Job Introduction
Finance Officer (Ref: SEN/26/026/EM)
Directorate: People: Children and Adults
Department: Education and SEND
Salary: Range MPR3 Level A (£26,654 per annum)
Job Status: Full time permanent
Hours: 37 per week
Location: Gun Wharf
Hybrid – Works part from Gun Wharf (Pembroke Court whilst renovations are undertaken) and part from home.
Subject to BPSS Checks: Yes
Closing Date: 2nd August 2026
Are you highly organised, detail-oriented, and passionate about supporting services that make a difference in the lives of children and young people? We are looking for a dedicated Finance Officer to join our busy Finance Team within the Education and SEND service.
About the Role
As a Finance Officer, you will play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of our payments to Early Years providers. You will provide high-quality administrative support across a wide range of activities, acting as the first point of contact for providers and internal stakeholders. Your work will help ensure that statutory processes are met and that communication with stakeholders is timely, accurate, and professional.
This is a hybrid role and you will be working in the office 5 days each fortnight.
Key Responsibilities
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Provide administrative support to the Early Years Funding Officer, including managing data, payments, and confidential enquiries.
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Act as the initial point of contact for providers, ensuring a welcoming and responsive service.
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Maintain accurate records of communications and data.
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Ensure effective communication with internal and external stakeholders, promoting the values of Medway Council.
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Assist in the preparation of statutory returns and documentation for early years processes.
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Uphold GDPR and data protection standards in all aspects of work.
What we are Looking For
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Strong administrative and organisational skills with attention to detail.
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams).
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
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Ability to manage sensitive information with confidentiality and professionalism.
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Experience in a customer-facing or administrative role.
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Knowledge of early years entitlement and funding processes.
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Understanding of GDPR, equality and diversity, and safeguarding responsibilities.
Why Join Us?
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Be part of a team that supports positive outcomes for children and young people.
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Work in a collaborative and supportive environment.
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Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
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Contribute to Medway’s commitment to inclusion, safeguarding, and service excellence.
The successful post holder will be subject to a standard DBS check.
Shortlisting will take place on 3rd August 2026
Interviews will be held w/c 10th August 2026
If you would like to have an informal discussion with the recruiting manager please call Leanda Arnold on 01634 331382
Career Progression Frameworks (CPF) have been introduced for all roles at Medway Council. These frameworks provide a mechanism for employees to take ownership of their development within their post and be rewarded accordingly. This means that the salary you will be offered will be at level A unless, based on an assessment against the CPF criteria, you demonstrate that you are meeting the criteria of level B or C. There will be further opportunity once in post to progress from level A to B, and B to C.
When writing your application, it is important to ensure you identify your suitability against the requirements of the job profile, as this information will be used for shortlisting and may contribute to the CPF assessment. Your application may be rejected if the minimum required criteria is not met. Further information relating to the requirements for this role can be found in the CPF Guidance document attached.
The person specification of a job profile is split into three levels:
Level A details the essential criteria that all applicants must be able to demonstrate through their application and interview.
Level B details the developed competencies that an individual who is practised in this role would be able to demonstrate and will be a progression of knowledge, experience and skills from level A.
Level C requires the highest level of competence and applicants would need to fully meet and demonstrate all aspects of the job profile, including qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience.
Level A
SEND are seeking a Finance Officer to join the team at level A. This is the entry point of the role, so you will need to be able to demonstrate the relevant knowledge, experience and skills to get you started, but you will be supported to develop in your role through induction, probation and a supportive Performance Appraisal and Career Conversation. All elements of level A listed within the person specification are essential. Through your induction you will be introduced to the Career Progression Framework (CPF), which will help you to identify your areas of strength and any development needs.
Important Information-
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Applicants must be able to demonstrate all criteria at level A which are essential for appointment to the role.
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Medway Council is not able to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship, so candidates must already possess the right to work in the UK.
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For further information, and for details of the benefits of working for Medway Council, please refer to the Medway information pack available as a download or to view online.
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Please be advised that if you are not contacted within 3 weeks of the advert closing date then you have not been shortlisted. All recruitment correspondence, including interview letters and contracts of employment will usually be sent out via email.
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Please note, we prioritise applications from current Medway Council redeployees. We will let you know if this post is to be filled by a redeployee as, in this instance, your application will unfortunately not be taken forward.
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We reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time prior to the closing date.
Please visit http://www.mindfulemployer.net/ for information on how Medway Council put good practices in place to ensure employees and job applicants who declare mental health issues receive the right level of support.
