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, life assurance, and tailored development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education while building your finance career.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in Finance or relevant experience; strong customer skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with excellent growth potential and commitment to diversity.
The predicted salary is between 27642 - 27642 £ per year.
Location: Aylesford / Hybrid
Salary/package: £27,642 per annum
Contract type: Permanent
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.
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 per annum.
- 25 days annual leave, plus your birthday off.
- Life assurance cover (4x salary).
- Pension scheme with 4% employer contribution.
- Additional benefits including retail and gym discounts, health cash plan and cycle to work scheme.
- Volunteer days and access to a comprehensive wellbeing programme.
- Tailored learning and development support with real opportunities to progress.
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 Larkfield employer: Commercial Services
Contact Detail:
Commercial Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Officer in Larkfield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education finance sector on LinkedIn or at local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching common finance officer questions and practicing your answers. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and showcase your skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance of landing that Finance Officer role! We’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in education finance, so don’t miss out on the opportunity.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Officer in Larkfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Finance Officer role. Highlight any relevant experience or qualifications you have in finance, especially if you've worked in education before. We want to see how you can contribute to our team!
Show Your Passion: Let us know why you're excited about working in financial services within the education sector. Share your enthusiasm for supporting schools and helping them achieve financial stability. A genuine passion can really make your application stand out!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforward communication, so don’t be afraid to show your personality while being professional.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures that your application gets to the right place quickly and efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy to do! Just follow the prompts and submit your details.
How to prepare for a job interview at Commercial Services
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your financial knowledge, especially around budgeting and accounting principles. Familiarise yourself with common finance systems and software that schools might use, as this will show your enthusiasm and readiness to dive into the role.
✨Showcase Your Customer Skills
Since the role involves working closely with schools, be prepared to discuss how you’ve built strong relationships in previous roles. Think of examples where you’ve provided excellent support or resolved issues effectively, as this will highlight your customer relationship skills.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect questions that may involve real-life scenarios related to financial tasks. Practice explaining how you would assist with budget preparation or handle a financial compliance issue, as this will demonstrate your analytical and interpretive skills.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions about the team dynamics or the specific challenges schools face financially. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute effectively.