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Clerk & Responsible Finance Officer (on behalf of Horsham Town Council)

Salary: See below

Hours per week: See below

Contract type: See below

Closing date: 20 Jul 2026 12:00

About the role:

(Advertised by HDC on behalf of Horsham Town Council)

Post Title: Clerk & Responsible Finance Officer (RFO)

Hours: Full-time (37 hours per week including some evening meetings)

Grade:  SCP 45-53 (£54,495 - £70,176), depending on experience and qualifications

Type: Permanent (following a successful probation period)

Reports To: The Council as a Corporate Body

Important Functional Relationships: Internal: Councillors and Council staff. External: Residents, contractors, partner organisations and volunteers

Job Profile:

The Clerk & Responsible Finance Officer (RFO) is the Proper Officer and Responsible Finance Officer of Horsham Town Council, who is solely responsible for lawful governance, finance, administration, policy implementation, and strategic delivery.

Key Duties:

The exact nature of the duties will be decided by the Council from time to time and may include some or all the tasks listed below. Other duties may be added as considered appropriate by the Council. The job specification may from time to time be amended by agreement, between the Council and the postholder.

General:

  • Ensure lawful council operation, proactively keeping up to date with relevant changes in legislation affecting local Councils.
  • Provide professional advice to the Council on all matters.
  • Maintain public and partner relations and build collaborative working relationships.
  • Undertake required training; this should be identified during the appraisal process.

Meetings & Democratic Services:

  • Prepare informative agendas and meeting papers to aid Councillors to make informed decisions.
  • Publish and attend Council meetings and produce minutes.
  • Issue statutory notices in accordance with legislation.
  • Manage Standing Orders, Financial Regulations, GDPR, FOI compliance; core documents to be reviewed at least annually by the Council.
  • Ensuring the Council as a whole, including Councillors and staff are aware of policies and procedures of the Council.
  • Respond to requests made under Freedom of Information legislation and rights exercisable under data protection legislation.

Financial Management (RFO):

  • Lead, prepare and monitor the budget for the Council.
  • Oversee payments, invoicing, payroll, VAT, pensions, asset register and AGAR.
  • Produce financial reports on at least a quarterly basis including forecasting from September to aid budget setting including the Precept.
  • Ensure audit compliance for internal and external audits.
  • Maintain Scribe financial records.
  • Maintain internal controls and procurement compliance.
  • Present monthly bank reconciliations, receipts and payments as required.
  • Manage banking arrangements, investments and bank transfers.
  • Research and propose application for grants to support project aspirations.

Administration & Operations:

  • Establish and maintain electronic and paper filing systems.
  • Manage Councillor documentation; ensuring that any information is held securely.
  • Oversee procurement and contracts.
  • Place and manage orders for the purchase and supply of goods and services.
  • Maintain action logs and statutory records.
  • Undertake appraisals for staff, manage annual leave, sickness records, training records, wellbeing of staff and HR compliance.
  • Oversee the management of the Council assets.
  • Manage inspections, maintenance and contractors for the Council assets.
  • Manage the Council’s IT systems and website.
  • Manage the day-to-day business of the office and staff.
  • Maintain the Council’s asset register and ensure that contracts, leases and licenses are in place for buildings, infrastructure and land that the Council owns or manages.
  • Manage the Council’s response to planning applications by making sure that the Council’s response is sent to the principal planning authority in a timely manner to meet any deadline.
  • Ensure the Council’s statutory obligations for the proper management of all health and safety matters are met, including the review of the Council’s Health and Safety Policy.
  • Undertake risk assessments where necessary, for the safe management of Council business and activities.
  • Ensure insurance cover is in place and adequate for the assets, activities and services that the Council owns or manages.
  • Manage Councillor vacancies and elections.
  • Prepare a draft Business Continuity Plan

Community & Communications:

  • Manage website and digital content.
  • Handle correspondence.
  • Support engagement events
  • Oversee transparency compliance.
  • Promote community engagement.

Strategic Planning:

  • Support Council vision and prepare a draft Council strategic plan.
  • Monitor progress for all strategic objectives, capital and community projects led by the Council.
  • Manage and provide project guidance to the Council.
  • Advise on the impact of Council proposals and planned activities whilst suggesting specific courses of action to mitigate where necessary.

How to Apply:

For further details including a job description, person specification and how to apply, visit Horsham Town Council's website. For queries  about this role, please contact Gill Gray at clerk@horshamtowncouncil.gov.uk or 01403 473737

(Advertised by HDC on behalf of Horsham Town Council)