Business Support Finance Assistant required for our public sector client based in Oakham Overview: To provide effective business and operational support to Education Services in its discharge of statutory duties relating to SEN and Inclusion by carrying out administrative and related duties in accordance with Rutland County Council Service area policies and objectives. Main Responsibilities: 1. To lead and provide effective operational support for statutory assessment of Special Educational Needs to meet the Local Authority statutory duties and deliver the Council’s Inclusion Strategy. 2. To lead operational support for the SEN budget process and keep accurate up to date financial systems in order to monitor and report income and expenditure in all areas of activity. 3. To manage and maintain the service Pupil Database. 4. To provide an efficient response service to parents, schools, members of the public and key stakeholders 5. To be responsible for the administration of the special educational needs procedures within the team. To be the main point of contact for all queries in relation to the Education Health and Care Plan process for both parents and professionals. 6. To provide high quality data and reports as requested and to ensure that deadlines for the presentation of reports are met and provide information for FOI and other external agencies. 7. To establish and maintain accurate filing systems, database and maximising the use of available technology. 8. To liaise with the School Transport Officer over provision of special educational needs transport. 9. To be responsible and liaise with parents and Local Authorities for the transition process of data and files for children with special educational needs transferring in and out of Rutland. 10. To be responsible for the timely and accurate submission of the SEN 2 return and other data to the Department for Education. 11. To monitor the Out County budget and agree school payments. 12. To support the Team Manager in effective budget management, organising and raising purchase orders and invoices, and payment of invoices in accordance with contract details. 13. To lead and liaise with Local Authority Officers, schools and colleges including Post 16, for support costs ensuring all High Needs Funding forms are completed and payments are made within agreed timescales. 14. To purchase and organise the delivery of equipment for pupils with special educational needs in liaison with the relevant suppliers, software companies and local authority IT department. 15. To be responsible for organising and reviewing contracts for school placements and keeping accurate and up to date information. 16. Providing interim cover for the Social Inclusion Development Officer with regard to advising parents and other customers on matters and in relation to Education Otherwise and the issue of Performance, Chaperone and Employment Licences. 17. To organise home and off site tuition for pupils being educated out of school due to exclusion or medical need. 18. To manage the efficient organisation and co-ordination of the SEN Panel meetings. 19. To act in accordance with the principles set out in the Employee Code of Conduct and the Council’s Values, recognising the duty of all public sector employees to discharge public functions reasonably and according to the law. Previous experience in a similar role is essential