Job Title: Compliance Officer/Funding Coordinator
Reports to: Contracts and Funding Manager
Salary: Up to £36,000
Location: Liverpool/Hybrid
Purpose of the Role
The Compliance Officer will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Individualised Learner Records (ILR), including the monthly statutory return to the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA). You will ensure all data and claims are accurate, compliant, and submitted on time, supporting apprenticeship, Skills Bootcamp, and other funded provision.
This role also involves overseeing elements of learner funding, employer payments, and compliance processes. You will have line management responsibilities, with full support and guidance provided if you are new to managing a team.
With clear career progression opportunities, this role is designed to develop into an MIS & Compliance Manager position.
Funding Coordinator Duties
* Manage the monthly ILR submission to ESFA, including collation and preparation of learner data.
* Monitor, analyse, and validate learner data to ensure accuracy in ILR returns, using validation reports such as PDSAT.
* Liaise with ESFA and other external agencies on ILR-related matters.
* Maintain and update learner record systems, apprenticeship service, and other management systems to reflect learner changes in time for submission deadlines.
* Oversee the enrolment process for Skills Bootcamp learners, including registration and milestone claim tracking.
* Provide oversight of the Exams Officer function (exam bookings and certification).
* Maintain a strong understanding of funding rules and communicate implications of changes to the team.
* Produce ad-hoc reports to validate and monitor MI system data.
* Work with colleagues to develop systems and processes that improve learner record accuracy and compliance.
* Collaborate closely with Finance and Curriculum teams to ensure successful delivery of administrative requirements for apprenticeships and Skills Bootcamps.
* Stay up to date with ESFA guidance, attend training, and engage in ongoing development.
* Undertake other duties as required to support organisational needs.
Person Specification
Education / Training
* Strong general education.
* Minimum Level 2 IT qualification.
Experience (Essential)
* Experience of submitting external data returns or working with large data sets.
* Knowledge of ILR returns or experience submitting data to the ESFA.
* Experience working with apprenticeships.
* Experience using learner record systems within the FE or independent training sector.
Experience (Desirable)
* Knowledge of ESFA funding rules.
Skills / Aptitudes
* Excellent IT skills, particularly Microsoft Office.
* Strong communication skills, able to explain complex data issues clearly.
* High accuracy and attention to detail.
* Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
* Ability to work independently, problem solve, and escalate issues when needed.
* Experience of working effectively under pressure and adapting quickly to change.
* Proven ability to create tracking systems and spreadsheets for data monitoring and compliance.
* Team player with a flexible and proactive approach