary.
- Ensuring that the procurement and contract letting processes are followed correctly.
- As required, working closely with councillors to ensure the smooth running of the council and the delivery of services.
RFO Duties will include:
- Day-to-day financial management including invoicing and payments and also the preparation of the yearly budget and the end of year accounts to ‘simple automated’ Audit level in accordance with current prescribed processes (using Scribe accounting software).
- Preparation for Internal Audit/External Audit.
- Whilst the Council would welcome applications from experienced Clerk/RFOs, for the right candidate training, support, and mentoring will be available.
- There is an expectation that the Clerk will either have or work towards the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA).
In confidence, please submit your letter of application accompanied by a CV and/or any questions by email to: cllr.gordon.harrold@southminsterparishcouncil.gov.uk
Southminster Parish Council-Clerk & RFO Vacancy employer: Essex Association Of Local Councils
Contact Detail:
Essex Association Of Local Councils Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Southminster Parish Council-Clerk & RFO Vacancy
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the council and its members! Research Southminster Parish Council, their recent projects, and community initiatives. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your interview skills with a friend or family member. Focus on common questions for Clerk and RFO roles, like how you handle financial management or your approach to organisation. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to prepare some thoughtful questions for the interviewers. Ask about their expectations for the role or how they envision the Clerk supporting the council's objectives. This shows you're proactive and engaged!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions during the process.
We think you need these skills to ace Southminster Parish Council-Clerk & RFO Vacancy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the Clerk & RFO role. We want to see how you can contribute to Southminster Parish Council, so don’t hold back on showcasing your organisational skills and financial management experience!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit for the position.
Show Your Enthusiasm: Let your passion for supporting local councils shine through in your application. We love candidates who are excited about making a difference in their community, so share why this role matters to you and how you can help improve the council’s operations.
Follow Up: After submitting your application through our website, don’t hesitate to follow up if you haven’t heard back within a week or two. A quick email shows your interest and keeps you on our radar. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex Association Of Local Councils
✨Know Your Council
Before the interview, take some time to research Southminster Parish Council. Familiarise yourself with their recent projects, challenges, and community initiatives. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your responses to align with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Organisation Skills
As a Clerk and RFO, organisation is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed multiple tasks or projects. Be ready to discuss how you prioritise your workload and ensure deadlines are met, especially in relation to council meetings and financial management.
✨Demonstrate Your Tech Savvy
Since the role requires proficiency in Microsoft Office and Scribe accounting software, be prepared to discuss your experience with these tools. If possible, mention specific instances where you've used them effectively to streamline processes or improve efficiency.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the council's future plans, team dynamics, or training opportunities. This shows that you're not just interested in the job, but also in how you can contribute to the council's success.
