Please note this is a 12 month fixed term contract on a part time basis for 21 hours per week. (Salary will be pro-rated accordingly)

Essex County Council (ECC) is one of the largest and most dynamic local authorities in the UK, serving a population of 2 million residents, and has a very successful track record of delivering transformational change. ECC anticipated change was needed in the public sector and has worked to deliver better quality at lower cost. We have an ambitious transformation agenda – one with the scope to reach every part of the council. We are changing the way we think, the way we work, and the ways in which we deliver our services. We are committed to becoming a place where individuals, partners and communities feel proud to play their role and genuinely want to belong. We’re immensely proud of our flexible working options.

Job Purpose

To provide a high quality and comprehensive sales invoicing service within EES (Essex Education Services) whilst promoting a customer focused image to all customers by direct contact, telephone and email.

Key Accountabilities

• Follow procedures to ensure all customers are billed to agreed timescales, raising invoices and journals in accordance with ECC financial regulations.

• Issue SLAs in accordance with business area and ensure all returns are logged and processed and all recharges processed.

• Maintain clear and accurate financial records, including the completion of monthly reconciliations and provide clear and timely feedback to budget holder.

• Raise and receipt purchase orders for supplies and services in accordance with ECC procurement regulations.

• To deal with customer billing queries, chase outstanding invoices and liaising with other services areas as necessary.

• To exercise initiative and take independent actions in order to deal with queries/complaints, whilst prioritising effectively in order to cope with changing priorities that may occur.

• To liaise with other Invoice officers to streamline practices and help to prevent excessive workload peaks.

• To demonstrate effective communication and engagement with all service users and customers (internal & external) as well as other key stakeholders on daily business issues and future service solutions.

• To maintain and develop confidential records and filing, both manual and electronic, to ensure efficient and effective storage and retrieval of information

• Use specialist skills, knowledge and experience to ensure the effectiveness of the service, ensuring that it delivers excellent services.

• Meet customer standards and ensure consistent adherence to both designed outcomes and agreed service levels.

• To undertake research, collation and analysis of information as required to inform sales strategies.

• To undertake a support role within change management projects and support other services to follow consistent standards, frameworks and procedures.

• To take shared responsibility for the work of the whole team and the development and embedding of a self-managing team culture with high professional standards and a commitment to excellence and continuous development.

• If required, to be responsible for the management and co-ordination of the work of team colleagues, ensuring even provision of administrative support across the team.

• To liaise with a wide range of people at all levels both from within and outside of the County Council.

• To work flexibly and provide cross service cover when fluctuating workloads or staff absences require this.

• To ensure that messages and information are taken and dealt with effectively and promptly.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• NVQ Administration Level 2 or equivalent.

• Maths and English qualifications of at least GCSE Grade C or equivalent (or by proven experience).

• Well-developed working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications is essential, including Word for Windows, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel and Access.

• Excellent IT and keyboard skills.

• Experience of dealing with telephone enquiries, preferably within an educational environment.

• Proven successful experience in an administrative or helpline role.

• Experience of effective working as a team member, and ability to liaise with a wide variety of people.

• Experience of operating effective data and information systems.

• Proven effective communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to prioritise effectively.

• Ability to present information in an orderly and disciplined manner.

• Accuracy and attention to detail with ability to work effectively under pressure

Working for Essex welcome applications from all suitably qualified people regardless of gender, race, disability, age or sexual orientation.

Working for Essex is a trading name of Capita Resourcing Ltd. Services offered are those of an Employment Agency and Employment Business. Applicants will be required to register with us