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- Tasks: Conduct audits and compliance checks for early years education funding.
- Company: Join Luton Council, dedicated to improving lives and supporting early education.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's education while developing your career in finance.
- Qualifications: GCSE Maths or equivalent; proficiency in Excel and strong numeracy skills required.
- Other info: Public-facing role; commitment to diversity and equality is essential.
The predicted salary is between 26409 - 28624 £ per year.
About the job
Salary: £26,409 – £28,624 a year pro rata
Hours per week: 18.5
Contract type: Permanent
Are you detail-oriented and passionate about supporting early years education? We\’re seeking an Early Years Audit and Finance Officer to ensure the effective and compliant delivery of free early education entitlements across our provider network.
In this pivotal role, you\’ll conduct audits and compliance checks on early years providers to ensure they meet the standards outlined in the Luton Council Provider Agreement. You\’ll play a key part in monitoring the accurate and timely distribution of funding, supporting both statutory data returns and day-to-day payment processes.
Working closely with colleagues in the early years and finance teams, you\’ll help maintain high standards by identifying improvements and providing valuable feedback to enhance systems and procedures. If you\’re experienced in financial administration, confident in data accuracy, and committed to ensuring children receive the best start in life, we\’d love to hear from you.
Please note this role does not attract sponsorship.
About you
Do you enjoy working with numbers and making a real difference in children\’s early education?
If you\’re looking for a rewarding role where your attention to detail and organisational skills can have a positive impact, then this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
We\’re seeking a reliable and collaborative Early Years Audit and Finance Officer to support the delivery of free early years entitlements across Luton. You\’ll help ensure funding is managed accurately and fairly by maintaining precise records, carrying out audits, and working closely with both finance and early years colleagues.
You should be educated to at least GCSE level C (or equivalent) in Maths and be comfortable attending meetings and visiting early years settings across Luton to support service delivery. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, is essential, along with the ability to maintain accurate manual and digital records. A methodical approach, strong numeracy skills, and the ability to meet deadlines while managing your own workload are key to success in this role.
We\’re looking for someone approachable and professional, with strong communication skills and the ability to deal politely and effectively with a wide range of people. A good understanding of equality, diversity, and how discrimination can impact the workplace is also important.
This is a public facing role so you\’ll need to show off your fluency in speaking and writing English
If you have a basic knowledge of accountancy or audit processes and are eager to make a meaningful contribution to early years services, we\’d love to hear from you.
About us
Our ambitious Luton 2040 Vision – that no-one in Luton will have to live in poverty – is at the heart of everything we do. We recognise that our people are remarkable, talented, committed and passionate about serving our residents.
The people of Luton depend heavily on this council – and that means our workforce! Are you ready to realise the remarkable and help us deliver our vision?
We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our borough
Application Process
On occasions, we may close a vacancy early due to a very high number of applications being received.
Benefits
We offer a range of excellent staff benefits which include:
– From 25 to 32 days\’ annual leave: linked to length of service and grade
– Buying annual leave scheme: buy up to 20 days additional annual leave
– Career Pathways: step up in your career or move into a specialist area
– Pension scheme: with generous employer contributions of up to 20.2 per cent (at July 2023) and 3x salary death in service grant
– Generous relocation package: up to £8,000 (subject to eligibility)
– Employee Assistance Programme: a free, 24/7 confidential counselling and wellbeing support service available to all employees, their partner or spouse and dependent children over 16 still living at home
– Work/life balance: flexible working options including working from home where possible. We welcome requests for flexible working arrangements including part-time hours and alternative working patterns
– Training and support: unlimited access to development courses, mentoring and support and clear career pathways
– Staff offers: includes discounts on your MOT, gym and fitness, restaurants and salons
– Arriva Travel Club: great value savings on local bus travel
- A competitive and comprehensive benefits package
- A competitive and comprehensive benefits package
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Early Years Audit and Finance Officer employer: Luton Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Luton Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Audit and Finance Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Luton Council Provider Agreement and the standards it outlines. Understanding these requirements will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and show that you're ready to ensure compliance in your role.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your Excel skills, as proficiency in this software is essential for the role. Consider taking an online course or practicing with financial data to showcase your ability to manage records effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in early years education and finance. Attend local events or join relevant online forums to connect with others in the field, which could provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential questions about equality and diversity in the workplace. Reflect on your experiences and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to a fair and inclusive environment in your role as an Early Years Audit and Finance Officer.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Audit and Finance Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in financial administration and auditing. Emphasise your attention to detail and any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage funding accurately.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for early years education and your understanding of the role. Mention how your skills align with the job requirements, particularly your proficiency in Excel and your methodical approach to work.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your educational background, especially your GCSE in Maths or equivalent. If you have any additional qualifications related to finance or auditing, be sure to include them as well.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since this role involves working with various stakeholders, highlight your strong communication skills in both your CV and cover letter. Provide examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles or projects.
How to prepare for a job interview at Luton Borough Council
✨Show Your Attention to Detail
As an Early Years Audit and Finance Officer, attention to detail is crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experiences where your meticulous nature helped identify discrepancies or improve processes.
✨Demonstrate Your Financial Knowledge
Brush up on basic accountancy and audit processes before the interview. You might be asked about your understanding of financial administration, so be ready to explain how you've applied this knowledge in previous roles.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
This role involves working closely with various stakeholders. Prepare to share instances where your strong communication skills helped resolve issues or foster collaboration among teams, especially in a public-facing context.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world situations. Think of scenarios where you had to manage deadlines, maintain records, or conduct audits, and be ready to explain your approach and outcomes.
