Houghton Parish Council - Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer

Name of recruiting organisation

Houghton Parish Council

Employed role/Volunteer role

Employed

Permanent role/ Fixed term

Permanent

Location:

This is a home-based role, however attendance at the bi-monthly evening meetings, usually on the first Tuesday and some additional meetings in Houghton will be required.

Salary:

£32,500 - £35,500 per annum pro rata  

Hours:

Part Time – 7 hours per week

Our council and the role:

An opportunity has arisen for the combined role of Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer for Houghton Parish Council. As the first point of contact for the parish council, you will provide support, arrange meetings, maintain records, and handle financial and administrative tasks. In addition, you will have responsibility for the council’s financial and administrative affairs including the custody of Council documents and records. The postholder will ensure that the Council conducts its business properly and provide independent, objective and professional advice and support. 

With around 500 residents, the parish has a pub, village hall and allotments. Houghton’s parish councillors are fully committed to the wellbeing of the parish and hold bi-monthly meetings to consider local matters. More information can be found on the Council’s website: www.houghton-pc.gov.uk

Duties will include:

  • Acting as the Council’s Proper Officer and principal advisor
  • Overall administration of the Parish Council’s business, including preparing meeting paperwork, and taking minutes
  • Be the first point of contact for all correspondence
  • Updating policies and procedures in line with current legislation
  • Keeping up to date financial records, including budgeting procurement, invoicing, banking and preparation for audit
  • Ensure that the council is compliant with its statutory requirements, and advise on governance, legislation, procedure and risk management
  • Managing the Council’s communications, including managing the Council’s website

The ideal candidate will have/be:

  • Proven organisational, administrative, managerial, communication and IT skills, together with experience in finance and budget control.
  • Commitment to public service and community focus, and the drive to move the Council’s services forward in challenging times.
  • Financial acumen will be essential as well as leadership and communication skills and the ability to work efficiently and effectively under pressure and on your own initiative.
  • Previous Local Government/public sector experience is desirable, and you will already hold the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA) or be prepared to qualify within the first two years of your employment.
  • Enthusiastic candidates with proven experience of administration, clerking, and finance in a different environment are welcome to apply.

What we offer you in return:

25 days holiday per year, pro rata, working from home allowance and enrolment into a pension scheme

How to find out more details and apply:

For more information and a copy of a full job description and person specification please contact clerk@houghton-pc.gov.uk 

Please send a CV and covering letter to clerk@hougton-pc.gov.uk.

Closing date:

5pm on Friday 13th November