As Finance Manager, you will be a dynamic, qualified and experienced individual to join our Corporate Management Team.
The successful candidate will be responsible for managing our small finance team and overseeing all aspects of the financial management of the Council, including preparing the medium-term financial plan, annual budgets and year-end accounts, and overseeing the management of internal audit, payroll, accounts payable and receivable.
You will need sound financial knowledge and experience, preferably at management level within a local government organisation, and a knowledge of the legal and financial framework relating to local councils. A relevant accountancy qualification would also be desirable.
The Council is committed to further enhancing its image as a pro-active and financially responsible Council, working in partnership with, listening to and speaking up for the community of Great Aycliffe.
If you feel you can help meet the challenge, please complete an application pack, which is available to download from the Council website at www.great-aycliffe.gov.uk/jobs or upon request from the Council Offices, telephone 01325 300700.
The post is full time working 37 hours per week and is paid at Salary Band 5(i) covering Salary Scale Points 33 to 36 (£44,075 – £47,181 per annum).
The job brings with it benefits including 23 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising to 28 days after five years’ continuous service; access to the Local Government Pension Scheme; flexible and home working arrangements, and discounted memberships at the Oak Leaf Sports and Golf Complex.
Please contact the Town Clerk on 01325 300700 or [email protected] if you wish to have an informal discussion about the job.
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday 12th June 2026.
Interviews are scheduled to take place on Monday 22nd June 2026.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Responsible to: Town Clerk
Salary: Salary Band 5(i) – Scale Points 33 to 36 (£44,075 – £47,181 per annum)
Job Purpose
Act as the statutory Responsible Financial Officer (RFO) and be responsible for the overall financial management of the Council, helping it to meet its statutory financial responsibilities, deliver value for money to local council taxpayers and provide a financial support service to members, officers and front-line services.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Corporate
1. Ensure that the Council delivers its statutory financial duties.
2. Lead a professional and innovative finance function which supports the achievement of the Council’s strategic corporate objectives and priorities and the delivery of quality cost effective services.
3. Maintain and develop the Council’s Financial Regulations, Standing Orders for Contracts and Procurement, and all supporting financial policies.
4. Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of developments in local government finance and town and parish council accounting, audit and governance arrangements.
5. Proactively respond to the financial implications of new legislation affecting the Council and advise Members and officers accordingly.
6. Support the strategic management and development of the Council.
7. Report to the Town Clerk as part of the corporate management team.
8. Jointly deputise, with the Corporate and Policy Officer, for the Town Clerk in his absence.
9. Provide financial advice and training to Members and officers as required.
Financial Management
10. In co-operation with the Town Clerk, develop and undertake the annual update of the Council’s Medium-Term Financial Plan to support strategic financial planning, the delivery of services and achievement of the Council’s strategic aims and objectives.
11. Prepare the Council’s annual Revenue and Capital Budget and submit the Council’s annual Precept request to Durham County Council.
12. Report on the Council’s financial performance.
13. Undertake regular budget monitoring and provide budgetary control information and reports to Members and Officers.
14. Review the budget monitoring and control process on a periodic basis.
15. Maintain and develop the Council’s accounting systems, internal controls and financial records.
16. Prepare the Council’s Annual Governance and Accountability Return incorporating the year-end accounts and Annual Governance Statement in accordance with statutory requirements, and the proper practices as set out in the Smaller Authorities Proper Practices Panel Practitioners’ Guide to Governance and Accountability for smaller authorities in England.
Risk Management and Insurance
17. To support the Corporate and Policy Officer in developing and maintaining effective financial risk management arrangements, and to advise the Council on current and future risks and liabilities.
18. Manage the Council’s insurance arrangements and ensure adequate insurance cover to mitigate any identified risks.
Internal and External Audit
19. Ensure that the Council has in place an effective system of internal audit.
20. In conjunction with the Internal Auditor, continue to develop the Council’s Internal Audit Code of Practice in accordance with Public Sector Audit Standards.
21. Liaise with external auditors in relation to the audit of the Annual Governance and Accountability Return.
Treasury Management
22. Maintain the Council’s Treasury Management Code of Practice in accordance with CIPFA’s Code of Practice on Treasury Management.
23. Ensure that the management of the Council’s cash flow, borrowing and investments are effective.
24. Manage the Council’s banking arrangements.
Accounts Payable and Receivable
25. Manage an effective accounts payable function and ensure that all payments due to be made by the Council are made accurately and promptly.
26. Manage an effective accounts receivable function and ensure that all income is accurately collected and banked regularly and that all monies due to the Council are billed correctly and collected promptly.
Payroll and Personnel Support
27. Manage an efficient and effective payroll and assist the Corporate and Policy Officer and Corporate Assistant in maintaining an effective personnel support service.
Information Technology
28. Support the Corporate and Policy Officer in the development and maintenance of the Council’s Information Technology Strategy.
General
29. Support the development and management of human resources strategies and policies to ensure best practice.
30. Attend meetings of the Council, its committees and sub-committees as required.
31. Take reasonable care of your own health and safety and co-operate with the Town Clerk and other managers, so far as is necessary, to enable compliance with the Council’s health and safety rules and legislative requirements.
32. To undertake such personal training as may be deemed necessary to meet the duties and responsibilities of the post.
33. Undertake such other duties and responsibilities as directed by the Town Clerk in line with the nature and grade of the post.
Pay: £44,075.00-£47,181.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
