Finance Officer (Early Years Childcare) in Halifax

The Service is looking to recruit a Finance Officer to carry out in-person audits of the funding and provide business support to childcare providers throughout the borough. The postholder will support the Early Years and Childcare Team by offering knowledge and expertise in business and finance, contributing to the development and dissemination of policies and procedures, guidance and information to facilitate the successful commissioning of early years and childcare services across partner organisations including schools, day nurseries, pre-schools, out-of-school clubs and childminders.

The role will undertake routine visits and investigations with partner organisations to ensure contractual and statutory requirements are fulfilled satisfactorily and that funds provided by the Council are administered effectively. It will contribute to developing a culture of sound business and financial planning, supporting partner organisations to acquire management, financial and business skills to ensure effective and compliant governance, financial and administrative systems, processes and procedures.

This is a people-facing role requiring regular travel to providers throughout Calderdale. The post offers an exciting opportunity to build upon and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse range of partner organisations and colleagues. We are looking for a highly motivated individual with strong people skills, a high degree of accuracy and the ability to utilise a variety of IT-based systems and packages. If you have recent experience of early years, running your own business, providing advice to businesses or organisations or commissioning services in a financial or compliance role, we will welcome your application.

• Carry out in-person audits of funding and provide business support to childcare providers across the borough.
• Support the Early Years and Childcare Team with knowledge and expertise in business and finance.
• Contribute to development and dissemination of policies, procedures, guidance and information to facilitate commissioning of early years and childcare services.
• Undertake routine visits and investigations with partner organisations to ensure contractual and statutory requirements are fulfilled and Council funds are administered effectively.
• Help develop a culture of sound financial planning and assist partner organisations to acquire management, financial and business skills, ensuring governance, financial and administrative systems are compliant.

Candidates required to hold a recognised Accountancy or Business Studies qualification, Business Advisor accreditation, or have equivalent relevant experience. Experience in early years, running a business, providing advice to businesses or organisations or commissioning services in a financial or compliance role is desirable.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff to share this commitment. Applicants to posts that are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act will require a DBS from the Disclosure and Barring Service before appointment.

Disability Confident: A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job. For more details please refer to the employer description and available information.

As part of our Vision, we aim to be a talented, resilient and inclusive community. We welcome applications from all and offer flexible working / job share opportunities. Calderdale Council embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an inclusive environment. We encourage applications from under-represented communities and anonymise all applications before the selection panel.