Parish Clerk & RFO

Parish Clerk & Responsible Financial Officer (RFO)

Cliffsend Parish Council is seeking an organised and professional individual to become our Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer (RFO).

The Clerk is the Council’s Proper Officer and is responsible for supporting and advising councillors, ensuring statutory and governance requirements are met, implementing Council decisions and managing the day-to-day administration of the Council.

As RFO, the postholder is responsible for the Council’s financial administration, including budgeting, payments, banking, financial records, VAT, audit requirements and preparation of the Annual Governance & Accountability Return (AGAR).

Key duties include:

• Preparing agendas, reports and meeting papers.
• Attending Council meetings, taking minutes and progressing agreed actions.
• Advising councillors on governance, legislation, policies and procedures.
• Maintaining statutory records, policies and governance documents.
• Managing the Council’s finances and financial records.
• Managing correspondence, enquiries and communications.
• Maintaining the website, noticeboards and digital channels.
• Managing contracts, suppliers, insurance and asset records.
• Liaising with residents, partner organisations and local authorities.
• Supporting community engagement, consultations and local projects.
• Supporting planning, highways and infrastructure matters.
• Attending site visits, external meetings and community events as required.

About you

Applicants should have excellent organisational, administrative, communication and IT skills and be able to work independently and meet deadlines. Experience in local government, governance, finance or community administration is desirable.

Applicants should hold, or be willing to work towards, the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA), with Council support.

Hours & arrangements

Part-time, up to 40 hours per month. Salary in line with national pay scales according to qualifications and experience. The role is predominantly home-based, although attendance at Council meetings, site visits and external meetings will be required, including some evening working. A laptop and necessary resources are provided.

IMPORTANT: This is only a summary of the position. Please see the full Job Description via the link for full details of the role, duties, responsibilities, requirements and working arrangements.