At a Glance
- Tasks: Support schools with financial planning and management to ensure quality education delivery.
- Company: Join a leading public sector service provider dedicated to supporting education across Kent.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, life assurance, pension contributions, and wellness programmes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in school finance and knowledge of accounting software is essential.
- Other info: Flexible working options and opportunities for professional growth await you.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Aylesford/ Hybrid
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week (may consider term time only)
Join a trusted team supporting schools across Kent with financial services that keep education on track. As a Contracts Officer, you’ll be playing a key role in ensuring sound financial planning and control. This is a great chance to develop your career in a supportive environment with one of the UK’s leading public sector service providers.
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.
The Contracts Officer plays a key role in supporting education centres with accurate financial planning, monitoring and compliance. By delivering expert advice and services, the role helps ensure financial stability and accountability across the education sector. It’s essential for enabling schools to focus on delivering quality education.
- Deliver and support contracts as defined in the relevant contract specification documentation and agreed with schools, academies and MAT’s.
- Provide support and sound financial management advice to schools, including full bursarial, returns & monitoring and adhoc contracts on processing, budget preparation, monthly monitoring and closure of accounts.
- Liaise with the Senior Contracts Officers regarding all financial issues in schools and academies, identifying and informing the senior management of the school/academy and the Senior Contracts Officer of any concerns and relevant budgetary issues.
- Provide support and guidance to schools and academies on their chosen financial and management accounting package ensuring the production of both statutory and ad hoc financial returns as well as their timely submittal.
- Provide advice, support and guidance to contracted schools and academies in relevant financial matters, including regular duties on the Helpdesk.
- Support the delivery of all business requirements of Schools Financial Services.
Experience in working in a school finance department.
Knowledge of school finance systems and accounting software.
A good understanding of national and local policies, financial controls and procedures.
The ability to travel across a wide geographical area (Kent and Bexley) in a timely and flexible manner at various times of the day is essential.
25 days annual leave ~ 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.
Commercial Services Group (CSG) is the UK’s largest local authority-owned trading company (LATCO), generating over £800 million in revenue and supporting 16,000 education and public sector customers worldwide. With more than 1,800 employees across the UK, France, Dubai and Bangkok, we are working towards becoming the global leader in education and public sector solutions. Our 33 trading businesses deliver a wide range of services including education management, IT, HR, legal, energy, procurement and supplies. CSG is wholly owned by local authorities, and a significant proportion of our profits is reinvested into frontline public services. Over £77 million has already been returned, reflecting our commitment to combining commercial performance with meaningful social impact.
Inclusion & Accessibility
Contracts Work Officer in Aylesford employer: The Education People - Part of Commercial Services Group
Contact Detail:
The Education People - Part of Commercial Services Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Work Officer in Aylesford
✨Tip Number 1
Networking is key! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those who work in finance. Attend local events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of school finance systems and accounting software. Be ready to discuss how you can support schools with financial planning and compliance – they’ll want to see your expertise in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Make sure to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities tailored to your skills and interests.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Work Officer in Aylesford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Contracts Work Officer role. Highlight your experience in school finance and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can bring your unique expertise to our team!
Showcase Your Financial Savvy: Since this role is all about financial planning and control, don’t shy away from showcasing your knowledge of school finance systems and accounting software. We love candidates who can demonstrate their understanding of financial controls and procedures!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the position right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Education People - Part of Commercial Services Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Contracts Work Officer, you'll be dealing with financial planning and management. Brush up on your knowledge of school finance systems and accounting software before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in previous roles and how they can benefit the schools you'll be supporting.
✨Understand the Education Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current national and local policies affecting school finance. This will not only show your commitment to the role but also help you answer questions about how you would navigate financial controls and procedures in the education sector.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
You'll need to liaise with various stakeholders, so practice articulating complex financial concepts in simple terms. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated financial advice to non-financial colleagues or clients in the past.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think of situations where you've had to identify budgetary issues or provide support during financial monitoring. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.