Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer

Suffolk Jobs Direct; Remote; GBP 23,000 - 33,000; Part time

Job summary

A local parish council is seeking a dedicated Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer to ensure the council’s decisions are lawfully executed and oversee financial management. The role is home-based, part-time with 4 hours per week, offering flexibility with administration, governance, and financial duties. Candidates should possess strong administrative skills, financial understanding, and the ability to work independently. A competitive salary is provided, aligned with NJC pay scales.

Benefits

Flexible, home-based working arrangements

An opportunity to influence local decision-making

Competitive salary aligned with NJC pay scales

Autonomy and meaningful community impact

Qualifications

• Strong administrative and organisational experience.
• Competence in financial administration and record keeping.
• Ability to work independently from home and attend scheduled meetings.

Responsibilities

• Acting as the Council’s Proper Officer and ensuring full compliance with statutory and governance obligations.
• Preparing agendas, reports and minutes for Parish Council meetings and implementing Council decisions.
• Providing professional advice on governance, policy, procedures and local council operations.
• Managing correspondence and maintaining effective communication with residents, contractors, authorities and partner organisations.
• Undertaking all financial duties, including budgeting and financial record keeping.

Skills

Excellent administrative skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Strong IT competency

Knowledge of financial record keeping

Tools

Microsoft Office

Email systems

Job description

• Brandeston Parish Council
• Address: Home Based with meetings held at Village Hall, Brandeston, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP13 7AE
• Salary: £23,656 - £32,654 per annum (pro rata) in line with NJC Salary Scales
• Hours: 4 hours per week
• Contract: Maternity Cover. Fixed Term from 29 December 2025 up to 27 November 2026
• Reference: 0523

What is the main purpose of their role?

As the Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer (RFO) you will be the Proper Officer of Brandeston Parish Council, ensuring that the Council’s decisions are carried out lawfully, efficiently and in line with statutory requirements.

As RFO, the role also oversees the proper administration of the Council’s finances in accordance with legislation and good governance practices.

What will the job entail?

You will manage the day-to-day administration of the Parish Council, provide professional advice to councillors, maintain accurate records, support the democratic process through meeting preparation, and ensure the effective financial management of the Council. The role is part‑time, home‑based, and includes attending scheduled Parish Council meetings in Brandeston.

Your responsibilities

• Acting as the Council’s Proper Officer and ensuring full compliance with statutory and governance obligations.
• Preparing agendas, reports and minutes for Parish Council meetings and implementing Council decisions.
• Providing professional advice on governance, policy, procedures and local council operations.
• Managing correspondence and maintaining effective communication with residents, contractors, authorities and partner organisations.
• Undertaking all financial duties, including budgeting, financial record keeping, bank reconciliation, payments, receipts and preparation of year‑end accounts for audit.
• Ensuring all Council policies, procedures and statutory transparency requirements are up to date.
• Maintaining the Council website and ensuring the publication of agendas, minutes and statutory documents.
• Acting as Data Protection Officer and ensuring GDPR compliance.

What you will need

Qualifications and main skills:

• Excellent administrative, organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritise workload and meet deadlines.
• Strong IT competency, including Microsoft Office and email systems.
• Knowledge of financial record keeping and basic accounting principles.
• A professional, diplomatic approach when working with councillors, residents and external organisations.

Essential criteria

• Strong administrative and organisational experience.
• Competence in financial administration and record keeping.
• Ability to work independently from home and attend scheduled meetings.

Desirable

• Previous experience as a Parish Clerk, RFO or in local government administration.
• Knowledge of local council law, powers and procedures.
• Familiarity with local government financial and audit processes.

About us

The Parish Council is a small, committed local authority dedicated to serving the residents of Brandeston.

We take pride in maintaining transparent, effective and community‑focused governance. Working with us means supporting a proactive council that values professionalism, collaboration and a positive working environment. As a small parish council, we offer a friendly, flexible and supportive setting where your contribution can truly make a difference to the local community.

Why choose Brandeston Parish Council?

Working with our Council offers:

• Flexible, home‑based working arrangements.
• An opportunity to influence and support local decision‑making.
• Competitive salary aligned with NJC pay scales and reflective of your experience and qualifications.
• A role that offers autonomy, variety and meaningful community impact.

For more information

To find out more, please contact the current Parish Clerk by emailing [e-mail]

How to apply

To apply, please submit a Covering Letter, outlining your suitability for the role, along with your CV (Curriculum Vitae) by email to [e-mail]

Closing date

1.00 pm, 21 December 2025.