
Senior Finance Assistant
Surrey County Council
Woking or Reigate, Surrey£34,660 - £36,943 per annumPermanent36 hours per weekCloses: 2026-08-02
Job Introduction
We are committed to the development of our workforce.
This position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council.
We thank you for your interest in our roles and would encourage you to review our vacancies which are open to all.
This full-time, permanent position has a starting salary of £34,660 per annum based on a 36 hour working week.
We are excited to be recruiting a new Finance Assistant to join our fantastic Children's Finance team based at either Woodhatch Place in Reigate or Victoria Gate, Woking.
Our team offers a flexible,
hybrid style
with a combination of office and home working depending on business needs. We will ensure that you receive a full induction and training, with regular guidance, support and performance conversations with your Senior Finance Team Leader. We want you to feel confident and capable in your role.
Our Offer to You
26 days’ holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years’ service (pro rata for part-time hours)
Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
A generous local government salary related pension
Up to 5 days of carer’s leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents
About the Role
Our Business Support Finance team is offering a great opportunity for someone looking to develop their career in a supportive finance environment. If you have excellent customer service skills, strong organisation, and some experience in administration and finance – we would love to hear from you!
The Children's Finance team provide co-ordinated and comprehensive financial support throughout the Directorate in accordance with Council and Directorate financial procedures. We are a transactional finance team who work collaboratively with team members to provide a high-quality and efficient finance service. We help facilitate the Directorate's budget planning and monitoring activities to enable the delivery of cost-effective services to the communities we support.
As a Senior Finance Assistant, you will play a key role in providing technical finance expertise within Children’s Services, supporting the efficient and accurate delivery of financial processes across the service.
Your key responsibilities as a Senior Finance Assistant will include:
Acting as a bridge between day-to-day processing and management oversight, you will take ownership of more complex areas such as reclaims, VAT, audits, uplift processes, reporting, and quality assurance
Supporting the smooth running of the finance function by monitoring reports through systems such as Aperture and Tableau
Maintaining robust financial controls, ensuring work is completed accurately, consistently, and in line with Council procedures, audit standards, and statutory requirements
Providing guidance and support to colleagues, helping to strengthen team knowledge, improve consistency, and promote high-quality customer service for internal and external stakeholders
Contributing to service improvements and supporting effective team activity when required
Helping to ensure Children’s Services receives reliable, responsive, and professional finance support that contributes to better outcomes for children and families
Your Application
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your CV and personal statement will clearly evidence the following skills and align with
our behaviours
:
Excellent organisational, analytical and administrative skills, with experience in transactional finance or similar financial processes
Exceptional attention to detail, ensuring accuracy across all financial data, records, and correspondence
Strong IT skills, including proficiency in Word, Outlook, Excel, and MS Teams, with the ability to learn new finance systems such as Unit4, ContrOCC, LIFT, and EYES
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, showing professionalism, diplomacy, and the ability to communicate clearly with colleagues, families, and external partners
Commitment to high‑quality customer service, supporting internal and external stakeholders in a timely and helpful manner
Ability to work both independently and as part of a busy team, with experience supporting colleagues in a similar administrative or financial setting
Understanding of confidentiality and data protection, particularly when handling sensitive information related to children and families
A Basic DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check (formerly known as CRB) will be required for this role.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 02/08/2026 with interviews planned to follow shortly after.
Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description and our
Life at Surrey Handbook
to get an insight into working at Surrey.
We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.
Contact Us
Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment. Please contact Claire Decastro or Teresa Lockyer by e-mail or MS Teams.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.
Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Please see more information here:
Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council.
Our Commitment
We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum shortlisting criteria as displayed on the advert, we guarantee you an interview.
Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we’re committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.