Financial Deputy Assistant

About Us

North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

The Role

To support the delivery of services within the Financial Deputy Team function by managing enquiries, preparing documentation, and ensuring accurate information to support decision-making and compliance. The role involves liaising with colleagues and stakeholders to maintain high-quality public service standards, assisting with financial management processes for individuals, and contributing to reporting requirements for the Office of the Public Guardian.

This is a key role at the heart of our service, offering a great opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of the individuals we support. You will build strong, positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including working directly with the clients for whom we act as Deputy - ensuring their finances and property matters are managed with care, professionalism and respect.

You’ll manage and prioritise a varied workload, drawing on a solid understanding of Financial Deputy services and processes. Working largely independently within established procedures, you will undertake a range of complex administrative and technical tasks, triaging incoming work and responding effectively to competing demands.

You will confidently resolve routine queries and issues, provide practical solutions to technical and process challenges, and know when to escalate more complex matters. With a broad understanding of Finance and Property Deputy responsibilities within North Somerset, you will play an essential role in maintaining a responsive, high-quality service.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the planning and delivery of activities and services to achieve defined outcomes within the Financial Deputy Team service.
• Assist in preparing reports and written findings for submission to the Office of the Public Guardian.
• Prepare and maintain documentation required to manage individuals’ finances, both in the community and in residential care settings.
• Ensure the accuracy of information and produce reports as requested by stakeholders.
• Provide guidance and information within the service area to support understanding, compliance, and good practice.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues, contractors, and external stakeholders to maintain a high-quality public service.
• Triage enquiries into the Financial Deputy Team, ensuring timely responses and effective workload management.

This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Work Style

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.

This role falls into the category of Fixed Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:

• 4+ days in the office
• Spends most or all of their time in the office, due to nature of the work but can be for reasons such as unsuitable home working conditions or a desire for separation of home and work life.
• The office remains a shared space with cultural encouragement for clear desk policies.

About You

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about supporting people, and who possesses the following skills and experience:

Essential Criteria:

• Proven experience in financial administrative role
• Proven ability to produce clear, accurate reports and written documentation for a range of audiences, including external bodies such as the Office of the Public Guardian.
• Proven ability to communicate sensitively and professionally with individuals who may be frustrated, distressed, or confused, including those assessed as lacking capacity, maintaining a calm and respectful approach in emotionally demanding situations.
• Demonstrable organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise workloads, triage enquiries, and meet deadlines in a busy service environment.
• Demonstrable IT skills, including use of Microsoft Office and case management systems.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience of working in a Court of Protection, deputyship, or financial administration setting.
• Experience of preparing financial documentation to support the management of individuals’ finances in community or residential settings.
• Experience of working with data reporting and performance monitoring.
• Demonstrable ability to analyse information and contribute to service reporting or improvement activity.
• Proven ability to build effective working relationships with a range of stakeholders, including external agencies, providers, and contractors.

What We Offer

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Flexible working arrangements
• Local Government Pension
• Opportunities for professional development
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year
• Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.

How to Apply

If you share our vision and valuesand are ready to make an impact to North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Contact Information

For further information about the role, please contact Jo Brace or Sarah Freeman on 01934 426992 or email Jo.Brace@n-somerset.gov.uk, Sarah.Freeman@n-somerset.gov.uk

Important Information

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.

Interview Date: TBC

Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK and are unable to provide Sponsorship for this role.

Equal Opportunities

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early or extend the closing date depending on the number of applications received.