Brand: The Education People Role: School Support Officer - Financial Services Salary: TEP10 £36,233-£44,751 Location: Aylesford / Hybrid The Education People (TEP), a division of the Commercial Services Group, is committed to delivering services that enhance the educational experience and outcomes for children. We provide expert services in areas like safeguarding, financial management, and professional development. We pride ourselves on offering comprehensive support to schools and educational institutions. The Role Full Time We are seeking a proactive and dedicated School Support Officer to join us. In this role, you will work collaboratively with KCC/TEP officers, supporting vulnerable schools in the Ofsted window, out of delegation, Academising or facing financial challenges. You will provide strategic financial guidance, support and advice to Governors, School Leaders and Finance staff in managing financial challenges. You will support schools with the financial aspects of redundancy and loan applications. Please consider before applying that this role requires regular travel to schools across Kent. Key Duties: Collaborate with KCC and TEP officers, managing high risk scenarios in respect of schools out of delegation, in the Ofsted window, academising, facing closure or any other scenario that poses a financial risk. Deliver proactive strategic financial support, guidance and advice to Governors, Headteachers and finance staff in managing financial challenges and mitigate deficits using early intervention wherever possible. Ensure schools and KCC/TEP are compliant with the KCC Scheme for Financing Schools and the financial controls in respect of the Licensed Deficit Process and in work supporting schools with their financial management. Manage and support the redundancy process for schools, ensuring robust challenge, cost minimisation and compliance with financial controls. Assess the affordability of loan applications, ensuring robust challenge and compliance with financial controls. Contract delivery to at least 1 school as well as urgent and high risk ad-hoc contracts, covering all aspects of budget setting, monthly monitoring, budget recasts and closure of accounts. Provide comprehensive feedback on statutory submissions to schools where there are concerns with financial integrity. Record and maintain accurate school financial data, to inform meetings and management reporting, and to support proactive and early intervention work carried out by the School Support Team. Support the delivery of all business requirements of Schools Financial Services. What we need from you: Proven financial experience is essential, in a school finance department or similar financial role. Strong proficiency in IT, particularly in Microsoft Office packages (Excel). In-depth knowledge of national and local Education finance policies, controls, and procedures. Experience of working with school leaders and finance staff to address financial challenges. Strong numerical, literacy and analytical skills and attention to detail. Ability to work independently and manage your workload while collaborating with a team. Full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle for travel across Kent. In return, we will offer you: 25 days holiday (rising to 30 for long service), plus bank holidays Cycle to work scheme Life assurance cover Access to Kent Rewards A culture of progression and development Flexible working arrangements About Commercial Services Group: Commercial Services Group (CSG) is the largest, local authority-owned trading company (LATCO) in the UK, wholly owned by Kent County Council. With over £800m in revenue per annum, CSG provides services to more than 16,000 education and public sector customers globally and is striving to be recognised as a global leader in education and public sector services