Job Description

Job title: Parish Clerk & Responsible Financial Officer
Organisation: Ardingly Parish Council, Mid Sussex District, 11 Councillors
Salary:

22,972 - 25,376 for 21 hours per week

(NALC SCP 31-35) dependent on experience and qualifications)

Application deadline:

17th November 2025

To apply please send your CV and covering letter to:

margaret.meldrum@ardingly.org

SUMMARY

We are advertising to fill the combined role of Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer.

The Council seeks highly organised and committed applicants to undertake this key role responsible for all day-to-day organisation and management of the Council's services, facilities and finances.

You will need to be enthusiastic, flexible and community-focused with excellent administrative, interpersonal, accounting and IT skills to work successfully with staff, councillors, external organisations, stakeholders and the community.

You will be responsible for ensuring that all legal, statutory, financial and other governing provisions relating to the Council are observed. You will also be responsible for ensuring that all Council meetings are properly administered, and decisions are effectively implemented, whilst developing healthy working partnerships with key local and regional bodies. CiLCA qualification would be ideal but not necessary.

The position is highly flexible, principally homeworking with flexibility to work out of one of the parish buildings.

The council will consider splitting the Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer roles should applicants specify this in their application.

We offer excellent nationally based terms and conditions of employment for this post.

Meeting Duties:

Attend eleven evening full council meetings per year normally held on the second Wednesday of the month in Hapstead Hall 7.30 to 9.30pm and one annual meeting, all of which will form part of normal working hours. There will also be a few irregular committee meetings to organise and attend.

Prepare agendas and record minutes for each meeting.

Implement decisions made and manage subsequent correspondence arising from meetings.

Ensure distribution and display of agendas and minutes on both physical and virtual noticeboards before and after meetings.

Communications

:

Handle all correspondence via post, email and text, ensuring urgent matters are brought to the attention of the Chair between meetings.

Respond to queries, concerns and complaints from members of the public within the council's remit.

Additional Duties:

Liaise regularly with contractors in person and via phone.

Manage and attend occasional evening meetings other than full council meetings.

Oversee all aspects of council income, expenditure, precept setting and accounts, ensuring completion of all required information for annual audits.

Maintain and manage the council's website: Ardingly.org

Use initiative and respond to council suggestions by preparing proposals for consideration and advising on their practicality and potential impacts.

Monitor council policies, assessing their effectiveness and recommending modifications where appropriate.

Attend relevant training courses and pursue ongoing professional development to ensure efficient management of the council's affairs.

Further details of the job description listing the key tasks can be received upon request.

Hours:

The position is 21 hours per week with scope for a degree of homeworking / flexibility. There will be times throughout the year when it will be busier than others and it is expected that this fluctuation will be self-managed.

Holidays:

The holiday allowance is in line with the National Agreement 'Green Book' conditions of service which is 28 working days' paid annual holiday (which includes the eight public and bank holidays in England).

Pension:

You will receive membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (after the qualifying period) and receive sick pay.

The successful candidate must have:

Strong organisational, interpersonal and communication skills

Good IT skills

Familiarity with finance and accountancy

Either have or be prepared to work towards the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA) or equivalent. Training will be supported.

Previous experience in local government administration and finance is desirable as is experience relating to the management of project work.

Proof of right to work in the UK

References from previous employers

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent

Pay: 22,972.00-25,376.00 per year

Expected hours: 21 per week

Benefits:

Flexitime Work from home
Education:

A-Level or equivalent (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Haywards Heath RH17 6TB