An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Direct Payments Team as a Financial Support Officer.
This rewarding role plays an important part in supporting the delivery of Direct Payments across Pembrokeshire by ensuring that the financial administration processes which underpin the service are delivered accurately, efficiently and in line with relevant legislation, guidance, policies and procedures.
The role provides essential financial support to individuals receiving Direct Payments, Personal Assistants, providers and professionals by supporting the administration of payments, financial records and the Council’s Direct Payment payroll bureau service. You will play a key role in ensuring individuals can continue to exercise choice, independence and control over how their care and support needs are met.
Based at County Hall, Haverfordwest, with flexible hybrid working arrangements available, you will contribute to the effective day-to-day operation of the Direct Payments service and support the wider team in delivering a high-quality, safe and effective service.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the administration of the Direct Payment payroll bureau service, ensuring payroll and associated processes are completed accurately and within agreed timescales.
- Process Direct Payment financial transactions, including payments, invoices, reimbursements and associated financial administration activities.
- Maintain accurate financial and service user records, ensuring information is updated and managed in line with agreed procedures.
- Support financial processes relating to Direct Payments, including contributions, charging information and associated documentation.
- Respond to enquiries from service users, Personal Assistants, providers, carers and professionals in a professional and timely manner.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across Direct Payments, Social Care and wider Council services to support effective service delivery.
- Undertake checks and administrative processes to support effective financial governance and the appropriate management of public funds.
- Occasionally travel within the county to attend meetings or support service delivery requirements.
About You
We are looking for a proactive, organised and detail-focused individual with experience of working within a financial, payroll, administrative or customer-focused environment.
You will ideally have:
- Experience of working within a financial, payroll, administrative or business environment.
- Experience of processing financial information accurately and maintaining high-quality records.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
- Excellent attention to detail and the ability to identify and resolve issues effectively.
- The ability to communicate clearly and professionally with a wide range of individuals, including service users, colleagues and external stakeholders.
- The ability to work independently while also contributing positively as part of a wider team.
- Good IT skills, including experience using Microsoft Office applications and computerised systems.
Experience of working within payroll, including payroll processing, statutory payments and HMRC requirements, would be desirable.
What We Offer
- A supportive and friendly working environment
- Flexible hybrid working arrangements
- Generous annual leave entitlement of 26 working days per year, rising to 31 days after 5 years’ continuous service (pro rata)
- 8 additional public holidays (pro rata)
- Additional Annual Leave Purchase Scheme
- Employee Volunteering Scheme with up to three paid volunteering days per year
- Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (career average defined benefit pension scheme)
Apply now to join a supportive team and play a key role in helping people across Pembrokeshire access safe, effective and well-managed Direct Payment support.
Please note that the interview process for this role will include delivering a short presentation on Direct Payments. Further details will be provided to shortlisted candidates.
Employee Benefits
Our employee benefits are designed to help invest in your future and are in addition to living and working in Pembrokeshire, one of the most beautiful and desirable counties in the UK. For further details, please refer to the Employee Benefits leaflet attached.
The Visit Pembrokeshire website https://www.visitpembrokeshire.com/ is an excellent source of information, and showcases the wide variety of activities, amenities and adventures that await you.
Please refer to the job description above for more details on this vacancy and the person specification.
Employment Checks
This post is subject to a DBS disclosure check.
Where it is appropriate for your role and responsibility, the personal information we have collected from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. If any of these are detected you could be refused certain services or employment. Your personal information will also be used to verify your identity. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas, and your data protection rights, can be found by visiting https://www.cifas.org.uk/fpn.
Applicants should ensure they have the right to work in the UK before applying for a vacancy.
Please note that at this point, Pembrokeshire County Council is not accepting applicants who require a Skilled Worker visa as a prerequisite to a right to work in the UK. Applicants should ensure they have the right to work in the UK before applying for a vacancy.
Guidance Note: Use of AI and Accuracy of Information:
- We understand that applicants may choose to use tools such as generative AI to support the preparation of their application. While the use of such tools is permitted, it remains the applicant’s full responsibility to ensure that all information submitted is factually accurate, truthful, and representative of their own skills, experiences and qualifications.
- Providing information that is false, misleading, or exaggerated, regardless of whether it was generated by AI or not, may result in disqualification from the recruitment process or dismissal if discovered after appointment.
- By submitting this application, you confirm that all content provided is accurate and submitted in good faith.
The Supported Employment Programme is a group of local authority based enterprises that employs over 75 people with a disability or work limiting health condition, please visit the link below for further information: Pembrokeshire Supported Employment Programme - Pembrokeshire County Council
Safeguarding
Safeguarding and protecting children and adults at risk is a high priority for Pembrokeshire County Council. We aim to support vulnerable children and adults at risk to ensure they are as safe as they can possibly be. We are committed to ensuring their safety and will take action to safeguard their well-being. The Council’s Corporate Safeguarding Policy provides a framework for every member of staff and Service within the Council, setting out responsibilities in relation to safeguarding and protecting children and adults at risk as well as the methods by which the Council will be assured that it is fulfilling its duties.
This policy applies to all Council employees and workforce, councillors, volunteers and also service providers that are commissioned by the Council. Safeguarding is everyone's business whether they work for, or on behalf of, the Council.
Support & Additional Info
- Please contact the HR Systems Team as early as possible if you're unable to apply online by emailing hrsystemsteam@pembrokeshire.gov.uk.
- Please contact the Recruitment Team if you have any queries relating to this vacancy by emailing Recruit@pembrokeshire.gov.uk.
- Local Government Employees on National Joint Council (NJC) terms are subject to national pay bargaining; all salaries currently stated in our adverts are as 01/04/2025.
- Please note, we have a legal obligation to consider employees for suitable alternative employment if their posts are at risk; therefore prior consideration will be given to existing employees who meet the person specification and are registered on our redeployment pool.
Welsh language skills are not needed. Applications may be submitted in Welsh and will not be treated less favourably than applications submitted in English.
