R2R103923 - 106460 - Early Years and Childcare Finance and Liaison Officer

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 innovate 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.

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.

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.

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.

If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

If you would like a copy the Job Description, please click here

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.

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.