Vacancies

A vacancy exists for the Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer at Highcliffe & Walkford Parish Council

Hours: 20 hours per week
Salary band: SCP 34-40, £43,693 to £49,764 (£23,618 to £26,899 pro rata) depending on experience & qualifications
Pension: Local Government Pension Scheme

Are you an experienced and motivated individual looking for an exciting opportunity to make a difference in your community? Highcliffe and Walkford Parish Council is seeking a highly organised and dedicated Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer (RFO) to lead the council’s administration and financial management.

About Us:
Highcliffe and Walkford Parish Council is an active council managing a variety of local services, including allotments, sport pitches with pavilions and two nature reserves. The Council is currently negotiating devolved services from the principal authority. With a focus on community development and high standards of service delivery, we are looking for an enthusiastic Parish Clerk to join our team.

The Council has an office and offers a flexible working environment.

The Role:
As the Parish Clerk and RFO, you will:

• Act as the council’s principal executive officer, ensuring compliance with statutory obligations.
• Manage the council’s finances, including budget preparation, monitoring, and year-end accounts.
• Provide high-quality advice to councillors, preparing agendas, minutes, and reports for meetings.
• Line-manage staff members, ensuring effective day-to-day operations of the council.
• Work closely with the council’s bookkeeper, who also undertakes payroll duties.
• Provide leadership on managing council properties, and overseeing key projects.
• Support negotiations with the principal authority for devolved services, ensuring the best outcomes for the community.
• Build positive relationships with councillors, contractors, and the wider community.

What We Offer:

• A competitive salary.
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• The opportunity to lead meaningful projects that benefit the local community.

Job Specification

Job Title: Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer (RFO)
Hours: 20 hours per week
Salary: £43,693 to £49,764 (£23,618 to £26,899 pro rata) depending on experience & qualifications

Reports To: The Parish Council

Key Responsibilities:

Council Management and Administration

• Provide high-level administrative support to the council, ensuring decisions are implemented effectively.
• Organise and attend all council meetings and designated committee meetings, preparing agendas, reports, and minutes.
• Advise the council on legal, procedural, and financial matters to ensure compliance with relevant legislation.

Financial Management

• Prepare and monitor the council’s budget, providing regular financial reports to councillors, and submit the annual precept demand.
• Manage accounts, VAT returns, and year-end financial processes in liaison with the bookkeeper.
• Oversee the work of the council’s bookkeeper to ensure accuracy in payroll and bookkeeping.

Staff Management

• Line-manage officers, including oversight of their work and regular appraisals.
• Encourage staff development and training, and seek opportunities for development.
• Maintain a positive, productive and supportive working environment.

Community Engagement and Service Delivery

• Oversee the management of allotments, sports pitches, open spaces and other Council assets, ensuring they are maintained to a high standard.
• Support the council in negotiating devolved services from the principal authority.
• Act as the council’s representative at community and stakeholder meetings.

Policy and Governance

• Maintain and update the council’s policies, procedures, and risk assessments.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, GDPR and Freedom of Information regulations.

Person Specification:

Essential Skills and Qualifications:

• Proven experience in local government administration as a Clerk (or equivalent role).
• Strong financial management skills, including budget preparation and monitoring.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills (both written and verbal).
• Strong people skills and a positive attitude to team working.
• A good working knowledge of council procedures and relevant legislation.
• Ability to lead and manage staff effectively.
• Proficiency in IT, including Microsoft Office and financial software.
• Knowledge of facilities management.
• CiLCA qualification.

Desirable:

• Experience in managing devolved services or negotiating contracts.
• Knowledge of managing allotments, sports pitches, open spaces and properties.
• Knowledge of the planning system.

How to Apply:
To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter explaining how you meet the requirements of the role to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Closing Date: 8/4/2025

Interview Date: TBC

For more information, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Highcliffe and Walkford Parish Council is committed to equality and diversity in the workplace.