Business Operations Officer

Salary: Grade 12, ranging from £29,542 to £33,119 per annum.

Contract: Permanent

Hours: 37 Hours a week.

Closing date: 12 November 2026

About the Role

As a Business Operations Officer – Finance, you’ll play a key role in keeping services running smoothly, coordinating business support activities, supervising staff and maintaining high standards of customer service.

With a strong financial focus, you’ll maintain accurate records, support payments and financial assessments, monitor expenditure and projections, and contribute to monthly and year-end processes.

You’ll also analyse data, prepare reports and resolve discrepancies, helping to improve ways of working and provide managers with the accurate information and insight they need to make informed decisions.

How You'll Make a Difference

• Lead and coordinate business and financial support across Children and Families services, deputising for the Business Operations Manager when required.
• Supervise, support and develop business support staff, managing workloads and priorities to maintain high standards of service.
• Lead on new systems, processes and ways of working, ensuring changes are communicated clearly and embedded effectively.
• Oversee key financial processes, including payments, financial assessments, expenditure monitoring, projections and budget information.
• Use systems including D365 SAP and LIFT to maintain accurate financial records and support monthly and year-end processes.
• Work closely with Social Workers, Finance colleagues and senior managers to resolve discrepancies and provide accurate information for decision-making.
• Ensure services meet relevant policies, procedures, GDPR requirements and financial controls.
• Contribute to recruitment, induction, training, projects and continuous improvement across the service.

What You'll Bring

• Knowledge of financial administration, payments, budget monitoring and financial controls.
• Good understanding of business operations, administrative processes and local government procedures.
• Experience in a business operations or administrative role, working across different teams.
• A-Level/BTEC qualification or equivalent experience.
• Ability to analyse data, prepare reports and maintain accurate financial records.
• Ability to identify financial discrepancies and escalate issues appropriately.
• Excellent communication, organisation and collaborative working skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail and accuracy

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

• 28 day’s annual leave (additional to bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• This role offers hybrid working, allowing you to work either from home or from our office at County Hall, Taunton. There is an expectation to be in the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays, to support with face to face Imprest tasks.
• Start date from 01/03/2027

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 please contact Clare Dowden, Business Operations Manager at clare.dowden@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: TR0324 Business Operations Officer - Finance.pdf

Ref: SQG/ 1647