Introduction
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 they would also 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.
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
Cashiers 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, 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 there should be 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.
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
qualifications, 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).
Further Information & Services
Association of Accounting Technicians www.aat.org.uk
The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy www.cipfa.org
You may find further information about this area of work through
Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/) or
in your local library, careers office or school careers
library.