At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as a Finance Officer, managing payments and ensuring accuracy in financial records.
- Company: Be part of New Forest District Council, a supportive workplace dedicated to employee growth and community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, a local government pension, and discounts at popular retailers.
- Why this job: This role offers a chance to develop your finance skills in a friendly, open culture that values your input.
- Qualifications: You need 5 GCSEs including Maths and English, plus experience in a financial environment.
- Other info: Flexible hours available; we promote work/life balance and career development.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Are you a problem solver with an eye for finer details?
This role is perfect for you as it requires you to identify and allocate payments made to the council ensuring payments are allocated to the correct accounts in a timely manner.
We are looking for an experienced and highly motivated Finance Officer (Banking Lead) to join our friendly and professional team. Under supervision you will provide a full range of finance functions, including importing payments to the Councils financial system, allocating payments received, trace missing payments, process refunds, carry out reconciliations. You will deal with customers, both internal and external.
The hours for this role will be 25.5 per week (preferably over 5 days but open to discussion)
You will:
Have a minimum of 5 GCSE’s or equivalent, including Maths and English at grade C or above
Experience of working in a financial environment
Have displayed a good level of numeracy at interview
Be computer literate with a sound knowledge of Microsoft 365 – Outlook and Excel.
Be quick to learn and accept new concepts, rules and systems
Work accurately under pressure and to tight timescales
What we can offer in return is a great place to work. We believe that all employees make a valuable contribution to the work of the Council and that is why we encourage a trusting and open culture where each employee is supported and respected equally, ideas are actively sought and self-development promoted.
What’s in it for you?
£30,195 – £33,579 Per annum – Pro rota (pay award pending)
24 – 26 days annual leave plus an additional 5 days for 5 years local authority continuous service
Hybrid working
Parking on site
Local Government Pension Scheme and AVC provision
Employee Assistance Programme (free 24 hour legal, financial and personal advice for employees)
Wide range of employee discounts at high street retailers, including supermarkets, stores and restaurants
A cycle to work scheme which could save you around 40% on cycles and accessories
About us
As one of the largest districts in the country, with 6 towns and a close relationship with neighbouring conurbations, the New Forest provides a supportive environment in which everyone who works for us can help drive our aims.
At NFDC we believe that all our employees make a valuable contribution to the work of the council and that’s why we encourage a trusting and open culture where each employee is supported and respected equally, where ideas are actively sought and self-development promoted. We also recognise the value of a highly motivated and engaged workforce and we actively promote a good work/life balance. We’re keen to support career development and help all colleagues to be the best they can be.
We are proud of our values, please watch this short video to find out more. LEAF Learning Empathy Ambition Fairness (youtube.com)
If you\’re ambitious and passionate, are driven to deliver, and want to be part of our team, we welcome your application.
To view full details of what you can expect from working for NFDC and to view the full job description, please click on the candidate pack attached.
Click here to see why employees think that New Forest District Council is a great place to work: Working for NFDC
For more detailed information or an informal chat please contact Naomi Baxter on 023 8028 5033 or email naomi.baxter@nfdc.gov.uk
Closing date: 11pm on 10th August 2025
Interview Date: 21st August 2025
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Finance Officer employer: NEW FOREST DISTRICT COUNCIL
Contact Detail:
NEW FOREST DISTRICT COUNCIL Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial systems used by local councils. Research common software and tools that finance officers typically use, such as accounting software or payment processing systems, to demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your numeracy skills and be prepared to showcase them during the interview. You might be asked to solve practical problems or perform calculations, so practice relevant scenarios to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of the New Forest District Council. Engaging with them can provide you with insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare examples from your past experience that highlight your problem-solving abilities and attention to detail. Be ready to discuss specific situations where you successfully managed financial tasks under pressure, as this will resonate well with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in finance, particularly any roles where you've dealt with payments, reconciliations, or customer interactions. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and achievements.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that addresses the key responsibilities of the Finance Officer role. Emphasise your problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and experience in a financial environment. Show enthusiasm for the position and the values of the council.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your proficiency with Microsoft 365, especially Excel. Mention any experience you have with financial systems and your ability to work under pressure, as these are crucial for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is essential for a Finance Officer.
How to prepare for a job interview at NEW FOREST DISTRICT COUNCIL
✨Showcase Your Numeracy Skills
Since the role requires a good level of numeracy, be prepared to demonstrate your skills during the interview. You might be asked to solve basic financial problems or interpret data, so brush up on your maths and be ready to explain your thought process.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Microsoft 365
As the job mentions a sound knowledge of Microsoft 365, especially Excel, make sure you are comfortable using these tools. You could be asked about your experience with spreadsheets, so consider preparing examples of how you've used Excel in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Customer Interaction Scenarios
The role involves dealing with both internal and external customers. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully handled customer queries or resolved issues. This will show your ability to communicate effectively and maintain professionalism under pressure.
✨Understand the Council's Values
Research the New Forest District Council's values and culture before your interview. Being able to align your personal values with those of the council will demonstrate your commitment to their mission and your potential fit within the team.