Contracts Officer

The Education People - Schools Finance Service

Ref: 1597

Posted: 14/05/2024 Start Date: TBC

Interview Date: 27th and 28th June

Pay: £27,642 - £33,098

Close Date: 14/06/2024 at 14:00

Job Description

The Education People have an exciting new opportunity for a Contracts Officer to join their Schools Financial Services Team.
You will provide a range of flexible traded finance support services for schools, academies and Multi Academy Trusts (MAT’s) countywide which support and ensure sound financial planning, financial integrity and budgetary control.

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

Key Duties:

• Deliver and support contracts as defined in the relevant contract specification documentation and agreed with schools, academies and MAT’s. This will include providing support and sound financial management advice to schools, to include 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. 

What we need from you:

• Financial qualification or experience 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
• Strong customer relationship skills
• Research, analytical and interpretive skills
• The ability to travel across a wide geographical area in a timely and flexible manner at various times of the day is essential

About Commercial Services Group
Commercial Services Group (CSG) is one of the largest providers of public sector and education procurement services globally, with revenues of c£500M, 1800 staff and six trading divisions: Global Education Supplies, Procurement, Energy & Carbon, Community Services, Professional Services and People Services. Wholly owned by Kent County Council, CSG supports over 15,000 customers in 86 countries and collaborates with a supply chain of c1,000 suppliers.

Contact Information

Telephone: 03301651177

Email: diane.laker@theeducationpeople.org

Documents

• Job Description and Person Specification - Microsoft Word 2007 document, 45.2KB