Job Details:
Job Reference: HCC623385
Salary Range: £33,178 - £36,369 per annum
Work Location: Elizabeth II Court, Winchester (Hybrid Working)
Hours per week: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 4 May 2026
The Role:
Early applications are encouraged as we may close the advert ahead of the stated closing date.
Join our School Transport Service and play a vital role in making sure that the service is meeting their contractual obligations and following corporate guidance.
As a Senior Payment and Contract Officer, you will raise invoices, undertake debt management, and ensure smooth, accurate, and timely payments that support children, families, and transport providers across the county, making a meaningful difference every day. You will also work with others to resolve discrepancies and invoicing issues while ensuring full compliance with Hampshire County Council, ensuring key data is kept up to date so that payments and contract activity run seamlessly.
What you’ll do:
* Maintain accurate and timely updates to key records, including child, operator, and Passenger Assistant information within Capita One and internal databases.
* Deliver high standards of customer care, providing a consistent, professional, and responsive service to families, operators, and colleagues.
* Oversee accurate, timely payment processing for families and operators, ensuring full compliance with Hampshire County Council procedures.
* Investigate and resolve payment or invoicing discrepancies, escalating where necessary and working collaboratively with stakeholders.
* Maintain expert knowledge of payment and contract systems, regularly reviewing and improving financial workflows to enhance efficiency.
* Process income effectively and on time, undertaking debt management activities where required, keeping precise financial records and supporting compliant contract activity across the service.
What we’re looking for:
* Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
* Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise effectively under pressure.
* Willingness to learn, adapt, and develop in a changing environment.
* Ability to follow established processes and procedures consistently.
* Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
* Strong communication skills and a commitment to delivering high‑quality customer service with a flexible, positive, and proactive attitude.
Take a look at our Candidate Pack for more information about the Senior Payment and Contract Officer role, team and our values. The section ‘About you’ explains what specific knowledge, skills and experience we want you to tell us about. Make sure you explain how you meet these requirements and demonstrate our values, in your application.
Why join us?
* Contribute directly to ensuring children across the county can access safe, reliable school transport.
* Join a friendly, supportive team that values professionalism, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
* Access to Health Assured's comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including 24/7 telephone support, a suite of online resources, and legal and financial advice.
* A competitive benefits package that includes generous annual leave entitlement, occupational sick pay, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. Find more information here.
Applicants can expect to hear from us within two weeks of the advertised closing date.
Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role and therefore it is essential that you already have the right to work in the UK before applying.
Other roles you may have experience of may include: Payments Officer, Finance and Payments Officer, Contract Administration Officer, Contracts and Payments Coordinator, Contract Support Officer, Contract Management Officer, Payments and Compliance Officer, Revenue and Payments Officer
Travel Requirements:
You may be required to visit other locations within Hampshire, and therefore need to have the ability to travel, as necessary.
Additional Information:
Senior Payment and Contract Officer Candidate Pack
Vetting Requirements:
The post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, please note that under safer recruitment requirements for Children’s Services, references will be requested prior to interview.
Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:
For general enquiries, please contact care.careers@hants.gov.uk
For an informal chat about the role, please contact Justyna Peake, Budget Manager on justyna.peake@hants.gov.uk
Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.
We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.