Business Finance Officer

The Business Support Officer is part of the Children in Care Service Business Support Team. The role is based at Perceval House in Ealing and is a full-time 35 hours per week position. Hybrid working will be an option once training and induction have taken place. The Business Support Team provides high quality financial support and reporting of financial/budgetary information to the Children's Management Team. The team is responsible for:

• processing, monitoring and reporting of payments for Looked After Children and Care Leavers' placements both in-house and those placed with external suppliers
• payments for short break/respite placements for Children with Additional Needs
• payments for the department's external interpreter services
• payments to our in-house carers and vulnerable young people
• processing financial assessments for children placed with family members or with other responsible adults
• payments to families and vulnerable YP using an Allpay card system (training will be provided) You will be responsible for:
• processing payments via a monthly payment schedule and following up on related finance queries for all care providers of childrens placements
• processing of weekly and monthly payments to external providers and in-house carers
• processing daily payments using an Allpay card system
• providing cover as and when required within the Business Support Team
• maintaining and updating the Children's client index database (Mosaic)
• attending and minuting monthly and half-yearly panel meetings Are you:
• able to work to agreed timescales and deadlines
• a flexible and organized person who can follow, develop and review systems and procedures
• a team player that can contribute and work as part of a busy team, meet challenges and work under pressure You must be able to demonstrate that you have:
• Substantial financial and administrative experience gained in a financial environment/role
• Working knowledge and ability to work in accordance with financial and audit regulations
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with people at all levels on the telephone, face-to-face and in all written communication
• Good numeracy skills with an eye for detail
• IT skills at Advanced level of Microsoft Excel and Word Shortlisted candidates will be expected to complete a test prior to their interview taking place. It is an exciting time to join us, here at Ealing Council. If you would like to make a positive difference to our residents and borough, then we're looking forward to hearing from you. In your supporting statement, you need to provide examples of how you meet each of the criteria listed in the person specification section of the role profile. Please provide clear and specific examples. We do not accept CVs. Any applications received with a CV attached and without a supporting statement will not be considered. Please note that this position is subject to Ealing Council's enhanced vetting process. You must have the right to work in the UK. Evidence for the right to work in the UK will be requested at the interview stage. Please note all applications will be determined on merit. Closing date: 21 October 2026