Suffolk County Council • Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX

Payments Officer

About this role

  • Suffolk County Council

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Address

Endeavour House, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX, hybrid working

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Salary

£28,598 per annum(pro rata)

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Hours

18.5 hours per week

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Contract

Permanent

At Suffolk County Council, we're reimagining what local government can achieve.

We're a forward-thinking organisation that values innovation, collaboration, and making a real difference in our communities.

When you join us as a Payments Officer, you'll be part of a team that empowers its people to explore new ideas, create meaningful connections, and shape the future of Suffolk. Ready to reimagine your career and the impact you can make?

Reimagine the possibilities.

Your role and responsibilities

Do you have a financial mind? Are you motivated and well organised? This could be a role for you!

You'll be supporting the delivery of the payments service for Suffolk County Council providing a proactive and efficient service, in an accurate and timely manner. You will assist with the processing of financial documents and respond to enquiries from suppliers and Suffolk County Council staff at the first point of contact.

  • Processing financial documents and keying data.
  • Updating internal databases and other IT systems to ensure accurate record keeping.
  • Provide guidance to the finance service, budget managers and business support teams on systems and processes associated with purchase ledger activities.

You will need

  • experience of working in a financial environment
  • to be able to process information accurately
  • to provide excellent customer service and demonstrate great communication skills.

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile, which you can find in the ‘How to apply’ section towards the bottom of this advert.

If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The team

We provide a payments service for Suffolk County Council, processing data in a number of different formats, dealing with queries & requests from various suppliers and customers, both internal & external. We are a friendly, supportive and enthusiastic team who are committed to a high standard of customer care and service delivery.

Empowering Everyone

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

For more information

Please contact Kennard Gent for a casual conversation. You can reach them by either calling 01473 265622 or emailing kennard.gent@suffolk.gov.uk

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).

Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.

Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template (Word).

1. Can you share an example of when you had to learn a new finance computer system? How did you handle it?

2. Can you share an experience where you had to handle a difficult conversation with a supplier/ customer? How did you ensure they understood the information?

3. Tell us about a time when you had to work to a strict deadline on your own and as part of a team. What was your approach and what was the outcome?

Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).

For guidance on completing your application, please see our How to Apply page.

We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences, so we encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the process. You can also read our Using AI in Your Application and Interview guidance to understand acceptable and unacceptable use of AI. If AI is used inappropriately, your application may not be progressed.

Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or 03456 014412. You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages. If you're invited to the next stage, you’ll have another chance to request adjustments.

Closing date

11.30 pm, 8 June 2026.

Promoted as SPJ (Standard Plus Job) on Suffolk Jobs Direct.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid

As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.

In return, you’ll enjoy

up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days

membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)

travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits

performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase

training and encouragement to expand your knowledge

a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation

diverse and active staff networks

flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day

Plus lots more!

If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Disability Confident

About Disability Confident

A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.