Senior Payment Officer ( Early Education Funding )

Job Introduction

About Us
At Oxfordshire County Council, our values underpin everything we do. We are committed to delivering high-quality services for children and families, ensuring access to early education and childcare across the county.

We value:
Always learningBeing kind and caringEquality and integrity in all we doTaking responsibilityDaring to do things differentlyAbout the Role 
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Early Education Funding Team within Children’s Education Payments. The Senior Early Education Payments Officer plays a key role in supporting the Council to meet its statutory duty to ensure sufficient early years and childcare places
You will be responsible for ensuring the accurate, timely and compliant administration of early education funding, working closely with providers, colleagues and external partners to deliver an effective service.

Key responsibilities include:
Processing and auditing the distribution of early years funding in line with statutory and financial requirementsResponding to complex queries from providers, parents and stakeholdersSupporting the development and implementation of systems, processes and improvementsProducing financial and statistical reportsUndertaking provider audits and ensuring compliance with funding agreementsSupporting applications and funding eligibility processesBuilding strong working relationships across teams and with external providersContributing to continuous improvement and service developmentYou will also take a proactive role in supporting team operations and may 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. These skills are critical to ensuring the Council meets its audit, financial and statutory responsibilities.

You will bring:
Proven experience of working with complex data, including analysing, validating and interpreting large datasets, Advanced Excel skills (e.g. formulas, data manipulation, validation and reporting)Experience of 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 of delivering high-quality customer service and handling challenging or sensitive queries. The ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to improving processes. You will also need to demonstrate:

The ability to interpret statutory guidance and apply it accurately in practiceA commitment to maintaining high standards of accuracy and compliance in line with the Council’s financial procedures and funding terms and conditionsKnowledge of the early years or childcare sector (or the ability to develop this quickly)A commitment to continuous improvement and learningThe role requires someone confident in engaging with providers and stakeholders, including the ability to challenge constructively where non‑compliance is identified.

Rewards and benefits
Culture of flexible working Technology to support agile working where role permits Up to 33 day’s holiday p.a. plus bank holidaysOption 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’s contribution of up to 19.9% Enhanced family friendly policies Local and national discounts for shopping and travel Great learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development

Your office base may be subject to change as we are currently transitioning between temporary and permanent office locations due to the closure of County Hall. If this is applicable to you, you will be notified, but no reimbursement will apply in respect of travel.

Our commitment to: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 on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Our commitment to: 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 to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Our commitment to: Safeguarding
Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Our commitment to: 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.

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For further details on the role please contact suzanne.jarvey@oxfordshire.gov.uk