At a Glance
- Tasks: Support schools with financial activities and gain hands-on experience in education finance.
- Company: Join The Education People, a leader in education support services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days leave, hybrid working, and pension scheme.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in Finance or relevant experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 27642 - 33098 £ per year.
Location: Aylesford / Hybrid
Salary/package: £27,642 - £33,098 per annum (pro rata)
Contract type: Up to 18 month fixed term contract (maternity cover)
Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week
Are you looking to start your career in financial services within the education sector? Join a supportive and well-established team that works closely with schools across Kent. As a Finance Officer, you’ll support day‑to‑day financial activities, gain practical experience and build your confidence in education finance, with training and guidance from experienced colleagues to help you develop your skills.
Who we are
The Education People, part of Commercial Services Group, have been supporting people to deliver the things that matter to the lives of children for many years and can proudly say that each of our education services is brought to you by experts in their field. Our expertise ranges from safeguarding to equality & inclusion, from financial management to professional development alongside a whole range of other areas. Wherever it’s possible to provide education support services, we are committed to doing just that - whether it’s expert training, online education events or downloadable resources.
Why this role matters
The Finance Officer supports schools and academies with day‑to‑day financial tasks, helping with financial planning, monitoring and compliance activities. The role involves working closely with schools to provide practical support and reliable financial services, contributing to their overall financial stability. This support helps schools focus on delivering quality education.
What you’ll be doing
- Provide on-site support to schools by assisting with processing, budget preparation, monthly monitoring and year end account closure, with guidance and support from the wider team.
- Escalate any contracts to the Senior Contracts Officers regarding all financial issues in schools and academies.
- Assist schools and academies with the day-to-day use of their financial and management accounting systems. This will include helping to gather information and support the preparation of statutory and ad hoc financial returns, as well as assisting with basic checks and submissions under the supervision of more experienced team.
- Work on the helpdesk to provide remote support to schools and academies.
- Support the delivery of all business requirements of Schools Financial Services.
What we’re looking for
- Level 3 qualification in Accounting, Finance, related subject, or equivalent experience in a finance-based role (candidates working towards a relevant qualification will also be considered).
- Knowledge of finance systems and accounting software (desirable).
- Ability to work alone and as part of a team.
- Strong customer relationship skills.
- Research, analytical and interpretive skills.
- Full UK Driving Licence and access to your own vehicle.
What you’ll get in return
- Salary of £27,642 - £33,098 per annum (pro rata for duration of contract).
- 25 days annual leave, rising to 27 after four years (pro rata for duration of contract).
- One concessionary day during the Christmas period.
- Pension scheme with 4% employer contribution.
- Life assurance cover.
Inclusion & Accessibility
We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We encourage applications from suitably qualified people of all backgrounds. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our application and interview process; please let us know if you require any.
Finance Officer in Aylesford employer: Commercial Services Group
The Education People, part of Commercial Services Group, is an exceptional employer that offers a supportive work environment for Finance Officers in Aylesford. With a strong focus on employee development, you will receive training and guidance from experienced colleagues while enjoying benefits such as a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and hybrid working options. Join a team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the education sector, where your contributions directly support schools and academies across Kent.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Officer in Aylesford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector or finance world. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities you might not find on job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Show us that you understand what The Education People stands for and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions. We want to hear about your experience and how it relates to the Finance Officer role, so be ready to share specific examples.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Officer in Aylesford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Officer role. Highlight any relevant experience or qualifications you have in finance, accounting, or customer service. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about working in education finance and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it concise but engaging – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to mention your analytical and interpretive skills in your application. If you have experience with finance systems or accounting software, let us know! We’re keen to see how you can support our schools.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Commercial Services Group
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your financial knowledge, especially around budgeting and accounting principles. Be ready to discuss how you would assist schools with their financial planning and monitoring, as this will show your understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Customer Skills
Since strong customer relationship skills are key for this position, prepare examples of how you've successfully interacted with clients or colleagues in the past. Think about times when you resolved issues or provided support, as this will highlight your ability to work closely with schools.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Financial Systems
If you have experience with finance systems or accounting software, be sure to mention it. If not, do a bit of research on common tools used in education finance. This will demonstrate your initiative and eagerness to learn.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the team you'll be working with. Inquire about the types of financial challenges schools face or how the team collaborates. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
