Clerk and responsible financial officer

National Association of Local Councils; Finchampstead; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

Annual leave

Professional development

Job summary

Finchampstead Parish Council is seeking a self-motivated professional to serve as proper officer and responsible financial officer, guiding the council and shaping the community's future. You will oversee the major programme of projects supported by around £8 million in Community Infrastructure Levy funding and provide strategic advice to 17 councillors across committees.

You should be experienced in financial management, governance and risk, with CiLCA or equivalent essential or to be obtained

Qualifications

• A leadership role requiring governance and financial oversight.
• Experience in council budgets, reporting and audit is valued.
• CiLCA or equivalent qualification is essential or must be obtained.

Responsibilities

• Advise councillors on lawful decision-making and governance.
• Oversee budget, financial reporting, payroll and year-end accounts.
• Guide CIL-funded projects from proposal to delivery.
• Maintain governance, policies and risk management.
• Support services, assets and local partnerships.

Skills

Leadership

Administration

Communication

IT

Finance

Organisational skills

Education

CiLCA

Job description

Finchampstead Parish Council is seeking a self-motivated, forward-thinking professional to serve as its proper officer and responsible financial officer. You will help guide an ambitious council and shape the community's future, including by providing strategic oversight of a major programme of projects supported by around £8 million in Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding.

You will work with 17 councillors across five committees, working groups and subcommittees, and with a small staff team that includes the deputy executive officer and planning clerk. As the council's principal adviser, you will support councillors to make effective decisions and help turn their priorities into action.

Key Responsibilities:

• Advise councillors on lawful, transparent and effective decision-making.
• Oversee the council's budget, financial reporting, payroll, year-end accounts and audit.
• Guide CIL-funded projects and other initiatives from proposal through delivery.
• Maintain effective governance, policies and risk management.
• Support the council's services, community assets and local partnerships.

About You:

You should be suitably qualified, highly motivated, enthusiastic, and community-focused. You will bring strong leadership, administrative management, communication, IT, financial, and organisational skills, and be able to manage competing priorities and meet tight deadlines. A relevant sector-specific qualification prescribed for the General Power of Competence, such as CiLCA, is essential or must be obtained within a council-approved timescale.

The council offers membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme, generous annual leave and professional development support. Some evening meeting attendance is required.

Closing Date:

Friday 4 December 2026

Early applications are encouraged, as the council may close the vacancy before this date if it makes a suitable appointment. The council will announce any early closure through its official channels.

Interview Date:

Tuesday 8 December 2026

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