Southminster Parish Council-Clerk & RFO Vacancy

Due to a vacancy Southminster Parish Council is seeking to appoint a Clerk Responsible Financial Officer (RFO). The council has nine members and manages its own property portfolio. Southminster has a total of 2034 residential properties and a population of approximately 5000 residents.

Subject to Contract

The post will be for 83 hours per calendar month, which equates to approx. 20- hours per week, spread over 5 days from 9am until 1pm. The council has its own offices.

The pay is negotiable according to experience and qualifications. You will need to be computer literate in Microsoft office including Outlook Excel and Word. The preferred candidate will have a demonstrable record of good organisation skills be able to work on their own aptitude and initiative and be able to initiate decisions of council in a timely manner. Full training mentoring and support will be offered to the right candidate.

Clerical Duties will include:

• Attendance at -monthly Parish Council Meetings in the evening on the third Monday in each month, the Annual Parish Meeting and additional meetings if required.
• Working with members to ensure the efficient delivery of council policies and the betterment of the Council
• Producing Council Agendas in consultation with the Chairman, producing Minutes of Meetings in a timely manner.
• Where requested providing written reports to council
• Updating and Adding documents to the Parish Council Website and other media channels as required
• Monitoring Actions/Decisions of the Parish Council and advising the Council on its statutory duties and the regulatory requirements regarding its activities.
• Dealing with the Councils correspondence and emails.

Ensuring planning responses are sent to the local planning authority in accordance with deadlines.

• Assisting in the formation and review of Council policies
• Liaison with other agencies Highways, District and County Councillors
• Maintaining the Corporate Memory and Diary
• Ensuring that the procurement and contract letting processes are followed correctly
• As required working closely with councillors to ensure the smooth running of the council and the delivery of services

RFO Duties will include:

• Day to day financial management including invoicing and payments and also the preparation of the yearly budget and the end of year accounts to 'simple automated' Audit level in accordance with current prescribed processes (using Scribe accounting software).Full training and support will be provided. Preparation for Internal Audit/External Audit.

Whilst the Council would welcome applications from experienced Clerk/RFO's, for the right candidate training support, and mentoring will be available. There is an expectation that the Clerk will either have or work towards the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA).