Finance Assistant - Income Management

Connect2Dorset; Frome; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority service agency is seeking a Finance Assistant to join their team in a hybrid role. The ideal candidate will process income and manage customer accounts, requiring strong IT skills and effective communication. Responsibilities include reconciling payments and handling financial queries, with a commitment to the council's values. This position offers a salary of £13.26 per hour and flexible working arrangements.

Responsibilities

• Process income including cash, cheques and BACS payments.
• Balance end-of-day receipts and prepare banking.
• Check and upload Collection & Deposit (C&D) sheets.
• Manage returned cheques and clear customer accounts.
• Set up customer accounts and issue invoices.
• Upload daily bank files and allocate BACS payments.
• Handle remittances and process inter-authority transfers.
• Support tasks like issuing paying-in books and processing refunds.

Skills

5 GCSEs (grade C or above), including English & Maths, or equivalent

Experience in a financial environment

Ability to work collaboratively within teams

Confident use of IT systems

Clear communication skills

Ability to explain financial information

Understanding of accounting best practice

Awareness of relevant financial context

Understanding of UK tax system

Commitment to Dorset Council values

Job description

Job Title: Finance Assistant

Location: Dorchester (Hybrid)

Contract Type: Temporary

Salary: £13.26 per hour

Hours: 37 hours per week

Hybrid Working:
This is a hybrid role, primarily home-based, with one required office day at County Hall every two weeks for banking duties.

About Us

Connect2Dorset is a managed service agency owned by Dorset Council, providing temporary, contract and interim opportunities within the Council. Our service is built on our values of being ethical, trustworthy and caring, with profits returned to our Local Authority shareholders.

About the Role

You will join the Accounts Receivable Credit Control team within the Finance & Commercial Directorate, supporting the processing of income and effective management of customer accounts to ensure payments are allocated accurately and debt is well managed.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Process income including cash, cheques and BACS payments, balance end-of-day receipts, and prepare banking
• Check and upload Collection & Deposit (C&D) sheets and allocate payments within SAP
• Manage returned cheques and clear customer accounts as required
• Set up customer accounts, run and issue invoices and reminders, and respond to customer and colleague queries
• Upload daily bank files, allocate BACS payments, and manage Direct Debit actions including reports and collections
• Handle remittances, process inter-authority transfers and support monthly tasks such as statistics, invoice runs and payment allocations
• Support additional tasks including GovPay service setup, issuing paying-in books, taking card payments, processing refunds and ordering stationery

Required Skills and Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs (grade C or above), including English & Maths, or equivalent
• Experience or learning gained in a financial environment
• Ability to work collaboratively within teams
• Confident use of IT systems, including spreadsheets and financial software
• Clear and confident communication with customers, colleagues and managers
• Ability to explain financial information to non-finance users
• Understanding of accounting best practice and financial management principles
• Awareness of relevant local and national financial context
• Awareness of the UK tax system as relevant to the role
• Commitment to Dorset Council values: Respect, Together, Accountability, Openness, Curiosity

Connect2Dorset is a trading style of Dorset & Kent Commercial Services LLP - A joint venture between Dorset Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Dorset is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates