At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse invoices, manage payments, and support financial decision-making for Birmingham City Council.
- Company: Join Birmingham City Council, a leader in community service and development.
- Benefits: Generous pension contributions, 30 days holiday, and discounts on over 800 brands.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to supporting all employees and their development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local governance while developing your financial expertise.
- Qualifications: Relevant qualification or experience in finance and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 35412 - 44075 £ per year.
Grade C - £35,412 - £44,075
Consultation grade - subject to formal evaluation under the Equal Pay Programme
Working 36.5 hours per week
Senior Commercial and Payments Officers for 12 months Fixed Term Contract (3 x 12 months FTC)
This is an exciting and challenging role working as part of Birmingham City Council, within the Highways PFI Contract Management Team.
What You Will Do
- Analyse and review invoices, cashflow forecasts and supporting documentation.
- Ensure payments are calculated correctly, verified, and processed on time.
- Monitor and analyse service provider budget forecasts, expenditure and performance.
- Maintain accurate records of payments, funding and future commitments.
- Produce clear, accurate and timely management information.
- Record and report on resources committed against budgets.
- Review and prepare responses to claims, Early Warnings and Compensation Events.
- Provide analysis to support the council’s position in disputes relating to costs and payments.
What You’ll Need
- A relevant professional qualification or equivalent relevant experience.
- Strong experience maintaining accurate financial and textual records.
- An understanding of service contract management and provider performance analysis.
- Experience of calculating, reconciling and approving payments in an auditable way.
- The ability to produce high‑quality management information for varied audiences.
- Confidence in analysing and presenting financial, statistical and technical data.
- A working understanding of highway maintenance and management services.
- Excellent IT skills, especially Excel, with the ability to improve processes and support others.
- Strong communication and problem‑solving abilities.
What We Offer In Return
- Membership of West Midlands Pension Fund – with generous employer contributions
- Enhanced Holiday Entitlement – 30 days, increasing with length of service
- My Rewards Scheme – access to over 800 brands providing discounts and savings
- Health and wellbeing support – independent and confidential employee assistance and counselling, occupational health
Birmingham City Council is an accredited Disability Confident Leader employer, and we are committed to employing, retaining and developing all of our people. We want to ensure your recruitment journey with us is a positive and equitable one, so please let us know if there are any reasonable adjustments, additional support, accessibility needs, or if there is any way in which we can support you through your application.
Proof of Right to work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed. Birmingham City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our citizens and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Sponsorship is not available for this post. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK that does not require employer sponsorship for the duration of the appointment.
Senior Commercial and Payments Officer in Birmingham employer: WMJobs
Birmingham City Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional development. With generous benefits such as enhanced holiday entitlement, access to a comprehensive rewards scheme, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees can thrive in their roles while contributing to the community. The opportunity to work within the Highways PFI Contract Management Team provides meaningful engagement in local governance, making this position both rewarding and impactful.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commercial and Payments Officer in Birmingham
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like WMJobs.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like WMJobs might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commercial and Payments Officer in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at WMJobs will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at WMJobs. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give WMJobs confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with WMJobs.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure WMJobs that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
