Compliance Officer

S Knights Recruitment; Leeds; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

S Knights Recruitment is seeking a Data, MI & Compliance Officer to oversee contract data, reporting and compliance for government-funded programmes in Leeds. The role demands strong Excel skills, data quality focus and audit readiness to ensure accurate records and timely funder reporting.

You will produce dashboards, manage donor requirements, and support internal audits. Familiarity with UK GDPR and funding rules is essential, with a proactive approach to safeguarding data.

Qualifications

• Significant experience managing data, MI or funding returns for government-funded contracts.
• A Level 3 Business Administration qualification or equivalent.
• GCSE English and Maths at grade 4/C or above, or equivalent Level 2 qualifications.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and excellent attention to detail.
• Experience validating data, carrying out compliance checks and preparing accurate reports to strict deadlines.
• Knowledge of UK GDPR, data protection and secure handling of personal information.
• Knowledge of funding rules, contract requirements, eligible expenditure and audit processes.

Responsibilities

• Maintaining contract data across internal systems and subcontracted provision, ensuring records are accurate and up to date.
• Managing referrals and checking eligibility, validity and potential duplicates.
• Preparing monthly funder reports, contractual returns and participant journey information.
• Validating and reconciling reports before submission with audit trails.
• Monitoring contractual notifications and changes to participant records.
• Conducting compliance checks on files and following up on corrective actions.
• Reviewing wage and employment evidence to meet contractual requirements.
• Supporting Finance with contract claims and reconciliation of delivery and financial records.
• Identifying potential fraud or irregularities and escalating concerns.
• Collecting MI from subcontractors and carrying out sample file audits.
• Producing dashboards and performance reports for senior management.
• Preparing data for funder reviews, assurance visits and external audits.
• Ensuring data security under UK GDPR and data protection policies.

Skills

Advanced Excel

Data management

MI reporting

Audit readiness

UK GDPR knowledge

Data validation

Education

A Level 3 Business Administration qualification

GCSE English & Maths (4/C)

Tools

Power BI

SQL

Case management systems

Job description

Compliance Officer (MIS, Data) – Government-Funded Contracts

Salary: £30,000 - £32,000

Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Ensure Accuracy, Compliance and Accountability Across Funded Programmes

Are you an experienced data and compliance professional with a background in government-funded contracts, management information (MI) or funding administration?

We are looking for a Data, MI & Compliance Officer to take responsibility for maintaining accurate contract data, monitoring compliance and producing management information across education, skills and employability provision.

This is an important role for someone with strong analytical skills, advanced Excel knowledge and an excellent understanding of data quality, funding requirements and audit processes. You will work independently of frontline delivery teams, helping to ensure that contract records, reporting and supporting evidence meet funder requirements.

About the Organisation

Our client is an established Further Education and skills provider delivering education, training and employment support through government-funded programmes and partnership arrangements.

The organisation is committed to maintaining high standards of data accuracy, funding compliance and accountability across its provision and delivery partners.

About the Role

As the Data, MI & Compliance Officer, you will oversee contract data, reporting and compliance processes, ensuring that information is accurate, complete, secure and ready for audit.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Maintaining contract data across internal systems and subcontracted provision, ensuring participant, employer, vacancy and job records are accurate and up to date.
• Managing referrals and checking eligibility, validity and potential duplicate records.
• Preparing monthly funder reports, contractual returns and participant journey information to required deadlines.
• Validating and reconciling reports before submission, maintaining clear audit trails.
• Monitoring contractual notifications, including participant starts, attendance, changes and leavers.
• Conducting compliance checks on participant and employer files, identifying missing evidence and following up on corrective actions.
• Reviewing wage and employment outcome evidence to ensure it meets contractual requirements.
• Supporting Finance with contract claims, expenditure statements and reconciliation of delivery and financial records.
• Identifying potential fraud, irregularities, duplicate funding and inaccurate claims, escalating concerns appropriately.
• Collecting and validating management information from subcontractors and carrying out sample file audits.
• Producing dashboards, performance reports and exception analysis for senior management.
• Preparing data and evidence for funder reviews, assurance visits and external audits.
• Ensuring all personal and contract data is handled securely and in accordance with UK GDPR and data protection legislation.
• Supporting internal audits, quality reviews and contract close-down activities.
• Providing guidance to delivery teams and subcontractors on data entry, evidence requirements and reporting processes.
• Supervising and supporting the development of a DIS Administrator Apprentice.

The Ideal Candidate

You will be a highly organised and analytical professional with experience managing data, management information or funding returns within government-funded programmes.

You will ideally have:

• Significant experience managing data, MI or funding returns for government-funded contracts, particularly within DWP or education and skills provision.
• A Level 3 Business Administration qualification or equivalent.
• GCSE English and Maths at grade 4/C or above, or equivalent Level 2 qualifications.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and excellent attention to detail.
• Experience validating data, carrying out compliance checks and preparing accurate reports to strict deadlines.
• A good understanding of UK GDPR, data protection and the secure handling of personal information.
• Knowledge of funding rules, contract requirements, eligible expenditure and audit processes.
• The ability to identify discrepancies, investigate irregularities and communicate compliance issues clearly.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities while maintaining accuracy.
• High levels of integrity, confidentiality and professional judgement.

Experience with DWP employment programmes, Power BI, SQL, case management systems, fraud prevention or controls assurance reviews would be advantageous. Previous experience supervising or supporting colleagues would also be beneficial.

Please note: The successful candidate will be required to complete the relevant pre-employment checks and safeguarding requirements