Finance

“Collaborative, can-do, and always thinking ahead”

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Finance at the council

Let’s start with a number that might surprise a few people – the size of our finance team. There are over 100 of us, from apprentices working towards qualification, to qualified, highly experienced accountants. Together, we support the whole of the council, its service areas and key partnerships, to help deliver services more effectively.

We’re hugely proud that the high-quality, high-performing finance support and advice we provide helps to improve lives in Somerset. We champion and deliver financial practice and management. We help budget holders to manage their budgets effectively and responsibly – within the available resources. We carry out statutory requirements and undertake all payment functions to suppliers. We support on tax issues and pension matters, as well as risk management, transaction processing and insurance.

The important role we play

While we’re focused on the here and now, we’re always looking, thinking and acting ahead. We play a crucial role in supporting the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) and business planning and transformation.

Finance is never about bean counting or penny-pinching. It’s making sure that we have the financial means to deliver on our promises for our residents. That’s why we look for people who want to make things happen. People who’ll help us find new ways to be better. People who are caring and commercially astute (yes, you can be both!). And as a team, you’ll find us friendly and respectful. We’re collaborative and can-do, always thinking about the end user and how we can deliver the best possible service to them, today and in the future.

Get in touch

We're always pleased to hear from talented people. So if you've got any questions about the opportunities that we have available in Finance, or if there's anything else you'd like to know before you apply (or even during the application process), please get in touch with us.

Email the team

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"The council is full of supportive colleagues who encourage you to try your best. I really enjoyed building close working relationships with colleagues across the council. They’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, and every colleague's skillset and background is valued."

"The council offer flexible working and really trust their colleagues to work from home. Management is supportive and avoids resorting to without micro-managing. There are opportunities to develop with managers keen to support your career progression."

"Supportive and inclusive employer. Working here is immensely rewarding, knowing you have helped so many people. The way SCC has dealt with the challenges presented by Covid, and the support it has given the community, makes me feel proud to be part of the organisation"

"Salaries aren't as high as private sector, but the great benefits package does make up for that. The council offer flexible working and lots of opportunity to build a long-term career in an ever changing government organisation. If you like the challenge of continuous change, this could be the place for you."

"If feel that my work for the council is hugely valuable. That I am supporting some incredibly important services. The organisation is forward-thinking in terms of ways of working, offering good technology and working-from-home benefits, all underpinned by an understanding management culture."

"The council is a good place to work if you want to work part time. You have access to ongoing learning. Management on the whole is good. Everyone works very hard, focused on doing something worthwhile and helping professionals, and keen to demonstrate that they are offering good value for money."

"Working for the council is challenging and stimulating. Social Care is difficult but rewarding when the quality of the service can be maintained. There is a genuine culture of reward for hard work. Social Care is a changing and evolving service, and the council has a dynamic reputation."

"Supportive work environment and colleagues. Over the last 12 years I have worked with a variety of brilliant teams, each time developing new skills and gaining experience. SCC has adapted well to remote working during the pandemic with staff wellbeing at the top of the agenda."