Senior Funding Scrutiny & Audit Specialist

About the Role

To function as the internal "Third Line of Defence," mimicking the rigour of an external DfE auditor to protect [Employer hidden] from funding clawback. You will execute a continuous schedule of "funding scrutiny” and use data tools to detect and quantify financial liability

What the job involves

• Funding Scrutiny: Execute a continuous schedule of funding scrutiny and FRM analysis, including reporting findings to our Chief Finance Officer and Regulatory Affairs leadership
• PDSAT Analysis: Run and analyse PDSAT (Provider Data Self-Assessment Toolkit) reports to identify data anomalies. You will quantify the financial liability of specific errors to prioritise fixes
• Department Auditing: Conduct targeted audits on specific departments or processes to ensure compliance with funding rules. Lead "Mock Audit" simulations, acting as the primary point of contact for internal teams to "prep" their evidence
• Project Management: Lead and support cross-functional improvement projects
• Quality Control: Perform deep-dive quality checks on ILR data, Change of Circumstance requests, and Break in Learning evidence
• Feedback Loop: Provide critical feedback based on audit findings. Your insights drive improvement
• Improvement Plans: Drive cross-functional improvements in auditability and evidence collection, ensuring we are always "audit-ready." Serve as a subject matter expert during the design phase of new processes and products, ensuring that "auditability" is built into the workflow from the start

Who you are

• Funding Knowledge: Deep understanding of what constitutes valid evidence for apprenticeship funding (e.g., off-the-job training rules). Ability to interpret guidance and apply it to complex learner journeys
• ILR Technical Knowledge: Strong working knowledge and understanding of the ILR Technical Specification
• PDSAT & Data Integrity: Proven experience running and resolving PDSAT reports. They should be able to explain the "why" behind common error reports (e.g., overlapping dates, missing NIH numbers, or 42-day qualifying period breaches)
• Audit Lifecycle Management: Experience in at least one "live" ESFA/DfE financial assurance audit or a robust internal mock audit. They must understand the Evidence Pack requirements for learner and programme eligibility
• Risk Assurance & Strategic Reporting: Able to produce regular reports from complex data into high-level strategic narratives to provide C-Suite and senior leadership with data backed confidence to drive informed, top-down decision making
• Project Management: A proven track record of driving long-term, cross-functional improvement projects
• Data Analysis: Able to transform raw data into actionable insights by leveraging complex formulas, pivot tables, and automated workflows
• Detail Oriented: A forensic eye for detail and experience in auditing and/or quality assurance
• Objectivity: The ability to remain objective and rigorous in checking internal work

Salary Benchmarks

£50k - £130k

Company Information

Upskilling platform for AI and tech adoption

501-1000 employees

B2C, B2B, Artificial Intelligence, Enterprise, Education, Internal tools, Training, SaaS, Social Impact, Product

Company Benefits

Working from abroad

Free access to Wellhub's Starter, Basic and Bronze plans (free gym + more)

M-Powered long weekend to refresh and recharge

A focus on wellbeing with access to Spill therapy support and Employee Assistance Programme

24 days holiday, 3 winter shutdown days plus 1 life event day and 2 volunteer days

Full Medical Insurance coverage through Bupa, and your medical history is disregarded

Life Insurance coverage through AIG. This benefit pays out 3x your base salary to your beneficiaries

Our Cycle to Work scheme enables bike ownership with up to 42% savings

Tech scheme: you can purchase new electronics, including accessories, up to £1,000, and spread the cost through 12 interest-free monthly repayments

Workplace Nursery benefit is provided by Enjoy Benefits and is there to help employees with the cost of childcare at a nursery setting

Application Instructions

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