Business Operations Assistant

Salary: Grade 15 Ranging from £15,576 to £15,820 per annum for 22.5 hours per week.

Contract: Fixed Term until 05/11/2027

Hours:  Part time, 22.5 hours per week.

Closing date: 24 November 2026

About the Role 

As a Business Operations Assistant you will provide accurate, well‑organised administrative and financial support to social work teams, ensuring timely processing and monitoring of payments, effective use of case systems, and high‑quality support to practitioners.

You will maintain accurate financial records, prepare and share key financial information to support decision-making, and act as a first point of contact for carers, suppliers, service users and colleagues.

Additionally, you will use initiative to resolve routine queries, address data issues, and ensure compliance with Council policies, financial controls, equality, diversity and inclusion standards, and health and safety requirements.

How You'll Make a Difference 

You will provide proactive administrative and financial support to social work teams. Tasks and responsibilities will include:

• Processing payments to suppliers, carers and children / families via BACs and imprest (cash).
• Producing and sending routine correspondence, including raising payment queries.
• Carrying out detailed checks to ensure payments are accurate and compliant with policies.
• Maintaining accurate records on our finance systems (MS Dynamics or D365, LCS and LIFT) identifying and correcting errors where appropriate.
• Responding to queries from staff, carers, suppliers and the public, resolving issues or escalating where needed.
• Ensuring financial records are stored in line with corporate guidelines
• Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, and uphold health, safety and wellbeing standards in all work

What You'll Bring

• Experience providing administrative support in a busy office or service environment.
• Knowledge of financial processes, including payment processing, record keeping and financial controls.
• Experience handling financial information accurately, ensuring confidentiality and compliance.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines.
• Good IT skills, including experience using databases and systems to maintain accurate records.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with confidence responding to customer and colleague enquiries.
• Ability to use initiative, exercise sound judgement and escalate issues appropriately.
• GCSEs (or equivalent) including English and Maths.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, continuous professional development, and ongoing learning.

Why Join Us? 

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life. 

• Generous annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave. 

• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most enhanced and secure pension schemes. 

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow. 

• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services. 

• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work. 

Find out more about working at Somerset Council: 
https://www.somerset.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/working-at-somerset-council/ 

Further Information 

• 25 day’s annual leave pro rata for part time.
• This role offers hybrid working, allowing you to work from home and from our office in Shepton Mallet on a rota basis. There is an expectation that you will be in the office a minimum of one day a week (more frequently during your induction).
• Interviews planned for Monday 30 November.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for VISA sponsorship.  

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Hayley Godden on 01749 822764 / hayley.godden@somerset.gov.uk or Anna Harwood on 01935 463592 or anna.harwood@somerset.gov.uk.

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset. 

You can find a copy of the job description here:  AG0251 Business Support Assistant Generic.pdf 

Ref: EF/1645