At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Parish Council with administration, finance, and community engagement.
- Company: Join Bentley Parish Council, a vibrant community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Flexible part-time hours, training opportunities, and work-from-home options.
- Other info: Enjoy a rewarding role with mentoring and professional development support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in finance or local government.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.
A unique opportunity for you to join Bentley Parish Council as our Parish Clerk and Responsible Finance Officer, to provide administrative support to the Council, closely supporting the Chair in the running of meetings and advising the council on policy and legislation to enable effective decisions to be made by the Parish Council.
Your responsibilities:
- Preparing agendas, attending meetings, taking minutes, advising Councillors on procedural and legal matters, and progressing actions as well as keeping policies and procedures under constant review.
- Handling all incoming and outgoing correspondence and acting as a first point of contact for residents.
- Managing the Council’s finances including settlement of invoices, collection of income, budgeting, bank reconciliation, financial monitoring and reporting and preparation for audit and year end procedures.
- Coordinating and submitting responses to planning applications on behalf of the Council.
- Managing and updating the Council’s website and publishing statutory information to the website, notice boards and social media channels.
As the Clerk to the Parish Council is the Proper Officer and Responsible Financial Officer of the Council you will be acting as its principal adviser on governance, legal, procedural and financial matters. You will be responsible for ensuring that the Council conducts its business lawfully, efficiently and transparently and supports councillors in delivering services and projects for the community.
What you will need:
- Be a skilled communicator with excellent literacy skills as you will be required to interact with the public, Councillors, and other organisations in both verbal and written formats.
- Be highly organised, methodical and thorough in your approach to completing tasks and managing your time and be able to prioritise your workload, working on your own initiative with minimal supervision.
- Have experience with accounting or finance software including Excel and be able to deliver projects efficiently to budget.
- Have experience or knowledge of the parish sector and ideally, an understanding of local government law or procedures.
Ideally you will hold a CILCA (Certificate in Local Council Administration) or be willing to commit towards achieving this qualification at Parish Council expense.
What we will offer you:
Becoming a Parish Clerk and Responsible Finance Officer provides the opportunity to fulfil one of the most rewarding jobs in a local community. A competent Clerk is an essential element of a successful Parish Council. We will provide training to the post-holder with opportunities for continuing their professional development. Mentoring and other support will also be available. You will be mainly working from home with attendance at evening monthly Council meetings with some occasional additional meetings when required. Reasonable expenses connected with working from home and travel to meetings are also payable in addition to the salary.
About us:
Bentley Parish Council are advertising this vacancy due to the retirement of our long-standing Clerk. Bentley is a small but thriving rural village with about 830 residents. We are seeking someone with energy and enthusiasm who is committed to working with councillors to continue to improve our community.
Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer in Colchester employer: Suffolk County Council
Bentley Parish Council is an excellent employer, offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a thriving rural community. With a strong focus on professional development, the role of Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer provides training, mentoring, and the flexibility of mainly working from home, alongside the chance to engage directly with residents and councillors. Join us in fostering a supportive work culture that values your contributions and encourages growth within local governance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer in Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the council and its members! Research Bentley Parish Council, their recent projects, and the community's needs. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Parish Clerk, you'll be interacting with various stakeholders. Try role-playing scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence in discussing policies and procedures.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Attend local events or meetings where you can meet councillors and residents. Building relationships now can give you a leg up when it comes to landing the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer. We want to see how you can support the Council and contribute to the community!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves a lot of interaction with Councillors and residents, be sure to showcase your excellent literacy and communication skills in your written application. We love seeing clear and concise writing that reflects your ability to engage with others.
Highlight Your Organisational Skills:Being methodical and organised is key for this position. Use your application to demonstrate how you've successfully managed tasks or projects in the past. We’re looking for someone who can juggle multiple responsibilities with ease!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity with Bentley Parish Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the responsibilities of a Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer. Brush up on local government law and procedures, as well as the specific duties mentioned in the job description. This will show that you’re genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a key communicator, you’ll need to demonstrate your verbal and written skills during the interview. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with different stakeholders in the past, whether it’s through handling correspondence or advising others.
✨Be Organised and Methodical
Highlight your organisational skills by discussing how you manage your time and prioritise tasks. You might want to share a specific example of a project you’ve successfully delivered on time and within budget, showcasing your ability to work independently.
✨Express Your Enthusiasm for the Community
Let your passion for community service shine through. Talk about why you want to work for Bentley Parish Council and how you plan to contribute to improving the village. This will resonate well with the council members looking for someone committed to their community.
