At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage financial processes and support the delivery of childcare services.
- Company: Join Southend on Sea City Council, a dynamic local authority making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, career growth, and a positive work-life balance.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that impacts local communities and supports early years education.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance, administration, or business support is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Your New Organisation
Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend. Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovative environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.
Your new role
Southend-on-Sea City Council is seeking a highly organised and proactive Early Years and Childcare Finance & Liaison Officer to join our Family, Early Years and Childcare Services team on a full-time and permanent basis. This role is ideally suited to someone with a strong background in finance, administration, or business support who enjoys working in a varied and fast-paced environment. You will support the Head of Service to ensure the smooth and compliant delivery of financial processes across the service. This includes monitoring budgets, quality assuring payments, coordinating activity, and supporting effective communication with partners and providers.
You will take ownership of day-to-day financial processes, ensuring all payments, including funding streams such as DAF and Inclusion Funding, are accurate, compliant and delivered on time. You will support budget monitoring, contribute to financial reporting, and oversee administrative processes linked to contracts, training delivery and commissioned services.
Alongside this, you will play an important role in coordinating activity across the team, including organising meetings, supporting training programmes, maintaining and developing databases, and ensuring information is shared clearly and efficiently. This is a role where strong organisation, attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities are essential.
What you'll need to succeed
This role is primarily focused on finance, administration and business support, so you should be able to demonstrate experience in financial processes such as
R2R103923 - 106460 - Early Years and Childcare Finance and Liaison Officer employer: South End City Council
Southend on Sea City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a fulfilling career in local government with a strong commitment to community service and employee well-being. Our collaborative work culture promotes innovation and flexibility, allowing staff to maintain a healthy work-life balance while contributing to meaningful projects that enhance the lives of residents. With diverse career opportunities and a focus on professional development, joining our team means being part of a dedicated workforce that makes a real difference in Southend.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R2R103923 - 106460 - Early Years and Childcare Finance and Liaison Officer
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like South End City Council. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace R2R103923 - 106460 - Early Years and Childcare Finance and Liaison Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to South End City Council.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on South End City Council's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at South End City Council
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with South End City Council.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at South End City Council will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former South End City Council employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
