Senior Payment Officer (Early Education Funding)

Senior Payment Officer (Early Education Funding)

We are looking for a highly organised and analytical individual who is confident working with complex data and funding processes. The role is data driven and requires strong analytical skills to work with large datasets, ensure accuracy, and use Excel to analyse, validate and report on financial information. These skills are critical to ensuring the Council meets its audit, financial and statutory responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Process and audit the distribution of early years funding in line with statutory and financial requirements.
• Respond to complex queries from providers, parents and stakeholders.
• Support the development and implementation of systems, processes and improvements.
• Produce financial and statistical reports.
• Undertake provider audits and ensure compliance with funding agreements.
• Support applications and funding eligibility processes.
• Build strong working relationships across teams and with external providers.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and service development.
• Take a proactive role in supporting team operations and deputise for senior colleagues where required.

About you

We are looking for a highly organised and analytical individual who is confident working with complex data and funding processes. This is a data led role and strong data skills are essential. You must be confident working with large datasets, ensuring accuracy, and using Excel to analyse, validate and report on financial information.

• Proven experience working with complex data, including analysing, validating and interpreting large datasets.
• Advanced Excel skills (formulas, data manipulation, validation and reporting).
• Experience producing accurate financial or statistical reports with a high level of attention to detail.
• Strong administrative experience and excellent organisational skills.
• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft applications; experience of Power BI or other data visualisation tools is desirable.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex information clearly.
• Experience delivering high quality customer service and handling challenging or sensitive queries.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong problem solving skills and a proactive approach to improving processes.
• The ability to interpret statutory guidance and apply it accurately in practice.
• A commitment to maintaining high standards of accuracy and compliance in line with council financial procedures and funding terms and conditions.
• Knowledge of the early years or childcare sector (or the ability to develop this quickly).
• A commitment to continuous improvement and learning.
• The role requires someone confident in engaging with providers and stakeholders, including the ability to challenge constructively where noncompliance is identified.

Rewards and benefits

• Cultural flexibility and technology to support agile working.
• Up to 33 days holiday per annum plus bank holidays.
• Option to buy additional holiday.
• Employee Assistance Programme, including access to health and wellbeing support.
• Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, with an employer contribution of up to 19.9 %.
• Family friendly policies.
• Local and national discounts for shopping and travel.
• Great learning and development opportunities to support ongoing development.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council, we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background or maternity or family leave. We have staff network groups that provide peer support and safe spaces for all.

Guaranteed Interview Schemes - As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews for care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job, and for apprenticeships for those leaving care without further education. We support those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life by guaranteeing an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role within three years of leaving service.

Safeguarding - The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. All recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

Flexible Working - We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi time, part time working, job sharing, nine day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service is required to check for any previous criminal convictions.