3 months contract with a Local Authority
Job Summary:
• The Cash Officer / Exchequer Finance Assistant (Grade 14) will support the Finance Corporate Exchequer & Systems Development team at Somerset Council.
• This temporary position (14 weeks) focuses on processing financial transactions, maintaining accurate financial records, supporting operational and finance staff, and ensuring compliance with corporate financial processes.
• The role sits within the Cashiers Team and involves both office and remote working.
Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):
• Process a range of financial transactions in line with agreed practices and authorisation procedures, including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Cashiering, and Master Data activities.
• Act as a local point of contact for finance and administrative queries, offering advice and guidance to staff, suppliers, and customers.
• Administer financial schemes such as Purchasing Cards, Petty Cash, the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), and controlled stationery.
• Monitor compliance with corporate processes, ensuring consistent standards across cash handling, AP/AR workflows, and authorisation of transactions.
• Participate in working groups to support the development and improvement of financial systems, including Dynamics D365 and the Income Management System (IMS).
• Propose and implement solutions related to finance processes, controls, and regulations, including test transactions and process validation.
• Maintain and oversee data within finance systems such as D365, IMS, and spreadsheets.
• Promote and uphold council policies on equality, diversity, inclusion, health, safety, wellbeing, and organisational values.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders (Finance, budget holders, schools, Systems Team, HR) and external contacts (suppliers, customers, auditors, central government departments, other authorities) to provide accurate financial information and support.
Skills/Experience:
• Experience in financial transaction processing (AP, AR, Cashiering, Master Data).
• Strong understanding of financial regulations and corporate financial procedures.
• Experience using financial systems, ideally Dynamics 365 (D365) and/or Income Management Systems (IMS).
• Ability to provide clear advice and guidance to colleagues, suppliers, and customers.
• Strong numerical accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to monitor financial processes for compliance and consistency.
• Problem-solving skills, including contributing to process improvements.
• Proficiency in using spreadsheets (e.g., Excel) and maintaining financial data.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within finance teams.
Additional Information:
• The closing date: 18/12/2025.
• Location: The Crescent, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DY.
• Work pattern: 1 day office / 4 days remote (flexible).
• Hours: 37 per week.