Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend. Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference. Eager to kickstart your career in finance and data while making a positive impact? Join our SEND Finance & Data Team apprenticeship. You'll gain hands-on experience ensuring timely, accurate payments to schools and providers, with opportunities in data analysis and system management—building a strong foundation for your future career. What you’ll be doing: Training in payment systems: Learning to set up new suppliers, raise Purchase Orders, and process invoice payments using the Business World Finance System. Monitoring the SEND case management system: Running reports and performing data checks to ensure accurate data is recorded and reported for budgetary services. Providing customer support: Acting as the first point of contact for SEND payment queries, offering advice and resolving issues via email and phone while working closely with schools, suppliers, and internal teams. We are a Disability Confident employer and offer all applicants who disclose they have a disability when applying a guaranteed interview if they meet the minimum criteria for the job. Our policy is to also offer all Care Leavers within the City who apply for an apprenticeship an interview if they meet the entry requirements. If you are a Care Leaver within the City, please email resourcingsouthend.gov.uk so we can track your application. Essential qualifications GCSE in: Maths and English (grade 4) Skills Communication skills IT skills Attention to detail Organisation skills Customer care skills Problem solving skills Administrative skills Number skills Analytical skills Logical Team working Creative Initiative Patience When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab. If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV. If you would like a copy of either the Job Description or Person Specification emailed to yourself, please contact Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to. All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check. The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.