Senior Finance Officer – Payment Systems - 37 hours

Torbay Council; Torquay; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in the UK is seeking a Senior Finance Officer to manage the Payments Section function, overseeing significant payments. The role requires strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and the capability to lead a team. This position offers both office-based and hybrid working options, making it suitable for various work preferences. Ideal candidates will have experience in a financial environment and possess effective communication skills.

Qualifications

• Ability to manage a diverse workload and meet deadlines.
• Skills to identify and resolve system issues creatively.
• Experience in motivating and leading a team.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the management of the Payments Section function.
• Oversee payments to Torbay creditors exceeding £395m annually.
• Engage with internal and external customers efficiently.

Skills

Diverse workload management

Problem-solving skills

Team management

Attention to detail

Customer focus

Education

GCSE O Level or equivalent

Tools

Database administration

Job description

Application Deadline: 11 December 2025

Department: Finance

Location: Torbay Council

Compensation: £28,598 - £34,434 / year

Description

There has never been a better time to join our team at Torbay Council. We have a real momentum building and have a shared sense of purpose and ambition. Torbay is a fantastic place to live, work and visit, offering unrivalled quality of life for individuals and families.

We are looking to appoint a Senior Finance Officer – Payments who is a conscientious individual, confident, enthusiastic and motivated in their approach to work. This role will bring you to the heart of our organisation working within the Payments Section function, assisting with the management of the Payments Section function. The team oversees the payments to Torbay creditors in excess of £395m per annum. If you like a role that offers variety and each working day to be different, this is the job for you.

We are a small unitary authority which means we can make things happen quickly and there is always something new and interesting happening. You will need to have an eye for detail, an interest in learning our systems & technology in order to help troubleshoot and decide on applicable fixes. You will be able to work effectively individually and help lead a team and you will have good communication skills to build relationships with internal and external customers.

This role can accommodate office based or hybrid working, depending on your preference. When completing the application, please refer to the Personal Specification part of the Job Description detailing examples of how you meet the essential criteria required.

For an informal chat please contact Caroline Yeandle on 01803208285 or [e-mail].

Interviews are expected to be conducted during the week commencing 15th December 2025.

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Our adverts do sometimes close early – even where there's a published deadline – so if you're keen, please apply as soon as possible.

If you are viewing this advert on a job board, you can access the full job description by placing the below URL into your browser:

https://www.torbay.gov.uk/jobs/job-descriptions/senior-finance-officer-payment-systems/

Skills

Essential:

• Able to undertake a diverse workload and produce desired outcomes within deadlines.
• The necessary skills to assist with system issues and decide on the fixes applicable and creative solutions.
• Ability to manage and motivate a team.
• Eye for detail and investigatory skills with the confidence to follow up and question procedure & create/implement solutions. Accuracy in all tasks is essential.
• A Customer Focus approach to work undertaken.

This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.

Knowledge

Essential:

• Technical knowledge on how to support & maintain several different databases.
• Some previous recent knowledge of database administration.
• Awareness of HMRC regulations in relation to payment of invoices and employment status.

Experience & Qualifications

Essential:

• Recent experience of working within a financial environment for a complex organisation.
• Experience of monitoring suspense accounts and investigating / correcting anomalies identified.
• Educated to GCSE O Level standard or equivalent.