Finance Assistant

We are looking for a motivated and customer-focused individual to join our Client Finance service, working within the Direct Payments area. Client Finance delivers a range of important financial services connected to Adult Social Care. These include client billing, Deferred Payments, Direct Payments, provider payments, client data and reporting. Our work relies on accuracy, good organisation, clear communication and a commitment to providing a high-quality service. Within Direct Payments, you will process instructions, arrange payments, issue agreements and supporting documents, and ensure changes to care are updated promptly. You will maintain accurate customer and financial records, complete checks, respond to enquiries and investigate discrepancies, missing information, unspent balances and potential overpayments. We are looking for someone who takes ownership of their work, checks information carefully and works through issues in a logical and practical way. You will communicate clearly with customers, representatives and colleagues, raise risks or concerns promptly and seek support when matters are complex, unfamiliar or sensitive. This is a career-graded opportunity, with the potential to progress from Client Finance Assistant at Grade 3 to Client Finance Technician at Grade 5. You will be supported to develop your knowledge, confidence and skills, gradually taking responsibility for a broader and more complex range of work.,

• Processing invoices, payments, refunds, credits or financial adjustments.
• Supporting client billing and maintaining payment arrangements.
• Supporting the administration of Direct Payments and supporting documentation.
• Processing payments to Direct Payment clients and supporting with resulting queries.
• Maintaining accurate customer, financial and provider records.
• Completing checks, reconciliations and data-validation work.
• Responding to enquiries from customers, families, representatives, providers and colleagues.
• Investigating discrepancies, failed payments, missing information or incorrect records.
• Identifying financial, safeguarding or compliance risks and escalating them appropriately.
• Taking ownership of allocated work and following it through to resolution.
• Working with colleagues across Client Finance, Adult Social Care and other council services.
• Contributing ideas that improve quality, reduce duplication and make processes more efficient., Direct Payments give people greater choice and control over how their care and support is arranged. This role will help ensure payments are set up and processed accurately, customers receive the right information, and financial records remain complete and up to date.
You will join a supportive service that values accuracy, good customer service, teamwork and continuous improvement. You will receive learning and development support to build your knowledge, confidence and career within Client Finance. Due to recent changes in immigration law in the UK we are unable to offer skilled worker visa sponsorship for this role as it does not meet the requirements. At Lincolnshire County Council, we believe our people are at the heart of everything we do. That's why we offer a rewarding package designed to support your work-life balance, health and wellbeing, financial security, and career growth. Find out more about our offer to you in the attached brochure.

We are seeking someone who has:
• Experience in administration, customer service, finance, social care or another role with transferable skills.
• Good numeracy skills and confidence working with financial information.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to accurate record keeping.
• Good communication skills and the ability to explain information clearly.
• The ability to organise and manage competing priorities.
• Confidence using Microsoft 365 and other computer systems.
• A practical approach to investigating and resolving problems.
• Empathy and professionalism when handling sensitive information.
• A willingness to learn and develop knowledge of Direct Payments, Client Finance processes and relevant guidance., In accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.