FINANCIAL ASSURANCE OFFICER

Cyngor Caerdydd/Cardiff Council; Cardiff; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Cardiff Council’s Education Catering Service is seeking a Financial Assurance Officer to oversee financial data integrity across 115 schools. You will develop internal controls, perform audits, monitor budgets and drive cost reduction and income generation in a dynamic education environment.

The role emphasizes analytical thinking, robust financial procedures, and strong communication with stakeholders to ensure transparency and accountability.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in financial assurance or auditing, preferably in the public sector.
• Strong analytical and problem solving capabilities with high attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and improve financial assurance processes across Education Catering sites.
• Conduct comprehensive audit checks to verify data integrity and budget monitoring.
• Identify financial risks and implement corrective actions; drive cost efficiencies and income generation.

Skills

Financial auditing

Analytical skills

Stakeholder engagement

Attention to detail

Job description

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and young people? Do you have the vision and drive to be part of a dynamic team in delivering high-quality school meals? Cardiff Council’s Education Catering Service, provide over 28,000 nutritious meals daily across 115 primary, secondary and special education schools, supporting the educational attainment and well-being of our children and young people.

About the job

At Cardiff's Schools Meals Service, we believe that every child deserves access to healthy, delicious meals that fuel their learning and growth. Our mission is to enhance the educational experience of children and young people across Cardiff by ensuring they receive the best possible nutrition, delivered within a robust financial assurance framework.

Our vision is to enhance the financial integrity and transparency of our operations, ensuring that resources are used efficiently and effectively. As the Financial Assurance Officer, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing and enhancing our financial assurance processes. You will ensure all service-based financial data is consistently recorded, accurate, and complete across all sites, whilst developing and maintaining a robust framework of internal controls to ensure compliance with financial procedure rules and proper use of resources.

You will undertake comprehensive audit checks to verify the integrity of financial data and support the review and validation of the service budget monitoring position, identify financial risks, and implement corrective actions. You will also support the strategic approach of Education Catering and drive efficiencies across the service, including cost reduction and increased income generation.

We Will Offer You

• Impactful Work: Be part of a service that directly contributes to the financial integrity and success of Cardiff Council.
• Professional Growth: Opportunities for career development and training in a supportive environment.
• Collaborative Culture: Work with a dedicated team committed to excellence and integrity.

What We Are Looking For From You

We are seeking someone with proven experience in financial assurance or auditing, preferably within the public sector. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential, along with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to maintaining high standards of financial integrity. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, and the ability to navigate a dynamic environment with adaptability and professionalism

Additional information

For further information or an informal discussion about this post, please contact Judith Gregory, Education Catering Business Manager, [e-mail] .

This post is suitable for post share.

This post is temporary until 31/08/2027.

Internal candidates who wish to apply for this position on a secondment basis must obtain approval prior to application using Form SEC1 (4.C.081). Requests may only be approved by the relevant Director/ Assistant Director/ Chief Officer or senior nominated officer graded no lower than OM2 or in the case of schools based staff the Headteacher / Governing Body.

Appointment to this post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a Child Workforce Barred List check.

Safeguarding and Child Protection are key priorities for the Council. We aim to support children and vulnerable adults to ensure they are as safe as they can possibly be. Our services and schools are committed to ensuring the safety and protection of all children and vulnerable adults, and will take action to safeguard their well-being, and acknowledge that children and vulnerable adults have a right to protection. This is supported in the general ethos of the Council and all schools.

We understand you might use AI and other resources for your application; however, please ensure all information you provide is factually accurate, truthful, original and does not include ideas or work that is not your own.

We welcome applications in both English and Welsh. Applications received in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than English applications.

Job Category Catering / Cleaning / Caretaking

Department Education & Lifelong Learning

Working Pattern/Contract Type Full Time Temporary