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- Tasks: Support clients in managing their finances and make impactful decisions on their behalf.
- Company: Surrey County Council, dedicated to workforce development and community support.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension scheme, wellbeing support, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Strong communication, organisational skills, and experience with vulnerable adults preferred.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career growth and a commitment to inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Victoria Gate, Woking, Surrey, GU21 6JD
We are committed to the development of our workforce. This position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council.
This permanent role has a starting salary of £33,552 per annum, based on a 36 hour working week. We have a great opportunity to join our Client Financial Affairs Team as a Client Financial Affairs Advisor (CFAT Advisor). The team is currently based in Woking, and the role offers hybrid working, requiring a minimum on-site presence of 40% of your contracted hours. This would likely be at the Woking office however working at another Surrey County Council office would also be considered. Please note that the initial weeks of the role will be office based to support training and onboarding.
Our Offer to You
- 26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
- Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
- A generous local government salary related pension
- Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
- Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
- An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
- Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
- Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
- A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents.
About The Role
The Client Financial Affairs Team is a frontline service within Adult Social Care responsible for managing the finances of people who lack the capacity to manage their own financial affairs. The team is based in Victoria Gate, Woking but operates countywide, working closely with colleagues across Adult Social Care. At any one time, the team supports a high caseload of circa 750 people. The busy nature of our work and the high turnover of cases means that this is a role suited to someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment. This is a varied role and can be high pressured at times. No two cases are the same, and no two days are the same for a CFAT Advisor.
CFAT Advisor's tasks can include but are not limited to:
- Acting on behalf of clients as their corporate appointee, and/or as their Court appointed Deputy for property and financial affairs.
- Making financial best interest decisions for clients as their appointee or Deputy.
- Regularly liaising with clients, relatives and support providers, including face to face contact to discuss finances and budgeting.
- Information gathering and fact finding for completion of applications for Deputyship to be made to the Court of Protection.
- Submitting annual reports to the Office of the Public Guardian.
- Complying with Public Authority Deputy Standards, Mental Capacity Act (2005), Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards and other relevant Legal Frameworks.
- Liaising with relevant benefit departments within the Department for Work & Pensions/ Local Borough Councils, communicating with financial institutions and internal & external stakeholders.
- Working on the Duty function regularly as part of a rota to oversee the Team's main inbox. Being the point of contact for any enquiries that come into the team via email or telephone call and responding in a timely manner.
- Reviewing incoming referrals to the Team, liaising with Social Care colleagues to gather information on potential new cases requiring CFAT involvement.
- Supporting other areas of the team in periods of absence, as required.
Your Application
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:
- Ability to work on own initiative, both independently and as part of a team, under pressure and with effective time management to prioritise and manage own workload.
- Ability to work with others to achieve objectives and improve customer service.
- Good written and oral communication skills with the ability to build sound relationships with customers to improve customer service.
- High level administrative/organisational and analytical skills.
- A methodical approach to information gathering, recording and reporting.
To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following 4 questions:
- Tell us about your experience working with adults who have additional support needs. How did you ensure their financial or personal interests were protected?
- Please provide an example of when you had to manage a high caseload or work in a fast-paced environment. How did you prioritise your workload and maintain accuracy?
- Describe a time you worked within a legal or regulatory framework (e.g. Mental Capacity Act 2005). What challenges did you face and how did you address them?
- Explain your knowledge of the social security benefits system and how you've used this in a previous role to support individuals or liaise with external agencies.
Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description and Our Life at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey.
Contact Us
Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 8th February 2026 with interviews planned on 18th February 2026.
An enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children's and Adults' Barred List checks will be required for this role.
Surrey has both urban and rural areas and locality based social care workers will be expected to have a valid driving licence to drive in the UK and access to a vehicle and be willing to travel across a wide geographical area.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.
We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview. Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we're committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.
Client Financial Affairs Advisor employer: Surrey County Council
Contact Detail:
Surrey County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Client Financial Affairs Advisor
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out Surrey County Council's social media and website. Understanding their values will help you connect your experience with what they care about.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the role! During the interview, share specific examples of how your past experiences align with the responsibilities of a CFAT Advisor. Let them see your enthusiasm for making a difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Client Financial Affairs Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Before you start writing, give the job description a good read. It’s packed with info on what we’re looking for, so make sure your application reflects those skills and experiences. Tailoring your CV and answers to match our needs will definitely give you an edge!
Showcase Your Relevant Experience: When answering the questions, be specific about your past experiences. We want to see how you've worked with adults who have additional support needs or managed high caseloads. Use examples that highlight your skills in communication, organisation, and working under pressure.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of the matter. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the role. Remember, clarity is key!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our team there. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Client Financial Affairs Advisor. Familiarise yourself with the Mental Capacity Act and the responsibilities involved in managing finances for those who can't do it themselves. This will show your commitment and readiness to take on the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to manage high caseloads and work under pressure. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easy for the interviewer to see how your experience aligns with the job requirements.
✨Communicate Clearly
As a CFAT Advisor, you'll need excellent communication skills. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be ready to discuss how you've built relationships with clients and stakeholders in the past, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how success is measured in the role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you determine if it's the right fit for you.
