Business Operations Assistant

Somerset Council; Shepton Mallet; Hybrid; GBP 16,000 - 17,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

LGPS pension

Flexible/hybrid working

Wellbeing support

Volunteer opportunities

25 days annual leave pro rata

Job summary

Somerset County Council in Shepton Mallet is seeking a part-time Business Operations Assistant to provide administrative and financial support to social work teams, processing payments and maintaining records.

You will work 22.5 hours per week on a fixed-term contract until 05 November 2027, with hybrid working options and in-office presence at least one day a week.

The role emphasizes accuracy, compliance with financial controls, and excellent customer service to carers, suppliers and colleagues.

Qualifications

• Experience providing administrative support in a busy office.
• Knowledge of financial processes including payment processing and records.
• Experience handling confidential financial information.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Good IT skills and experience with databases.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to use initiative and escalate issues appropriately.
• GCSEs including English and Maths.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and continuous professional development.

Responsibilities

• Processing payments to suppliers, carers and children/families via BACs and imprest (cash).
• Producing and sending routine correspondence, including raising payment queries.
• Carrying out detailed checks to ensure payments are accurate and compliant with policies.
• Maintaining accurate records on finance systems (MS Dynamics or D365, LCS and LIFT).
• Responding to queries from staff, carers, suppliers and the public, resolving issues or escalating where needed.
• Ensuring financial records are stored in line with corporate guidelines
• Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, and uphold health, safety and wellbeing standards in all work.

Skills

Admin support

Financial processes

Data confidentiality

Organisational skills

IT skills

Communication skills

Initiative

GCSE English/Maths

Equality & inclusion

Education

GCSEs English/Maths

Tools

MS Dynamics/D365

LCS

LIFT

Job description

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Salary: Grade 15 Ranging from £15,576 to £15,820 per annum for 22.5 hours per week.

Contract: Fixed Term until 05/11/2027

Hours: Part time, 22.5 hours per week.

About the Role

As a Business Operations Assistant you will provide accurate, well‑organised administrative and financial support to social work teams, ensuring timely processing and monitoring of payments, effective use of case systems, and high‑quality support to practitioners.

You will maintain accurate financial records, prepare and share key financial information to support decision-making, and act as a first point of contact for carers, suppliers, service users and colleagues.

Additionally, you will use initiative to resolve routine queries, address data issues, and ensure compliance with Council policies, financial controls, equality, diversity and inclusion standards, and health and safety requirements.

How You'll Make a Difference

You will provide proactive administrative and financial support to social work teams. Tasks and responsibilities will include:

• Processing payments to suppliers, carers and children / families via BACs and imprest (cash).
• Producing and sending routine correspondence, including raising payment queries.
• Carrying out detailed checks to ensure payments are accurate and compliant with policies.
• Maintaining accurate records on our finance systems (MS Dynamics or D365, LCS and LIFT) identifying and correcting errors where appropriate.
• Responding to queries from staff, carers, suppliers and the public, resolving issues or escalating where needed.
• Ensuring financial records are stored in line with corporate guidelines
• Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, and uphold health, safety and wellbeing standards in all work

What You'll Bring

• Experience providing administrative support in a busy office or service environment.
• Knowledge of financial processes, including payment processing, record keeping and financial controls.
• Experience handling financial information accurately, ensuring confidentiality and compliance.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines.
• Good IT skills, including experience using databases and systems to maintain accurate records.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with confidence responding to customer and colleague enquiries.
• Ability to use initiative, exercise sound judgement and escalating issues appropriately.
• GCSEs (or equivalent) including English and Maths.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, continuous professional development, and ongoing learning.

Why Join Us?

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• Generous annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchaseadditional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's mostenhancedand secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangementstosupportwork-life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.
• 25 day’s annual leave pro rata for part time.
• This role offers hybrid working, allowing you to work from home and from our office in Shepton Mallet on a rota basis. There is an expectation that you will be in the office a minimum of one day a week (more frequently during your induction).
• Interviews planned for Monday 30 November.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for VISA sponsorship.

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.