Finance Assistant

Leeds City Council; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Leeds is seeking a Senior Finance Assistant to join their team on a permanent basis. Responsibilities include managing clients’ financial transactions, processing sensitive information, and assisting with financial reporting. Candidates must have strong communication and organisational skills, along with a commitment to the council's values. The role offers a competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays

Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund

Flexible working arrangements

Continuing professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong computer skills and ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Meticulous attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.
• Clear communication skills in plain English.

Responsibilities

• Assist Finance Officers with management of clients’ income and expenditure.
• Process information onto systems accurately.
• Deal with sensitive queries while adhering to information governance rules.
• Analyse and collate data to produce reports for management.

Skills

Computer skills

Clear communication skills

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Numeracy skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

GCSE level C or above in English Language

GCSE level C or above in Maths

Job description

Overview

Exciting opportunity within the Adult Operational Services Department. We are recruiting a Senior Finance Assistant to join the Deputy & Estates Team on a permanent basis. This is a transformative time for the team, with significant redesign and innovation underway to help deliver even better services to customers and communities.

Responsibilities

• Assist Finance Officers with management of clients’ income and expenditure to maximise income and spend in accordance with budget.
• Process information onto our systems accurately (upload emails and documents, maintain case notes).
• Process individuals’ bill payments and support banking enquiries.
• Deal with incoming post and emails and assign to relevant officers.
• Work flexibly as part of a team during busy times.
• Manage workload to identify priorities and ensure tasks are dealt with accordingly.
• Suggest improvements to service efficiency.
• Support senior managers and staff within the AOS team.
• Provide timely financial information and support to officers, social workers and external agencies.
• Aim to maximise council financial resources within acceptable risk.
• Deal with sensitive queries, ensuring information governance rules are adhered to.
• Advice on legislation and welfare benefits.
• Assist with letter production and reminder letters to clients/providers.
• Maintain accurate databases and record management systems.
• Liaise with other council services and external organisations.
• Assist with banking arrangements, debt monitoring and payments on behalf of clients.
• Analyse and collate data to produce reports and compile statistics for management information purposes.
• Support stock control and ordering of stationery as required.
• Report potential fraud or safeguarding concerns promptly.
• Work unsupervised, using own initiative to adhere to deadlines and service priorities.

Qualifications

• Strong computer skills and the ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Clear and plain English communication skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to multitask in a fast‑paced environment while meeting deadlines.
• Good numeracy and literacy skills.
• Well‑developed interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work on own initiative to adhere to timescales and deadlines.
• Experience of working within a team where flexibility of response is required.

Experience

• Experience of using one's own initiative.
• Experience of communicating with a variety of individuals using a range of media.
• Experience of being proactive in identifying areas for improvement in a constructive manner.
• Experience of dealing positively with challenging situations, face to face or by phone.
• Experience of working in an office environment.
• Experience of working with elderly, disabled or vulnerable client group.
• Experience of producing reports for management/performance information.

Behavioural & Other Characteristics

• Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.
• Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon.
• Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.

Working Arrangements & Eligibility

Hybrid working model – expected to work from Merrion House at least two days per week. Minimum qualification – GCSE level C or above in English Language or equivalent and Maths or equivalent.

Right to work in the UK required prior to commencing employment – national or EU Settlement scheme or other relevant work visa.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays.
• Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements.
• A clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities.