Funding and Compliance Manager

East Lancashire Learning Group; Broadfield; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

Health & wellbeing benefits

Staff recognition scheme

Free on-site parking

Generous annual leave

Job summary

East Lancashire Learning Group is seeking a Funding & Compliance Manager to lead the ILR, funding and compliance function, ensuring accurate and audit-ready learner data across all funding streams. You will manage funding returns and provide expert advice on funding regulations to support strategic planning and decision-making.

The role emphasizes operational leadership and strategic influence, with responsibility for ILR operations, funding claims, compliance assurance and funding returns

Qualifications

• Experience in FE funding, ILR, compliance and data planning.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Experience with ILR systems (e.g., EBS) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead ILR, funding and compliance across funding streams.
• Manage funding returns, claims and reconciliations.
• Advise on funding regulations and ensure audit readiness.
• Support strategic planning with funding analysis and forecasting.

Job description

This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role at the heart of the College's funding, compliance and data management function. As Funding & Compliance Manager, you will lead activities that directly influence funding income, regulatory compliance and organisational performance, ensuring the College maximises funding opportunities while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and accountability. The role offers a unique blend of operational leadership and strategic influence. You will work closely with senior leaders, curriculum teams, finance and MIS colleagues, providing expert funding insight, shaping planning decisions and helping the College navigate an increasingly complex funding landscape. This is also an excellent opportunity for an experienced funding professional to make a tangible impact. With responsibility for ILR operations, funding claims, compliance assurance and key funding returns, you will drive continuous improvement, strengthen data quality and help ensure the College remains financially strong, compliant and well-positioned for future growth. The successful candidate will be primarily based at Accrington and Rossendale College but may be required to travel across sites.

What You Will Be Doing:

• Leading the College's ILR, funding and compliance function, ensuring learner data is accurate, compliant and audit-ready across all funding streams
• Managing funding returns, claims and reconciliations, including ownership of PDSAT, FIS, FRM, Apprenticeship Funding Reports and funding assurance processes
• Providing expert advice on funding regulations and compliance requirements, working closely with Curriculum, Finance, MIS and Quality teams to ensure consistent application of funding rules.
• Supporting strategic planning and decision-making through funding analysis, performance monitoring, forecasting and identification of funding risks and opportunities. Significant experience in FE funding, ILR, compliance, MIS or planning, with a strong understanding of funding rules and assurance requirements.
• Experience of managing learner data returns, data quality processes and funding-related reporting, ideally using EBS or a similar MIS system.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data, identify risks and support informed decision-making.
• An organised and detail-focused individual who can manage competing priorities while maintaining high standards of accuracy, compliance and accountability
• An effective communicator and relationship-builder who can work collaboratively across teams and explain complex funding requirements in a clear and practical way.

What We Offer in Return:

• Generous annual leave allowance, plus Bank Holidays and closure days, and including a two-week closure over the Christmas period.
• Eligibility to join the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Enhanced occupational sick pay scheme and access to family friendly policies and benefits
• A range of health and wellbeing benefits and support
• Staff recognition scheme, including long service awards
• Free on-site parking on all College sites