Finance Officer

Surrey Heath Borough Council; Camberley; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

23 days annual leave rising to 28 days

Local government pension scheme

Free parking for all employees

Professional membership fee paid

Subsidised gym membership

Cycle to work scheme

Staff discounts via Kaarp Benefits

Laptop and mobile phone provided

Job summary

Surrey Heath Borough Council is seeking an enthusiastic, well organised team player to join the Finance Transactions & Systems team. The role focuses on fast and accurate processing, recording and posting of the Council’s transactions and timely payment of invoices and debt collection.

You will support VAT accounting, procurement card administration and ensure reconciliations are completed, with training provided.

Qualifications

• AAT or equivalent accountancy qualification is required.
• Understanding of Local Government Services and Regulations.
• Training and support will be provided for the successful candidate.
• Reliable, confident and able to prioritise and work under pressure.
• Experience with customer enquiries and customer care skills are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide fast and accurate processing, recording and posting of the Council’s transactions.
• Ensure invoices are paid and debts collected promptly.
• Involve in proper accounting for VAT and administer the procurement card programme.
• Ensure reconciliations are completed.

Job description

Additional Information

Join Surrey Heath Borough Council and be part of an organisation which is committed to delivery through meaningful community engagement and excellent customer service. We have a friendly and supportive staff culture with people who want to help make a real difference in our community for everyone that lives and works here. We support a culture of innovation and creativity by welcoming new ideas from everyone. We support a work life balance with options for flexible and hybrid working.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

From April 2027, Surrey Heath Borough Council will become part of the new West Surrey unitary council, as part of a major local government reorganisation across Surrey. This change will see the current twelve councils replaced by two new authorities: East Surrey and West Surrey. West Surrey will cover the areas currently served by Guildford, Waverley, Runnymede, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath and Woking. While the exact shape of the new West Surrey Council beyond 2027 is still being developed, joining us now means becoming part of an organisation where collaboration thrives and where your contribution will directly influence one of the most significant local government transformations in decades. You’ll gain valuable experience, play an active role in shaping the future of public services across West Surrey, and work within a team committed to professionalism and delivering outstanding outcomes for our communities. Together, we will ensure a smooth transition and continue to deliver exceptional services for residents both now and into the future. When the new councils are created in April 2027, most staff will transfer to the new council on their current terms and conditions. Being part of a larger organisation may offer additional opportunities for career development and variety.

About The Role

We are seeking an enthusiastic, committed, well organised and flexible team player to join our Finance Transactions & Systems team in delivering a professional and exceptional service to our suppliers, customers and the public.

Your main role will be to provide fast and accurate processing, recording and posting of the Council’s transactions and ensure that invoices are paid and debts collected promptly. You will also be involved in proper accounting for Vat, administering the procurement card programme and ensuring that reconciliations are completed.

About You

Ideally you will hold an AAT or equivalent accountancy qualification and have an understanding of Local Government Services and Regulations. Although not essential, experience of Civica Financials finance system would be an advantage. However, training and support will be provided for the successful candidate.

You must be reliable, confident and be able to prioritise and work under pressure. You will have experience of dealing with customers and have excellent customer care skills.

Benefits

We offer a generous benefits package including a minimum of 23 days’ annual leave rising to 28 days after 5 years’ service, plus Bank Holidays, a generous local government pension scheme, free parking for all employees and payment of a professional membership fee. As well as subsidised gym membership at our local Places Leisure Centre, a cycle to work scheme and great savings from supermarkets, shopping, cinema tickets and holidays via the Kaarp Benefits scheme. A laptop and mobile phone will be provided for your role if applicable.

Closing date: 24th Nov 2026

Interview date: 30th & 1st Dec 2026

Contact details

For an informal discussion, please contact Michelle Smith, Senior Accountant on 01276 707265, [e-mail]

Our Commitment

Surrey Heath Borough Council is committed to equality of opportunity in employment and service delivery and welcomes applications from all sectors of the community.

Surrey Heath Borough Council – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Privacy Notices

• Surrey Heath Borough Council Privacy Notice
• Standard & Enhanced DBS Check Privacy Policy
• Basic DBS Check Privacy Policy

NO AGENCY CALLS PLEASE

Equal Opportunities

For the best chance of successful application, please read the Job Description and Personal Specification fully before applying for this vacancy as it contains information you will need to refer to when applying. We do not accept CV’s submitted without a fully completed application form. If you have any further enquiries please email [e-mail] or telephone [phone].

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