What's involved with this role: Job Title: Placement Information and Payments Officer Ref: Hackney 121864 Pay rate: £20.58 per hour PAYE Hours per week: 37 Hours per week - TBC Role length: Anticipated 4 months The role: We are seeking a Placement Information & Payments Officer to provide a professional, customer focused, efficient and effective financial transaction service and to contribute to the delivery of a wide range of financial processing functions by inputting data, validating data, analysing evidence and maintaining accurate and detailed records. You will need to be a detail-oriented individual with an understanding of basic financial accounting and sound understanding of Financial Regulations and Standing Orders in local government as well as having experience of maintaining financial and administrative systems. Key responsibilities: Manage scheduled and ad-hoc payment runs using the Council’s finance and case management systems, ensuring timely and accurate payments to carers, suppliers, and other stakeholders Process and reconcile invoices (both electronic and manual), ensuring compliance with Financial Regulations, HMRC requirements, and internal authorisation protocols Handle changes to care packages, disbursement of savings for care leavers, and recovery of overpayments, ensuring financial accuracy and safeguarding Council interests Act as the first point of contact for internal and external payment-related enquiries, providing clear and accurate advice in person, by phone, and in writing; escalate complex issues as required Monitor financial data through exception reports, undertake regular reconciliations, and support the accrual process during year-end to maintain robust financial records Maintain accurate filing and documentation in line with audit and record-keeping requirements; issue receipts and annual statements to foster carers Liaise proactively with a range of internal and external stakeholders (including budget holders, social workers, suppliers, and foster carers) to support effective placement and payment operations Assist with the preparation of financial management information and statutory returns; support the implementation and testing of new financial systems and deliver relevant staff training Manage the invoicing and debt recovery process, including issuing invoices, contacting debtors, setting up payment arrangements, and following up to ensure resolution Ensure confidentiality and compliance with relevant legislation, HMRC guidance, and accounting standards in all aspects of financial administration What the client is looking for: Understanding of basic financial accounting Good numerical skills and attention to detail An understanding of the financial controls necessary in a large complex organisation Sound understanding of Financial Regulations and Standing Orders in local government Knowledge and understanding of local government and its context, and key, current local government financial issues Proven analytical skills and ability to present financial information clearly Awareness of, and sensitivity to, the needs of vulnerable children and their families Understanding of the role and responsibilities of the children’s services function Experience of maintaining financial and administrative systems Ability to use Microsoft Office to a high standard How to Apply: Quote the Job Title and Reference Number in your application. Submit your CV in Word format. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis—early submission is recommended. We will also add your details to our mail out lists. Please note you may receive details of roles outside of your immediate vicinity, as many candidates are able to relocate temporarily for work. Please disregard any such emails that are not of interest and let us know if you would rather not receive such mailouts and/or if you wish us to delete your details and prefer to apply direct to our advertised roles. If you do not hear from us within three working days, unfortunately your application has not been shortlisted on this occasion. Thank you for your interest in working with us. Please quote the Job Title & Vacancy Reference No. in your application, or we will be unable to match your CV to the role being applied for. JE Please note that clients invariably ask us to strip out contact details from CVs before we submit them for consideration. This is always quicker and easier to do if you send your CV to us in Word format, rather than as a PDF please.