At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial processes and communication in Early Years and Childcare Services.
- Company: Join Southend on Sea City Council, a dynamic local authority making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact in your community while developing your finance and admin skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance or administration; strong Microsoft Excel skills required.
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.
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 payment handling, budget monitoring or general finance administration. Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel is essential, including the ability to manage data, track budgets and produce accurate reports. Whilst knowledge of the Early Years and childcare sector would be beneficial, it is not essential. We are open to candidates from a range of backgrounds including public sector, education, or corporate environments, provided you can demonstrate transferable skills. More importantly, we are looking for someone with the right behaviours and approach. You will be proactive and solution-focused, with a positive can-do attitude and a willingness to learn. You will be confident using your initiative to manage your workload, resolve issues and improve processes where needed.
This role requires regular use of IT systems, including keyboard-based work. You will also be required to travel between locations, therefore a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential. You will have strong organisational skills and be able to prioritise effectively in a busy environment, working both independently and as part of a team. You will communicate clearly and professionally, building positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. Attention to detail, a commitment to accuracy and compliance, and a flexible approach to work are all key to success in this role. You will also bring a collaborative mindset, support colleagues and contribute to a positive team culture. Experience within the Early Years and childcare sector is desirable but not essential, and candidates with transferable skills will be considered. NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in a relevant subject will be desirable. Experience within finance, administration or business support is essential, along with strong Microsoft Excel skills.
What you'll get in return
When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.
Safeguarding and DBS
Southend-on-Sea City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.
R2R103923 - 106460 - Early Years and Childcare Finance and Liaison Officer in Southend-on-Sea employer: South End City Council
Southend on Sea City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a rewarding career in local government with a strong focus on community service and employee well-being. With flexible working practices, comprehensive training opportunities, and a collaborative work culture, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a healthy work-life balance. The council's commitment to professional development and its diverse range of services create a dynamic environment where staff can thrive and contribute to the betterment of Southend.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R2R103923 - 106460 - Early Years and Childcare Finance and Liaison Officer in Southend-on-Sea
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like South End City Council, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like South End City Council and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace R2R103923 - 106460 - Early Years and Childcare Finance and Liaison Officer in Southend-on-Sea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for South End City Council and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at South End City Council
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with South End City Council, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for South End City Council.
