Funding Assurance - Assistant Manager (4821)

MAZARS LIMITED; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading professional services network seeks an Assistant Manager for their Funding Assurance team in Birmingham. This role involves coordinating funding assurance reviews, ensuring compliance with funding regulations, and supervising junior team members, providing ample opportunities for career growth within a supportive hybrid work environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary and employee benefits

Qualifications

• Knowledge of funding assurance reviews and DfE funding rules.
• Experience in supervising teams during reviews.
• Ability to build client relationships and maintain quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and support the work programme for funding assurance.
• Lead funding assurance reviews, including client liaison and feedback.
• Train and supervise junior team members.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Leadership skills

Attention to detail

Education

ACA, CA, ACCA, IIA (or equivalent)

Job description

Funding Assurance - Assistant Manager (4821)

Introduction to our Funding Assurance team

Education providers can obtain funding from central government agencies such as the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), which became part of the Department for Education (DfE) on 01/04/2025. The DfE also devolves adult education funding, now called the adult skills fund, to Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCAs), including the Greater London Authority (GLA). This includes funding for 16 to 19 study programmes, T Levels, apprenticeships, adult education, community learning, and other initiatives.

The Funding Assurance team examines and monitors data reported to the ESFA, DfE, GLA, and MCAs to identify possible errors in funding claims by education providers for post-16 delivery. The team helps ensure government funding is used as intended and recovers improper claims.

The role involves working with the Funding Assurance Partner, Manager, and team to plan and deliver funding assurance reviews. The team is supported by the wider Public and Social Sector Risk Consulting team, providing opportunities for growth and development.

We operate in a hybrid working model, with roles based in Nottingham, London, Manchester, or Birmingham, and require travel as needed.

The Assistant Manager reports to the Manager, Director, and Partner responsible for Public Services within Risk Consulting.

Role & Responsibilities

• Coordinate and support the work programme for funding assurance
• Lead funding assurance reviews from planning to reporting, including assessing financial impacts
• Perform fieldwork, liaise with clients, and lead feedback meetings
• Train and supervise junior team members during reviews
• Build strong relationships with clients and ensure issues are addressed promptly
• Maintain quality and regulatory standards in all work
• Contribute to training, methodology development, and business development

Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• Knowledge of funding assurance reviews, PDSATs, and ILR data
• Understanding of DfE, GLA, and MCA funding rules and regulations
• Qualified or experienced in relevant professional qualifications (e.g., ACA, CA, ACCA, IIA)
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills
• Attention to detail and analytical skills
• Ability to develop initiatives and support team development

About Forvis Mazars

Forvis Mazars is a global professional services network operating in over 100 countries, committed to delivering quality audit, assurance, tax, and advisory services. We foster a diverse, inclusive culture that encourages ownership, teamwork, and innovation. We support our people to reach their full potential and are dedicated to making our recruitment process accessible and inclusive.

Visit forvismazars.com/uk to learn more.

• Competitive salary and employee benefits