Lea Marston Parish Council has a vacancy for a Parish Clerk and RFO. The parish consists of the villages of Lea Marston and Marston in North Warwickshire. The Council is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated individual with good financial awareness, IT, communication, administrative skills, together with the ability to work largely autonomously.
The Clerk is responsible for managing the council’s day-to-day business, providing independent and objective advice, implementing council decisions, preparing meeting agendas and minutes, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, and overseeing budgets and assets.
The Clerk works flexibly from home on a part-time basis (10 hours a week). A small amount of evening work is necessary, attending the monthly meetings of the Parish Council, but the remainder of the time is largely self-managed.
The Council is offering pay on the NALC scale depending on experience.
References will be required from the successful applicant.
Please contact the Chair, Bob Bryson, for an application form and further information or an informal discussion.
Job Description
Job Title: Parish Council Clerk/Responsible Finance Officer
Location: Lea Marston, Warwickshire
Reports To: Lea Marston Parish Council
Hours: Part-Time, average 10 hours/week
Salary:To be arranged in line with NALC agreed pay scales dependent on experience and qualifications.
Employment Type: Permanent
Job Purpose:
The Parish Council Clerk is the Proper Officer of the Parish Council and is responsible for ensuring the effective and efficient management of the Council’s resources and activities. The role involves administrative, financial, and managerial duties, and the Clerk is also the designated Responsible Financial Officer (RFO) of the Council, and the principal adviser to the Council to ensure that the Council’s decisions are implemented in accordance with the law.
If not already the holder of a Certificate in Local Council Administration (CILCA), after one year in post, the Clerk is then required to start study for this qualification: See SLCC.co.uk for details. Lea Marston Parish Council will pay course fees as necessary..
Key Responsibilities:
- Administration and Management:
- Prepare agendas and supporting documents for council meetings, and attend council meetings usually once a month.
- Draft, circulate, and keep records of meeting minutes, ensuring their accuracy and timely distribution.
- Manage council correspondence and communications, maintaining effective relationships with external bodies, community groups, and residents.
- Oversee the administration of council services, projects, and community initiatives.
- Monitor and progress the Council Action Log.
- Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, council policies and guidance on procedural and legal matters. Prior to being CILCA-qualified, the Clerk may need to refer to Local Council organisations such as WALC for guidance on legal matters.
- Financial Management:
- Act as the Responsible Financial Officer (RFO) for the Parish Council, managing the council’s finances in accordance with legal requirements and best practice.
- Prepare the annual budget and precept in consultation with the Council, monitoring and reporting on financial performance.
- Manage accounts, including the payment of invoices, payroll, and preparation of financial statements.
- Legal and Regulatory Compliance:
- Ensure that the council’s financial practices comply with audit requirements, including preparing for and facilitating internal and external audits, and liaising with external agencies.
- Maintain up-to-date records of council policies, bylaws, and other legal documents.
- Oversee the management of council assets, including property, land, and equipment, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations.
- Ensure that the Parish Council operates within the framework of the law, providing advice on legal matters as necessary.
- Community Engagement and Communication:
- Act as a focal point for parishioner inquiries and concerns, ensuring effective communication between the Council and the community.
- Develop and manage council communication channels, including newsletters, websites, and social media.
- Post notices in Parish notice-boards.
- Strategic Planning and Development:
- Support the development and implementation of the Parish Council’s strategic plans and objectives.
- Monitor and review the effectiveness of council policies and projects, making recommendations for improvement.
- Identify opportunities for funding and grants, preparing applications as necessary.
Qualifications and Experience:
Essential:
- Excellent organizational and administrative skills, with attention to detail.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Book-keeping of financial accounts.
- Commitment to undertake CILCA (Certificate in Local Council Administration) qualification if not already qualified, commencing soon after completion of one year as a Council Clerk.
Desirable:
- Proven experience in a similar role within local government or public administration.
- Knowledge of local government law, procedures, and financial management.
- Experience in community engagement and public relations.
- Ability to use office software, including word processing and spreadsheets.
Personal Attributes:
- Integrity and professionalism.
- Proactive and forward-thinking.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with council members, stakeholders, and the public.
- Commitment to ongoing professional development and keeping up to date with changes in legislation and best practices.
Working Conditions:
- Home-based.
- Flexibility in working hours is required, averaging 10 hours per week spread over a minimum of 2 days per week. Attendance at evening meetings is required, usually monthly.
This job description provides a summary of key responsibilities and is not an exhaustive list. Duties may evolve over time to meet the changing needs of the Parish Council.
The required hours to fulfil the demands of the role will be kept under review and the salary may be adjusted to reflect any significant increase in average weekly hours worked.
Please send your application and CV by 15th October 2024 by email to Councillor Bob Bryson – leamarstonpc@outlook.com
Please email or phone 0777 244 0529 if you require any further information.