Job Description
Salary £27,269 - £31,067 Per annum | Full time | Permanent | 37 hours per week | Preston
International Sponsorship - this role is open to international sponsorship
Property Service
Job Title: Contract Support Officer (PFI Schools) Area Lancashire
We are currently recruiting:
Lancashire County Council
Here at Lancashire County Council, we are helping to make Lancashire the best place to live, work, visit and prosper. Lancashire is the fourth largest local authority in England and strategic commissioner of education provision to over 170,000 children and young people in 628 schools across the county. Lancashire County Council exists to serve everyone who lives or works in Lancashire. We are committed to developing and celebrating our diverse communities, heritage, and landscape to create a strong sense of place we can all be proud of. Our strategy focuses on four priorities: delivering better services, protecting the environment, supporting economic growth, and caring for the vulnerable.
Role & Responsibilities
The Property Service provides strategic management of Lancashire County Council's property portfolio to ensure that the organisation's property holdings enable the delivery of corporate priorities and service objectives. The successful candidate will provide financial support within the team and play a pivotal role in managing PFI payments and contractual deliverables.
Building Schools for the Future was a capital programme aimed at rebuilding, renewing, and refurbishing the school estate across the country, providing education buildings and ICT facilities for future learning. Developed by central government during the 2000s and funded through the private finance initiative (PFI), each phase is subject to 25-year contracts. In Lancashire, 16 schools and services are currently under these contracts.
* Manage the financial aspects of the PFI contracts for the County Council and contribute to the overall contract management.
* Monitor and process invoices and recharges, raise purchase orders, and ensure accurate entry into the finance system.
* Process payments proactively to ensure prompt and accurate payments to third parties in accordance with contract terms.
* Prepare, track, and reconcile ledgers and budgets, addressing account discrepancies.
* Support PFI contract management and assist colleagues in achieving service outcomes.
* Analyze contract performance against contractual obligations.
* Report and escalate risks or issues, supporting risk management and contributing to statutory performance reviews and projects.
What We Are Looking For
* Experience in financial roles and/or within local authorities, schools, or academies.
* Experience working with multiple stakeholders (internal and external).
* Practical understanding of IT systems, including finance systems and processes.
* Experience organizing meetings and minute-taking.
* Effective time management and prioritization skills.
* Excellent communication skills to meet results and contractual deadlines.
* Commitment to continuous improvement in your area of responsibility.
Application Supporting Statement
Please upload a supporting statement demonstrating how you meet each criterion. The panel may be unable to shortlist you without this evidence. Clearly show how your qualities match the role responsibilities and person specifications. If you possess relevant qualities but do not meet all criteria, demonstrate this in your statement.
Essential Car User
This role requires providing a car for work purposes, insured for business use, with a current and clean driving license. Consideration may be given to applicants unable to drive due to disability.
Why Join Us
Lancashire County Council offers a range of benefits, including:
* Flexible hybrid working arrangements.
* Up to 32 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with additional days at Christmas and options to purchase more leave.
* Benefit packages including discounts, lease schemes, long service awards, and more.
* A generous pension scheme with 16.3% employer contributions and tax-efficient savings options.
* Opportunities for personal and professional development and career progression.
Development & Inclusivity
You will receive support and opportunities for professional growth. Lancashire County Council values diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds to foster an inclusive workplace.
For an informal chat, contact Chelsea Shepherd at Chelsea.Shepherd@lancashire.gov.uk. Interviews will be scheduled later. Internal applicants should apply via Oracle Fusion.
Please ensure your supporting statement is uploaded and attached. The council reserves the right to close the vacancy early if sufficient applications are received.
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