A fantastic opportunity to join Melksham Town Council.

Melksham Town Council is seeking a Responsible Finance Officer (RFO) to manage and over see the council’s financial affairs. This part-time role (22.5 hours per week) involves working closely with the Town Clerk and supervising a Finance Officer (15 hours per week).

• National Pay Scale SCP 32 - 35

• Part time 22.5 hours per week (3 days minimum)

• On site- based at Melksham Town Hall

• 23 days’ annual leave (pro-rata) 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)

• Local Government Pension Scheme (Wiltshire Pension Fund)

• Flexible Working Arrangements considered

• Closing date: Wednesday 23rd April 2025 (17:00 GMT)

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 hand over period with the Locum Finance Officer during the 2024/25 year-end process.

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 Responsibilities

· 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 Town Clerk.

· 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 the Town Council’s auditors and 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 and seek the Council’s approval of such statement every year.

· Prepare revenue and capital estimates for the Council and 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. Review annual pension returns prepared by the Finance Assistant. 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.

· 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.

· Check the Council’s Financial Regulations are being followed.

· Ensure that the Council’s Asset Register is maintained in a suitable manner to     meet auditor’s requirements.

· Line Management: Manage the Finance Officer and ensure training and development is provided.

‍

Application Process

To apply, please complete the recruitment pack below and return to people@melksham-tc.gov.uk or Melksham Town Council, Melksham Town Hall, Market Place, Melksham, SN12 6ES.

For more information please email people@melksham-tc.gov.uk.

A full Recruitment Pack and Application Form can be downloaded here.

An Editable Word Version of the application form only can also be accessed here.

Closing Date: Wednesday 23rd April 2025 (17:00 GMT).

Interviews: Tuesday 29th April 2025 - details will be provided to shortlisted candidates.

‍