Senior Payments Officer
Job description
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 37 Full Time
Working Style: This post operates on a hybrid working basis, with a blend of home working and attendance at Council offices. While there is an expectation of working in the office on two days per week, the remaining time may be worked from home. Working arrangements may be adjusted in line with service needs.
We are currently seeking a customer‑focused, organised and accurate individual to join our team as a Senior Payments Officer. The Exchequer team plays a vital role in ensuring that people and organisations who work with the Council are paid accurately and on time. The section is also involved in continuous improvement projects, including system upgrades, digital transformation and reviewing working practices to improve efficiency and customer experience.
Our team is known for being supportive, knowledgeable and committed to high standards. We take pride in our work but also value collaboration, learning and flexibility. As one team member puts it:
“What I enjoy most is knowing our work really matters – whether it’s paying someone on time or helping a colleague resolve an issue. The team are always willing to help each other.”
As a Senior Payments Officer, you will support the delivery of a professional, accurate and timely payments service, working with a range of systems and liaising with internal and external customers.
Your daily routine will include:
1. Processing creditor, travel and subsistence, foster care and adoption allowance payments
2. Using financial systems to validate and input payment data accurately
3. Responding to routine payment queries from staff, suppliers and other services
4. Maintaining accurate electronic records and payment information
5. Supporting the smooth running of scheduled payment runs
6. Working collaboratively with colleagues to meet service deadlines
About you:
7. Experience in an administrative and/or financial role
8. Good customer care skills with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally
9. The ability to work accurately under pressure and meet deadlines
10. Strong IT skills, including good keyboard skills and the ability to adapt to new systems
11. The ability to organise and prioritise your workload while working as part of a team
12. An awareness of equality, health and safety and good working practices
We would welcome those with experience in the following roles: Payments Officer / Payments Assistant, Finance Assistant or Finance Officer, Accounts Payable Officer, Administrative Officer within a finance or public‑sector environment.
About us:
We believe in rewarding and recognising our colleagues’ efforts and achievements. We also believe that there’s life at work and life outside of work. We want everyone to be healthy and happy and have the financial resources and support they need.
Choose to work for us and you’ll be rewarded with a range of attractive benefits and support to help you live your best life.
13. Hybrid working (in some roles) and flexible working schemes to improve your work life balance
14. Benefit from a competitive employee package with a remarkable 22.4% employer pension contribution
15. Enjoy a holiday entitlement of 25 days, increasing to 32 days after 5 years’ service (not forgetting the additional 8 bank holidays too)
16. Access discounted gym membership with Celtic Leisure
17. Utilise the cycle to work scheme with up to 40% off bikes and cycling equipment
18. Purchase a new car through Tusker salary sacrifice scheme
19. Enjoy exclusive discounts at local and national retailers with the Smart Spend app through our staff wellbeing group.
If you would like to start a rewarding career with a company that values and invests in its employees and you have the necessary experience and qualifications, this could be your dream job and we would love to hear from you.
Interviews will be held on the 2nd of June at The Quays, Brunel Way, SA11 2GG
DBS requirements:
20. This post is not subject to a DBS check
Neath Port Talbot Council is totally committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Our schools/employees are equally committed to ensuring the safety and protection of all children and young people/vulnerable adults and will take action to safeguard their wellbeing.
The recruitment process for this post will be underpinned by rigorous safer recruitment assessment to ensure that children and young people are protected.
Welsh Language Requirements:
Welsh Language skills are not required
Additional Information:
Applications may be submitted in Welsh, applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.
We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who have a disability and armed forces veterans. In support of employees of Tata Steel who are at risk of redundancy, or have been made redundant in 2024, Neath Port Talbot Council is offering a guaranteed interview for jobs across the Council. Please note that applicants must meet all the essential criteria, as shown in the person specification, to qualify for a guaranteed interview. If you are or going to be affected by the job losses at Tata Steel then we would welcome an application from you. Just make it known on your application form that you are currently at risk of redundancy or you have been made redundant.
At Team NPT, we all work together to serve the people, communities and businesses of Neath Port Talbot.
We are committed to providing training opportunities and the professional development of all our employees.
We look forward to welcoming you to Team NPT.