At a Glance
- Tasks: Support finance teams with reconciliations and accounts receivable processes.
- Company: Join Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, dedicated to community building.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, private healthcare, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Enjoy a hybrid working culture that promotes flexibility and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable finance skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance roles and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 31537 - 36363 £ per year.
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils
Address: Endeavour House, 8 Russell Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX
Salary: £31,537 - £36,363 per annum (pro rata for part time)
Hours: Full Time, 37 hours per week
Contract: Fixed Term Contract or Secondment Opportunity for 18 months
This role is open to full time, part time, and job share applications, all of which will be assessed equally.
Join our team. We are looking for a Finance Officer to join our Finance team. If you share our values and are motivated to make a difference for our residents, clients, and communities, we would love to hear from you.
About the role: You will support both our Reconciliations and Accounts Receivable Teams with time split equally between the two teams. This is a great opportunity to gain and develop experience in a variety of financial control processes and procedures.
Main responsibilities of the role:
- To ensure the timely and accurate reconciliation of income and expenditure within our finance system (Unit 4) and across all feeder systems.
- Ensure that reconciliations are completed monthly with relevant sign off and explanations of variances of how reconciling differences will be corrected in future periods.
- Posting of entries into the housing system for Universal Credit and allocation of housing benefits.
- Processing of cheques received by the Councils.
- Emergency Accommodation invoice processing, refunds and debt recovery.
- Ad hoc invoicing.
- Setting up Direct Debit mandates.
- Monitoring the Death Register.
- Reviewing exceptions within our transaction matching system Pay360.
- Be involved in process improvement to work more efficiently by reviewing procedures and policies ensuring they are fit for purpose.
- Transaction allocations into our finance system Unit 4 to clear Balance Sheet codes and reduce the number of outstanding items.
About you: We are looking for a hands-on Finance Officer, with experience of working within a busy finance team. To be successful, you will demonstrate:
- AAT or equivalent qualification is an advantage but not a requirement.
- Experience of Accounts Receivables and Reconciliations.
- Experience of high-volume transactions and working to tight deadlines.
- An aptitude and experience of Finance Software (Unit 4 would be an advantage) as well as Microsoft Office.
- Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate within a team.
- Strong work ethic.
- Commitment to making a difference through continuous improvement.
About us: At Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils we are passionate about building communities that people want to live, work, visit and invest in. We serve around 200,000 residents across our two districts and are well known for our collaboration and partnership working across public, private and voluntary sectors. We believe that the heart of Suffolk is an incredibly special place to live and work.
Employee Benefits: We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Generous leave entitlement (26 days a year, rising to 31 days after 5 years).
- Competitive Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Wellbeing Support and Employee Assistance Programs.
- Private Health Care Options.
- Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
- Paid volunteering days.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (Business needs permitting).
- Great learning and development opportunities.
Our working culture: We believe work is what we do, not just where we go. We work in a hybrid way, with a mix of office, home, and remote based working (Business need permitting). Our hybrid working arrangements support flexibility and collaboration, helping our teams to thrive. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, providing opportunity and ambition for all, supporting and enabling our people to deliver the best possible services for our residents.
For more information: For an informal discussion or to learn more about hybrid working for this role, please contact Karen Smith or Marie Fletcher by emailing Karen.Smith2@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk / Marie.Fletcher@baberghmidsuffolk.gov.uk
Please read the Job Description and Person Specification (pdf) before applying for this job opportunity. Closing date: 5.00pm, 25 June 2026.
How to apply: Please ensure your application form is fully completed, including employment and education history, and supporting statement clearly addresses how you meet the criteria in the Person Specification.
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
Finance Officer in Ipswich employer: Suffolk Jobs Direct
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises flexibility and collaboration through hybrid working arrangements. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, generous leave entitlements, and opportunities for professional development, we empower our Finance Officers to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance in the picturesque heart of Suffolk.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Officer in Ipswich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who might have insights into Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of financial control processes and Unit 4 software. We want you to show off your skills and how you can make a difference in their finance team!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your experience with high-volume transactions and tight deadlines during interviews. It’s all about showing them you can handle the pressure and keep things running smoothly.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Officer in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. We want to see how you fit into the role of Finance Officer, so make sure you understand what we're looking for and tailor your application accordingly.
Show Off Your Skills:When writing your supporting statement, highlight your experience with reconciliations and accounts receivables. We love seeing specific examples of how you've handled high-volume transactions or used finance software like Unit 4, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your points are easy to understand. This will help us see your qualifications without getting lost in the details.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk Jobs Direct
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your financial knowledge, especially around reconciliations and accounts receivables. Be prepared to discuss your experience with high-volume transactions and how you’ve managed tight deadlines in the past.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Unit 4
If you have experience with finance software, particularly Unit 4, make sure to highlight it. If not, do a bit of research on it so you can speak confidently about how you would adapt to using it in the role.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
This role requires strong communication skills and collaboration within a team. Think of examples where you’ve worked effectively with others, especially in a busy finance environment, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
The council values commitment to making a difference through continuous improvement. Prepare to discuss any process improvements you've implemented in previous roles and how they benefited your team or organisation.
