Placement Information & Payments Officer

Description

Our local government clients in East London require a Placement Information & Payments Officer to provide a professional, customer-focused, efficient, and practical financial transaction service. This role involves contributing to the delivery of a wide range of financial processing functions by inputting data, validating data, analysing evidence, and maintaining accurate and detailed records.

Your key responsibilities will include:

Prepare scheduled and ad-hoc payment cycles from the council's finance and case management systems to ensure that payments are received on time. Allocating and disbursing savings to Children who are no longer Looked After. Address changes to existing care packages and ensure the accuracy of payments being made. Liaise with carers, suppliers and internal/external stakeholders to effectively resolve enquiries and provide comprehensive advice and assistance in writing, by telephone and face to face. Ensure receipts and annual statements are issued to foster carers.

Qualification – Essential

• GCSE Grade (or equivalent) in English Language and Mathematics.
• HNC and/or HND level qualification or equivalent level of experience
• Advanced Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, Outlook, Social Media and CRM.

Qualifications, Knowledge, and Experience Requirements - Criteria to be Evaluated at the Shortlisting Stage.

• Able to plan, prioritise and organise own work in line with the Service Area or Directorate objectives and client requirements.
• Good numerical skills and attention to detail.
• Good written and verbal communication skills with a confident and helpful telephone manner.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office – Word, Excel and PowerPoint to a high standard.
• Ability to deal with situations and information with tact and discretion.
• Ability to build effective working relationships.
• Ability to work as part of a team to promote and maintain coordinated and effective ways of working.
• Proven analytical skills and ability to present financial information clearly, working days each week.
• Understanding of basic financial accounting.
• An understanding of the financial controls necessary in a large, complex organisation.
• Sound understanding of Financial Regulations and Standing Orders in local government.
• Experience of working under pressure in a busy office environment and with tight deadlines.
• Knowledge and understanding of local government and its context, and key current local government financial issues
• Awareness of, and sensitivity to, the needs of vulnerable children and their families
• Understanding of Equal Opportunities and Data Protection legislation
• Knowledge of the role and responsibilities of the children's services function
• Experience in maintaining financial and administrative systems

Essential Compliance Requirements

• 3 Years References
• Enhanced DBS
• A pre-engagement screening is mandatory for this role. Please be prepared for this additional step in the application process.

Diamond Blaque Group, a leading public sector provider, is acting as an employment agency for this vacancy. Our organisation is deeply committed to fostering an environment of equal opportunity and diversity in the workplace.