Description Martlesham Parish Council, Martlesham, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 4PB £15.02 - £16.64 per hour (SCP 21 – 25), equivalent to FTE £29,289 - £32,448 per annum (pro rata). 30 hours per week availability on Wednesday evenings is essential Permanent Reference: 0889 Martlesham Council is looking for a Responsible Finance Officer (RFO), to join a flexible and hard-working team. This is a unique opportunity to work with one of the fastest developing, strategic local councils in Suffolk during an exciting time for Martlesham. The Council provides a range of facilities for residents and works collaboratively with others to protect the environment which now includes an exciting new nature reserve Martlesham Wilds on the banks of the river Deben. Your role To provide day-to-day financial management of the Martlesham Parish Council and the Martlesham Recreation Ground Charity under the direction of the Parish Clerk/Chief Officer. To manage the Council’s and Charity’s financial affairs within the legal framework for local authorities and charities respectively and to comply with current legislation, statements of recommended practice and accounting codes of practice. To ensure that the Council and the Charity comply with the Financial Regulations as approved from time to time by councillors. Your responsibilities To manage and administer the Council’s financial affairs in accordance with the Accounts and Audit regulations 2015. To manage and administer the Recreation Ground Trust’s financial affairs in accordance with Charity Commission guidelines. To advise Members on matters relating to the budget, income, and expenditure. To include procedures, method, and protocol. To effectively manage and monitor the Councils finances and to advise the Council on its financial strategy and policies, to include investment, cash flow and bank transfers. To manage the preparation and issue of notices, agendas and minutes for the Finance & General Purposes Committee. In conjunction with the Clerk/Chief officer, prepare and advise on the annual estimates of income and expenditure for preparation of the budget. To provide Council with regular monitoring statements. To review and ensure compliance with the Council’s Financial Regulations and recommend any necessary amendments to the Finance and General Purposes Committee or full Council. To attend such committee or other as may prove necessary. To produce and publish the annual “Statement of Accounts” in accordance with the requirements of the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015. To produce and publish the Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) in accordance with the Governance and Accountability for Smaller Authorities in England – a Practitioners’ Guide to Proper Practices, which is updated from time to time. To manage all annual policy reviews To manage staff payroll and the Local Government Pension Scheme and ensure members are paid by the allotted time according to their contracts. To complete all statutory and financial returns including PAYE, NI, VAT, Pension Scheme and Charity returns. To manage risk and insurances, process insurance claims as necessary and maintain the assets register and report annually to the Finance and General Purposes Committee or full Council on insurance risk covered. To carry out all necessary reports to the Council and its Committees for consideration. To take responsibility for submission of quarterly VAT returns and to deal with VAT inspections. To liaise with auditors, banks, HMRC. To monitor debtors and collection of fees and charges. To monitor creditors and all payments to suppliers within agreed timetable. To undertake any other duties that may be required by the Clerk from time to time appropriate to the grade and designation of the post. What you will need Financial and/or business administration or equivalent knowledge and experience. Hold or be willing to work towards a Financial Introduction to Local Council Administration (FILCA) or Local Council Administration (CiLCA) qualification. The ability to work successfully delivering a broad range of financial outcomes. Competency in providing and overseeing financial administration, including bookkeeping, payroll, internal audit and external audit. Ability to develop and enhance existing and new services and projects. Ability to plan and organise own workload with minimum supervision, taking responsibility for delivery of tasks. What we will offer you Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme Flexible working and the ability to work from home at times There is also potential for increased hours. To find out more For an informal discussion only, please contact Lewis Linsley by calling 01473 612632. For more information, please visit our website (martleshamparishcouncil.org.uk). How to apply Please read the Covering Letter (pdf), Job Description (pdf) and Person Specification (pdf). Please send a personal statement describing how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the job of Clerk/ Chief Officer to Martlesham Parish Council at: adminmartleshamcouncil.org.uk Postal applications should have the envelope marked with the reference CONFIDENTIAL 199-166- RFO. Applications received via email should start the subject heading with the same reference CONFIDENTIAL 199-166-RFO, with all attachments in Word format. Closing date: 1.00 pm, 8 November 2024.