As every council has a finance department, every type of authority employs cashiers. In some cases they are called ‘clerks’ and duties vary from place to place. This can range from collecting council tax payments, car parking fines, dealing with staff expenses claims and preparing internal weekly payrolls to selling tickets at local government international pavilions or theatres. In all cases, it involves a responsibility for the council’s revenues.

Work Environment

This is office based, either in the cashiers or revenue sections of finance departments, or in one of the ticket box offices of a council entertainment centre. It is a security controlled environment. Collecting council tax revenue can take place in a number of differently located offices, so cashiers would be expected to move around from time to time.

The standard working week is 37 hours but that would involve weekend and bank holiday duties, especially in the entertainment promotion business (where the job is often offered on a part-time or casual basis). Because cashiers are usually in face-to-face contact with the public, dress should be smart.

Daily Activities

This may include opening, checking and processing all remittances that are received, either by post or over the public counter, assisting in the preparation of weekly and monthly payrolls including checking, examining and sorting pay slips and cheques for distribution. Handling money and banking is also part of the Box Office Cashier’s job, but here you would need to spend a good deal of time on the telephone. The Council Tax Payment and Enquiry Offices process payments and deal with customer enquiries. The duties and responsibilities of the clerk/cashier in the Revenue Services, for example, are to:

• assist with the collection and receipting of approved incomes due to the council
• handle enquiries about payment of Council Tax and general enquiries from the public
• administer systems for processing postal payments and any accompanying written queries
• assist with the payment of all prescribed cash disbursements
• implement procedures for the security of all monies received until they are transferred to the bank
• reconcile and account for cash and cheque takings on a daily basis
• assist with the day to day operation of the Municipal Savings Bank

More senior cashier posts may also involve general clerical duties and deputising for the Chief Cashier as required. There may also be responsibilities for training and development of staff.

Skills & Interests

You should have:

• a methodical approach to work and keen attention to detail
• good keyboard skills
• a passion for order and accuracy
• a head for figures
• a pleasant personality for dealing with customers
• excellent communication and telephone skills
• the ability to work on you own initiative and as part of a team.

And, obviously, you should be honest.

Entry Requirements

Most councils will assume that you have gained a minimum of four GCSE/S grades at C/3 or above, including English and Maths. A relevant NVQ/SVQ level 2 may be an acceptable alternative.

As well as the basic cashiering skills you should have had experience of working with the public.

Previous experience in handling money, banking and working in an administrative capacity is helpful. Having worked in a security controlled environment and an awareness of standard security procedures would be an advantage.

Estimated salary range

11,000 – 16,000
5.36 per hour for casual work.

Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.

Future prospects & opportunities

As finance is always the cornerstone of any business, there are always opportunities for advancement to senior posts like Chief Cashier, Finance Officer, or, with more experience and qualification to directorial and senior finance management positions in audit or accountancy work.

There may be on the job training. A long-term aim may be qualification as a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA).

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