Early Education Finance Officer in Dudley

The Integrated Early Years Service is seeking an Early Education Finance Officer to join our small team to administer and monitor Early Education Funding (EEF) to support and deliver continuing national expansion. What you will do

• Process accurate, timely payments for eligible children aged nine months to four years, including Early Years Pupil Premium, Disability Access Fund and Early Years Inclusion Fund.
• Support provider compliance with statutory guidance, the Dudley Code of Practice and Provider Agreement.
• Advise providers on the online portal, termly headcounts and funding requests.
• Explain early years entitlements to parents and carers through the service helpline.
• Prepare financial reports, maintain auditable records and support provider audits.

What we are looking for

• Finance or accountancy experience, including preparing reports for senior managers.
• Experience of maintaining effective, auditable financial and record-keeping systems.
  Knowledge of financial regulations, data protection, information security, UK GDPR and audit requirements.
• Confidence using finance software, databases and Microsoft Office.
• Excellent communication, customer service and organisational skills.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and work independently or within a small, fast-paced team.
• An understanding of the early years and childcare sector.

Additional information

This public-facing role includes contact with providers and schools and may involve audit visits. An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check is required.

About Dudley Council

It's an incredibly exciting time to work in Dudley Council as we embark on numerous multi-million pound regeneration schemes which will be real game-changers for the borough. In addition to the exciting schemes such as the Midland Metro we also have the ongoing and very serious challenges of ensuring vulnerable people across the borough receive the services they deserve. At Dudley Council we have a 'one council' ethos that builds an effective and dynamic organisation which grows the economy and creates jobs, creating a cleaner and greener place and supports stronger and safer communities. We are rightly proud to be the historic capital of the Black Country and, working with our partners, Dudley Council is also committed to looking forward and helping to deliver our borough vision of 'Forge a Future for all' www.dudleyboroughvision2030.org.uk We ensure communities influence council decisions and are committed to delivering services in partnership with communities. We provide flexible and responsive service in partnership and help communities help themselves. In joining a local authority that serves 320,000 residents you will become an integral part of a council that:

• is ready to embrace change, providing an environment in which you will be encouraged to make your mark
• is aware of its key challenges and the need for a new energy to innovate the council, in order to find cost effective ways of delivering services
• has aligned its political and managerial leadership structures and is committed to protecting, securing and transforming the lives of children, families, the vulnerable and older people
• wants borough residents to have their say through our community forums
• dedicates time to meaningful consultation and listen to the views of our residents
• is working with the community to encourage active involvement of our residents

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