Funding specialist | busy bees

We have an exciting opportunity for a Funding Specialist to join our Support Team. About us: Busy Bees Aotearoa is a collaborative network of unique early childhood centres right across Aotearoa. Our passionate leaders and kaiako create beautiful learning journeys for the many children we have the privilege of teaching and caring for. About the Role As a Funding Specialist, you’ll play a key role in supporting compliance with Ministry of Education (Mo E) funding requirements. You’ll work closely with Centre Managers, Regional Managers, and our Support Office teams to ensure accurate funding submissions, optimize occupancy, and maintain robust data integrity. You’ll be the go-to expert for funding queries, training, and internal funding audits, helping our centres stay aligned with the Mo E Funding Handbook and other regulatory requirements. You will be responsible for monitoring of specific centres, and a key contact for Regional and Centre managers/administrators for funding compliance support. You can work remotely (with quarterly travel to Auckland) or you can base yourself in our Orewa Support Office. What You’ll Do Partner with centre teams to provide training and support on funding compliance. Monitor and report on funding risks, audits, and occupancy optimization. Ensure accurate and timely submission of Mo E returns (RS7, ECE Census etc). Maintain up-to-date processes and documentation aligned with legislation. Audit enrolment and attendance records to ensure data integrity. Support new centre acquisitions and disposals from a funding perspective. Work collaboratively as part of the Funding team. Success in this role means High quality compliance in centres that is related to government funding. Maximised funding opportunities through optimisation. Funding is received on time. Centre leaders are trained and proficient in administration compliance. External MOE audits are successful with minimal claw-backs. Centres have been reviewed via internal audit to mitigate risk. Strong relationships with centre teams and external partners. What You’ll Bring 5+ years of ECE administration experience. In-depth knowledge of the Mo E ECE Funding Handbook. Strong auditing, compliance, and data integrity skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ECE systems (e.g., Discover, Storypark). Excellent communication and time management skills. A proactive, can-do attitude with a focus on outcomes and continuous improvement. A willingness to be part of a highly collaborative team and for ongoing learning. Why Join Busy Bees? At Busy Bees, we believe in nurturing hearts and minds—starting with our team. You’ll be part of a supportive, purpose-driven organisation that values connection, care, and continuous learning. What can we offer you? Location- in this role you can work remotely (with quarterly travel to Auckland) or from our Support Office based in Orewa. Free parking. Strong team and innovative work culture. Apply now with your cv and cover letter and make a meaningful impact every day. Applicants should have NZ residency valid NZ working visa. We are an accredited employer. Why Work for Busy Bees? If you’re passionate about early learning, Busy Bees is the place to be. Although we are part of a global organisation, our company was founded by three families looking for better, more enriching childcare. Three decades later, we still keep the same values at heart. We know that we couldn’t do what we do without the important people in our teams. We invest in our people and work with them to build career pathways that inspire. #J-18808-Ljbffr