Job Description

Job Overview

Melksham Town Council is seeking a Responsible Finance Officer (RFO) to manage and oversee the council's financial affairs. This role involves working closely with the CEO and deputising in their absence.

The council has an annual budget of 1,403,000 and a precept of 1,192,200, delivering a wide range of services and projects for the local community. To ensure a smooth transition, the successful candidate will have a handover period with the Locum RFO.

The Responsible Finance Officer (RFO) plays a critical role in overseeing the financial management and compliance of the Council. This position ensures that the Councils finances are managed in accordance with relevant regulations, policies, and best practices. The RFO is responsible for financial planning, reporting, audits, and risk management, ensuring that financial resources are used efficiently and effectively.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Management Accounts: Prepare monthly management accounts for presentation to Council. To include, variance and explanations, grants received and applied for. Financial Management: Ensure compliance with statutory regulations and best practices in line with the accounts and audit regulations 2015. Budgeting & Reporting: Prepare financial reports, forecasts, and annual budgets working in conjunction with the CEO. Committee Support: Attend Finance Committee meetings to present financial updates and advise on financial stability. Year-End Accounts & Audits: Prepare the annual accounts and liaise with internal and external auditors. Prepare the Town Council's annual Financial Statements in accordance with applicable legislation and guidelines within applicable time constraints, make the Financial Statements available to Town Council's auditors and to provide such working papers, explanations and information as the auditors may require to carry out the annual audit. Prepare the annual Statement of Internal Control seek the Council's approval of such statement every year. Annual Estimates: Prepare revenue and capital estimates for the Council and to make recommendations to the Council for the amount to be precepted in the following year. To prepare forecasts for subsequent years on a three-year rolling basis. Payroll & Pensions: Collect payroll data, liaise with external payroll providers, and manage pension fund queries. Attend occasional seminars. Prepare the annual pension returns. Apply FRS17 rules to the Financial Statements if applicable. VAT & Compliance: Review the Council's VAT exemption status and, if necessary, prepare annual schedule of exempt inputs. Deal with HM Customs and Excise as required and ensure the council meets all financial and audit requirements. Insurance: Ensure that the Council is suitably insured. Financial Supervision: Maintain accurate and timely financial records. Risk Management: Devise and implement a system of risk management covering all aspects of the Town Council's activities. Carry out an annual review of the Council's risk management strategy. Compliance: Ensure the Council is compliant with GDPR and Data Protection Financial Regulations: Check the council financial regulations are being followed. Asset Register: Ensure that the Council's Asset Register is maintained in a suitable manner to meet auditor's requirements. Senior Leadership: Support the CEO and deputise in their absence.

KEY KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS REQUIRED

A recognised financial qualification (e.g., AAT, CIPFA, CPA, ACCA or CIMA) is essential. Proven experience in financial management, accounting, or a similar field (ideally within the public sector or local government). Proficiency in Rialtas Accounting Software. Strong understanding of financial regulations and compliance. Strong knowledge of accounting principles and relevant legislation. Experience in financial reporting, audits, and risk management and presenting to committees or boards. Proficiency in accounting software and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel proficiency required). Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities. Excellent communication, interpersonal and leadership skills, including staff supervision. Experience of running payroll and corresponding actions in relation to pension provision and HMRC. High level of integrity, attention to detail, and ability to work independently. Highly organised and methodical. Experience of financial risk management. A high degree of personal integrity, tact and sensitivity. Commitment to delivery through a team-based approach. Willingness to attend evening meetings when required. Commitment to undertake training and take responsibility for own continued professional development. Experience of managing or leading a team.

T's & C's

Salary: 42,708 - 45,718 by annual increment (subject to satisfactory performance) depending on qualifications and experience (pay award pending)

National Pay Scale SCP 33 - 36

Full time 37 hours per week

Onsite based at Melksham Town Hall

23 days' annual leave plus 2 extra statutory days plus public holidays and an additional MTC day (rising to 26 days' annual leave plus 2 extra statutory days plus public holidays and an additional MTC day after 5 years' continuous service) (pro rata)

Local Government Pension Scheme (Wiltshire Pension Fund)

Flexible Working Arrangements considered

Recruitment Process

Closing date

: Sunday 29th June 2025 (1700)

Interviews

: Tuesday 8th July 2025 - details will be provided to shortlisted candidates.

Application is strictly via the application form contained in this pack.

Please do not send a generic CV. Completed applications should be returned via email to: people@melksham-tc.gov.uk

More information about Melksham Town Council can be found on their website at: https://www.melksham-tc.gov.uk/

If you would like an informal conversation about this vacancy, please contact our CEO, Hayley Bell, at ceo@melksham-tc.gov.uk

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 42,708.00-45,718.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Sick pay
Schedule:

Monday to Friday No weekends
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 29/06/2025
Reference ID: MTCRFO310325
Expected start date: 01/08/2025