Job Vacancy for a Parish Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer at Lawford Parish Council

Parish Clerk, Responsible Financial Officer (RFO) & Community Hub Manager

Lawford Parish Council
Salary: NJC Scale 24-28 (£18.96 - £20.96 per hour), negotiable depending on experience and qualifications
Hours: 25 hours per week
Location: Lawford Parish Community Hub, The Avenue, Lawford, CO11 2FR
Responsible to: Lawford Parish Council

Contract: Permanent

Lawford Parish Council is seeking an enthusiastic, organised and community-minded Parish Clerk and RFO to play a central role in the life of our parish.

This is a varied and rewarding role combining responsibility for the effective administration and governance of the parish council with the day-to-day management and development of the Lawford Parish Community Hub.

With an annual parish precept of approximately £175,000 and one member of staff, this is an excellent opportunity for an experienced administrator or community professional who enjoys responsibility, working with councillors and making a visible difference to the local community.

About the role

As Parish Clerk and RFO, you will be the principal officer supporting the parish council and its councillors. You will ensure that the council operates efficiently, transparently and in accordance with relevant legislation, regulations and good governance practice.

As Community Hub Manager, you will take responsibility for its successful operation ensuring it is welcoming, well managed, financially sustainable and responsive to the needs of residents, groups and organisations.

The successful candidate will have a practical, professional approach and the confidence to work independently while building positive relationships with councillors, residents, community groups, suppliers and partner organisations.

Key responsibilities

As Parish Clerk you will:

  • Act as the principal administrative and governance officer to the parish council.
  • Advise the Chair and councillors on council procedures, powers, duties and governance requirements.
  • Prepare agendas, reports, minutes and supporting papers for council and committee meetings.
  • Ensure decisions and actions are properly recorded and followed through.
  • Manage the council's correspondence, records, policies and statutory documentation.
  • Liaise with auditors, suppliers and other professional advisers as appropriate.
  • Manage parish council communications, including the website and other public information.
  • Support projects and community initiatives and events.
  • Ensure appropriate compliance with legislation, policies, insurance and risk management arrangements.
  • Manage the caretaker, contractors and contracts.

As Responsible Financial Officer you will:

  • Maintain the parish council’s accounting records and financial systems.
  • Prepare and process invoices, payments and receipts.
  • Monitor the council’s income and expenditure against its approved budget.
  • Prepare regular financial reports for the parish council and its committees
  • Assist with preparation of the annual budget and management of the £175,000 parish precept.
  • Maintain appropriate financial controls and ensure proper authorisation of payments.
  • Support the preparation of year-end accounts and the Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR).
  • Oversee the council's financial administration, including budgets, payments, income, accounts and financial reporting.
  • Liaise with the council’s internal and external auditors and other relevant organisations.
  • Maintain accurate financial records and ensure that statutory and regulatory requirements are met.
  • Provide the parish council with sound financial information and advice when required.

As Manager of the Lawford Parish Community Hub you will:

  • Manage the day-to-day operation of the Community Hub.
  • Manage room bookings, events, facilities and relationships with community users.
  • Develop the hub as a sustainable and valued community asset.
  • Monitor expenditure, income and operational performance.
  • Ensure the building is safe, welcoming and well maintained.
  • Liaise with contractors, suppliers and service providers.

About you:

We are looking for someone who is:

  • Highly organised, dependable and able to manage competing priorities.
  • Confident working with councillors and members of the public.
  • An excellent communicator, both verbally and in writing.
  • Comfortable taking responsibility and making sound decisions.
  • Numerate and confident with budgets and financial information.
  • Experienced in administration, governance, community development, facilities management or a related field.
  • Able to work independently while also being a supportive team member.
  • Practical, approachable and committed to providing excellent service to the community.
  • IT literate and confident using Microsoft Office and online systems.
  • Discreet and professional when dealing with confidential and sensitive information.

Desirable experience

Experience of one or more of the following would be particularly valuable:

  • Parish, town or local government administration.
  • Working with parish councillors.
  • Local authority or public-sector governance.
  • Community centres, village halls or other community facilities.
  • Budget management and financial administration.
  • Staff management.
  • Project or event management.
  • Community engagement and partnership working.

A relevant qualification in local council administration, such as the CiLCA, would be an advantage, although we are equally interested in candidates with strong transferable skills and the potential to develop within the role.

What we offer

  • A varied and influential role at the heart of the Lawford community.
  • The opportunity to shape and develop an important community asset.
  • A supportive Parish Council and close working relationship with councillors.
  • Salary commensurate with experience and responsibility.
  • Pension and annual leave arrangements in accordance with Council policy.
  • Opportunities for professional development and relevant training.

How to apply

Please submit a CV and covering letter explaining why you are interested in the role and how you meet the person specification.  You can obtain the job description and person specification at this link. Or you can contact the clerk on 01206 395898 or clerk [at] lawfordparishcouncil.gov.uk

Applications should be sent to clerk [at] lawfordparishcouncil.gov.uk by Friday 30 October 2026.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact the parish clerk on 01206 395898 or 0798 396 0679.

Lawford Parish Council is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Date of notice: 
Tuesday, 29 September 2026