At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Bentley Parish Council with administration, finance, and community engagement.
- Company: Join a thriving rural community focused on improvement and collaboration.
- Benefits: Part-time hours, training opportunities, and work-from-home flexibility.
- Other info: Mentoring and support available for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Strong communication, organisation, and finance software experience required.
The predicted salary is between 29540 - 31022 £ 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.
- Acting as the principal adviser on governance, legal, procedural and financial matters, ensuring that the Council conducts its business lawfully, efficiently and transparently.
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 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:
- Training to the post-holder with opportunities for continuing their professional development.
- Mentoring and other support will also be available.
- 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.
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.
For more information: Please read the Job Description (pdf). To find out more, please arrange a call by contacting Marianne Munday, Chair, by emailing chair@bentleysuffolkparishcouncil.gov.uk
How to apply: To apply, please submit your completed Application Form (Word) to chair@bentleysuffolkparishcouncil.gov.uk
Closing date: 5.00 pm, 19 June 2026. Interview date: July 2026.
Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer in Colchester employer: Suffolk Jobs Direct
Bentley Parish Council is an excellent employer, offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a thriving rural community. With a commitment to professional development and a supportive work culture, you will enjoy flexible working arrangements primarily from home, alongside the chance to engage with local residents and councillors. The role not only provides competitive remuneration but also fosters personal growth through training and mentoring, making it a rewarding position for those passionate about community service.
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 before your interview. Research their recent projects and challenges, so you can show how your skills can help them tackle these issues. This will make you stand out as someone who genuinely cares about the community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Parish Clerk, you'll need to interact with various stakeholders. Try role-playing common scenarios with a friend or family member to boost your confidence and refine your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational skills during the interview. Bring examples of how you've managed multiple tasks or projects in the past. This will demonstrate that you're methodical and can handle the responsibilities of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know the Role:Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description. Understand what Bentley Parish Council is looking for in a Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer. This will help you tailor your application to highlight your relevant skills and experiences.
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves a lot of interaction with Councillors and the public, make sure your written application reflects your excellent literacy skills. Use clear and concise language, and don’t forget to proofread for any typos or errors!
Highlight Your Organisational Skills:Being methodical and organised is key for this position. In your application, share examples of how you've successfully managed tasks or projects in the past. This will show us that you can handle the responsibilities of the role effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your completed Application Form directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re following the correct process. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk Jobs Direct
✨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 outlined in the job description. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role, but that you understand it inside out.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Parish Clerk, you'll need to communicate effectively with Councillors and residents. Prepare examples of how you've successfully interacted with different stakeholders in the past. Practise articulating your thoughts clearly, as this will be crucial during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
Being methodical and organised is key for this role. Think of specific instances where you’ve managed multiple tasks or projects efficiently. Bring along any tools or methods you use to stay organised, like spreadsheets or project management software, to discuss how they could benefit the council.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the council’s current projects or challenges. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the position aligns with your career goals. It also gives you a chance to demonstrate your knowledge about the community and its needs.
