Overview
The Finance Assistant will report directly to the Responsible Financial Officer and play a key role in supporting the council’s financial management. The postholder will help maintain the accuracy, integrity and compliance of all financial processes, contributing to the smooth running of council services.
Duties
· To assist the RFO by inputting information into the councils digital accounting systems, raising and working on Excel spreadsheets and acting as an internal control.
· To assist with all usual accounting functions including invoicing, banking preparations, statutory returns, assisting with purchase quotes, raising of purchase orders for approved quotes and electronic payment input to the council’s bank account.
· Processing supplier invoices and credit cards transactions accurately and promptly, matching them with supporting documentation and ensuring each invoice is approved in line with councils’ procedure.
· To assist in the preparation of payroll data
· To assist in the preparation of financial reports and other documents as required
· To assist in the administration of Council’s grants and SLA’s
· To assist in the administration of any statutory logs and registers
· To assist with the internal and external audit requirements
· To assist with VAT compliance, ensuring it is applied and recorded correctly.
· To assist with any other accounting functions in accordance with Hereford City Councils Financial Regulations
· To attend meetings as required, this may include some evening meetings
· To support others with general office administration as required
· To undertake all duties in accordance with HCC Polices, especially those relating to financial regulations, equal opportunities, health, safety and wellbeing at work
· To always represent and promote the service and the council positively
· To carry out any other duties as may be required by the Council from time to time, commensurate with the grade of the post.
To assist in the verifying, updating and publishing an annual inventory of assets, including furniture, office equipment and civic treasures.
Qualifications
Educated to GCSE level 4 inc. Maths and English at Grade 5 or above or equivalent.
Evidence of continued professional training, skills enhancement and development through career.
Technical proficiency in MS Office 365 including Excel.
Knowledge of local government finances and relevant legislation
Desirable:
AAT Qualification level 3
Experience:
Experience working within local government or public sector finance environment
Skills:
Strong communication skills with excellent organisational and time management abilities
Competent in digital systems and financial software
Strong numerical and analytical skills and motivated to learn and develop new skills
Demonstrates confidentiality and integrity in handling sensitive information
Competences:
High level of financial accuracy and strong attention to detail
Reliable, punctual and dependable and an effective team player
Adaptability and flexible in response to changing priorities
Working Conditions:
Based at Hereford Town Hall with flexible working available by agreement
Occasional travel for meetings, training or other work-related activities
Salary and Benefits:
Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
Local Government Pension scheme
26 days holiday per year (includes 3 mandatory days between Christmas and New Year) increasing after five years to 27days – pro rotated based on 20 hrs = 112hrs p/a (including mandatory Christmas Leave)
Pay: £18.96-£20.96 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Flexitime
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
