Payments Officer - Internal Applications Only

The post holder provides specialist finance, payments, support, and training services to early years providers, commissioned services, and individuals receiving funding through the Early Years Block (EYB) and High Needs Block (HNB) of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG). The role ensures accurate and timely payments, supports compliance with statutory and financial requirements, delivers guidance and training to providers, and works collaboratively with internal and external partners to help them meet funding requirements. The post also supports the Senior Payments Officer in the effective administration and management of funding processes.

• Contributing to meeting the Councils statutory duty to develop and implement a transparent formula in relation to providers who deliver the Governments free early education and childcare scheme, and make payments to all providers in line with the DfE's and Education and Skills Funding Agencies Early Years requirements.
• Contributing to meeting the Councils statutory duty to develop and implement financial arrangements to Ofsted/DfE registered settings, commissioned providers and individuals from the High Needs Block (HNB) of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) and make payments in line with the DfE's and Education and Skills Funding Agencies requirements.
• Developing and arranging the delivery of a range of information, support and training to Ofsted/DfE registered settings, commissioned providers and individuals in order for them to understand and comply with financial procedures in relation to the Early Years Block (EYB) and High Needs Block (HNB) of the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG).
• Monitoring compliance with statutory and financial requirements and taking appropriate action where non-compliance issues are identified.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues and external partners to empower them to meet (EYB) and High Needs Block (HNB) financial requirements.
• Support the Senior Payments Officer, Waltham Forest is a diverse borough where diversity is valued and is integral to both, service delivery and employment of its staff. The Council is proud of its rich mix of communities and as the largest employer in the area, it works hard to respond to the changing needs of its population. We use our statutory duties on race, gender and disability equality and best practice in respect of age, faith and sexual orientation to ensure equality of opportunity in the workplace. The Council is committed to meeting its 4 equality objectives: - Promoting equality of opportunity - Opposing all forms of discrimination, intolerance and disadvantage - Ensuring our workforce reflects the diverse communities of Waltham Forest at all levels. - Providing fair, appropriate, accessible and excellent Services to all. Respecting Diversity is a core Council value.

Numeracy and literacy qualification e.g. GCSE English and Maths or equivalent. Relevant professional qualification

• Experience of making accurate and timely and accurate complex payments to a high number of providers in respect of a high number of children
• Good knowledge and understanding of EYB and HNB DSG financial requirements, payments processes, systems, policy, practices, procedures, and legislation.
• Experience of delivering a range of information, support and training to increase colleagues and stakeholders knowledge and understanding of financial requirements in relation to Early Years Block and High Needs Block DSG payments
• Experience of carrying out monitoring, reviews and audits in line with Council financial guidance and statutory requirements in relation to payments from Early Years and High Needs Block of the DSG
• Significant experience of working with and forming positive, trusting relationships with Ofsted/DfE registered settings, commissioned providers and individuals.
• A good understanding of the issues that can affect Ofsted/DfE registered settings, commissioned providers and individuals in relation to EYB and HNB DSG payments and how best to address them
• Experience of using initiative, knowledge and expertise which result in service improvements
• Experience of leading and sustaining partnerships both internally and externally.
• Excellent customer service skills, with experience of resolving escalated / complex customer queries.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills, with proven ability to communicate effectively and persuasively to a wide range of audiences.
• An understanding of both the importance and limits of confidentiality in education/safeguarding work, and how to apply these principles.
• Self-motivated, and able to demonstrate initiative and commitment.
• IT skills, including Microsoft Office suite, and skilled in the use of a computerised general ledger system, including experience of developing systems to achieve desired business outcomes.
• Experience of Synergy/Access and Oracle or similar large financial ICT system.

Terms and conditions:

• Satisfactory employment references and CIFAS identity checks
• Satisfactory declaration of interest
• This role is subject to safer recruitment practices as it involves work with children and/ or vulnerable adults
• Satisfactory DBS check
• As a public authority, we must ensure that members of staff in public-facing roles are able to speak fluent English. This means that they must have a command of spoken English, with confidence and accuracy, sufficient for the effective performance of their role.
• This requirement does not refer to any particular English language qualifications, regional or international accents, dialects, speech impediments or the tone of conversations. It does not require staff to speak only in English.

Bursting with culture, energy, and opportunity, the London Borough of Waltham Forest is a fantastic and exciting place to work. We are a highly ambitious borough. Driven by culture and the innate creativity of our residents, we have developed new and innovative ways to build our communities. Our Council is relentlessly resident-focused, insight-led, digitally driven and commercially minded; a Council focused on meeting the needs of our existing and future residents. London Borough of Waltham Forest is one of the employers. This accreditation is a proof of our commitment to creating a healthy, fair and inclusive workplace. This includes fair pay and conditions, workplace well-being, skills and progression and diversity and recruitment.