Finance Officer

Leeds City Council; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Leeds is seeking a Finance Officer to join their Deputy & Estates Team on a temporary basis. This role includes managing client finances, conducting property searches, and ensuring compliance with statutory obligations. The ideal candidate will have experience in customer service, proficiency in Excel, and strong organisational skills. The position offers competitive pay, pension benefits, and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Competitive salary and annual leave

Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund

Flexible working arrangements

Career pathway and training opportunities

Wide range of staff benefits

Qualifications

• Experience in training and supervising staff and managing a team.
• Demonstrated patience and empathy in customer service.
• Proficient in using computerised systems, including Excel.
• Strong organisational skills with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge of general data protection regulations and relevant policies.

Responsibilities

• Conduct property searches and liaise with legal departments.
• Arrange payments and manage public health funerals.
• Prepare applications for Corporate Appointee roles.
• Conduct benefits checks and process claims.
• Provide efficient support to senior managers.

Skills

Training and supervising staff

Customer service experience

Proficiency in Excel

Organisational skills

Knowledge of data protection regulations

Welfare benefits knowledge

Interpersonal and communication skills

Attention to detail

Job description

Role Overview

Exciting opportunity has become available within the Adult Operational Services Department. We are currently recruiting a Finance Officer to join our Deputy & Estates Team on a temporary basis to cover maternity leave. This is a transformative time for the team, with significant redesign and innovation underway to deliver better services to our customers and communities. As a Finance Officer you will help manage the finances of clients who are unable to do so themselves, acting as a Corporate Deputy and Appointee. Reporting to: Assistant Finance Manager and Senior Finance Officer.

Responsibilities

• Conduct property searches and liaise with the Government Legal Department and family tracing organisations.
• Arrange payments and recover funeral costs; manage public health funerals.
• Prepare applications for Corporate Appointee and Deputy roles.
• Conduct benefits checks to maximise client income and process benefit claims.
• Make bill payments and resolve queries by liaising with internal departments and external organisations.
• Support the Estates function, including property searches in accordance with The Care Act 2014 and disposing of properties on behalf of clients.
• Provide effective and efficient support to senior managers and staff within the AOS team, ensuring compliance with statutory obligations.
• Maintain and safeguard financial information, use computer systems to analyse data, produce reports, and support statutory and regulatory reporting.
• Represent the council in court where applicable, provide Statement of Truth documents and attend hearings as witness.
• Assist with appeals, complaints, and queries from senior managers and members.
• Support development of service improvements, attend project boards, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience

• Experience in training and supervising staff, and experience of managing a team.
• Experience in a customer service environment, demonstrating patience and empathy when dealing with clients, representatives, and third parties.
• Experience in the use of computerised systems and proficiency in Excel.
• Experience of working with minimal supervision and strong organisational skills.
• Knowledge of general data protection regulations, council policies, and relevant legislation for Adult & Health services.
• Knowledge of welfare benefits and the decision‑making processes within the council.
• Be able to interpret information governance legislation and apply it to team objectives.

Personal Attributes

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong customer service focus, clear report writing ability, and a collaborative mindset.
• Self‑motivation, strong organisational skills, and ability to multitask in a fast‑paced environment.
• Meticulous attention to detail and accurate record keeping.
• Ability to work flexibly and as part of a team to achieve service priorities.

Working Arrangements

The team operates a hybrid working model with an expectation to work from Merrion House at least one day per week.

Benefits & Opportunities

• 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.
• Clear career pathway, continuing professional development and training opportunities.
• Wide range of staff benefits to support your wellbeing.

Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions. If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying.