[Hiring] Compliance & Funding Manager @KnowledgeBrief

Role Description

Reporting to the Head of Apprenticeships & Training, the Compliance & Funding Manager will lead KnowledgeBrief’s apprenticeship compliance, onboarding, funding assurance and learner data function. You will manage the team and make sure funding claims are accurate, supported by clear evidence and ready for scrutiny. As our technical lead for apprenticeship funding assurance, you will lead our response to DfE funding audits and work closely with Finance, Delivery, Quality, Curriculum, Sales and Digital.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead KnowledgeBrief’s response to DfE funding audits and appointed external auditors, including audit preparation, learner samples, evidence requests, fieldwork responses, findings and follow-up actions.
• Plan and deliver internal funding assurance reviews, mock audits and learner file sampling. Investigate errors, identify whether issues are systemic and assess potential funding exposure with Finance.
• Own the monthly and year-end ILR cycle, from data collection and validation through reconciliation, submission and review of funding and acceptance reports.
• Maintain accurate learner and funding records across PICS, KBPro, the apprenticeship service and internal systems, resolving discrepancies and keeping a clear audit trail.
• Oversee learner eligibility, prior learning, onboarding evidence, apprenticeship agreements, training plans, assessment registrations and gateway checks, ensuring claims are supported and learners are ready for assessment.
• Lead and develop compliance, onboarding and data colleagues, setting clear priorities and maintaining cover around learner starts, submission deadlines and assessment activity.
• Translate funding rule changes into practical processes, controls, templates and guidance, and work with teams to make sure changes are applied consistently.
• Work with Finance to reconcile funding earnings, receipts and adjustments, monitor co-investment and additional payments, and resolve funding risks or discrepancies.
• Maintain the compliance risk register and audit action tracker, reporting findings, corrective actions and potential funding exposure to the Head of Apprenticeships & Training and senior leaders.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience leading a training provider’s response to an external apprenticeship funding assurance audit carried out by DfE, ESFA or an appointed audit firm, including auditor liaison, evidence, findings and corrective actions.
• Practical experience designing and carrying out internal funding audits, testing learner evidence and controls, investigating systemic errors and assessing potential funding exposure.
• Substantial experience in apprenticeship funding, compliance, learner data or MIS, including accurate monthly ILR returns and year-end processes, plus current knowledge of funding rules, ILR specifications, apprenticeship service requirements and funding evidence.
• Experience managing compliance, onboarding or learner data colleagues and prioritising work against recurring deadlines.
• Experience reconciling funding with Finance and understanding employer co-investment, levy transfers, additional payments and evidenced learning support claims.
• Knowledge of apprenticeship onboarding, prior learning, off-the-job training, gateway and assessment administration, and how delivery evidence supports funded data.
• Strong analytical, spreadsheet and data management skills, with the ability to investigate inconsistencies and present findings clearly.
• Level 2 English and maths qualifications, or equivalent, and evidence of continuing professional development in apprenticeship funding, compliance or learner data.

Requirements

• A relevant qualification in business administration, data management, finance or compliance, or equivalent professional development.
• A management qualification, or training in audit, data protection or process improvement.
• Experience supporting Ofsted preparation and working with an in-house learner management platform.

Interpersonal Fit

• Uses sound judgement and constructive challenge to protect learners, funding and the organisation.
• Communicates technical requirements clearly and builds effective relationships across different teams.
• Takes ownership of detail and deadlines while keeping sight of the learner journey.
• Leads colleagues with clarity, care and a commitment to their development.
• Is curious, collaborative and committed to the joy of learning and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• 5.6 weeks’ annual leave
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Dedicated monthly CPD days on successful completion of probation
• Two weeks’ paid time off over Christmas and New Year on successful completion of probation
• Company sick pay on successful completion of probation
• Opportunities to contribute to cross-team projects and organisational growth
• A remote-first environment with opportunities to connect in person

Application Process

• Submit your CV using the application link for this advert by Monday 9 November 2026.
• Initial screening with the People & Culture Team
• Interview stage(s) with the hiring team
• Final decision and feedback