Finance Assistant

Job Introduction

Client Finance Assistant

Career grade progression from Grade 3 to Grade 5
Salary: £25,614 - £31,051
Location: Lincoln - Hybrid (min 2 days office)
Closing Date: 08/11/26
Interviews: w/c November 23rd 2026

About the Role

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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.

What We’re Looking For

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.

About the Service

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.

If you would like an open and informal discussion regards this role then please contact; Sophie Foden via email Sophie.Foden@lincolnshire.gov.uk

PLEASE NOTE: It is imperative that your personal statement clearly states why you have applied, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role as set out in the Job Description (attached on LCC jobs Site) and what you feel you can bring to this role, the team and the wider County Council.

Please refer to our Job Information Pack here to support you in your application.

Please be advised that this position may be subject to a criminal record check. 

On occasion we receive significantly more applications than expected for some vacancies and under such circumstances we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the advertisement. We therefore strongly advise you to apply for the role promptly to avoid disappointment should the closing date be brought forward. Please also note: once an application is submitted it is final and cannot be amended. If you withdraw your application, it cannot be reinstated and you will not be able to submit another application for that vacancy. If you have an issue with your submitted application, please contact recruitment@lincolnshire.gov.uk.

We operate a talent pool scheme whereby candidates who are not successful on this occasion may be considered for a period of up to 3 months for equal positions.

Lincolnshire County Council 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.

A Smarter Working Employer

We have embraced new ways of working and hybrid working will be a feature of this role. You will be given a nominated contractual work base and you will be required to commute to this work base when necessary.  Working arrangements regarding hybrid working will be discussed as part of the appointment process.

Our technology platform and equipment is very good enabling you to connect and collaborate remotely. We require that you have in place good connectivity, and we will discuss during the recruitment process if support with this is needed.

Fluency Duty 

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.

Our values – collaborative, adaptable, eco-conscious, supportive, and responsible – guide everything we do. We’re looking for candidates who share these values and bring them to life in their work, helping us build strong teams and make a real difference in the communities we serve.