Town Clerk & Responsible Financial Officer

Society of Local Council Clerks; Playden; On-site; GBP 46,000 - GBP 54,000; Full time

Job summary

A local council organization in Playden is seeking a Town Clerk & Responsible Financial Officer. This role involves managing statutory responsibilities, leading a dedicated team, and fostering relationships with local organizations. The ideal candidate should possess excellent communication skills, management experience, and the ability to think strategically. The successful applicant will need to obtain the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA) within a year. The position offers a salary between £46,000 and £54,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

Qualifications

• Must be prepared to gain CiLCA within 12 months.
• Strong communication abilities are essential.
• Demonstrated management skills are required.

Responsibilities

• Manage statutory responsibilities of the Council.
• Lead the staff team effectively.
• Steer Council through local government re-organisation.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Management skills

Strategic thinking

Ability to maintain relationships

Education

Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA)

Job description

Salary: £46,000 - £54,000 – depending on experience and qualifications

Hours: Full-time (37 hours per week – with flexibility)

Closing date: Sunday 8 February 2026, midnight

Rye is a small, historic market town – on the East Sussex-Kent coastal border – with a population of around 4,500. It is a popular visitor destination – with a strong sense of community – and is one of the Confederation of the Cinque Ports’ two Antient Towns.

The Council needs a Town Clerk & Responsible Financial Officer (RFO) who can manage its statutory responsibilities, lead the staff team, maintain mutually beneficial relationships with local organisations – and steer the Council through local government re‑organisation, as it prepares to take over assets from Rother District Council.

The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator, with a ‘can do’ attitude, who can demonstrate both management skills and the ability to think strategically.

The successful candidate will hold – or will be prepared to gain within 12 months – the Certificate in Local Council Administration (CiLCA).