Finance Officer Apprentice

Location: Hybrid/Aylesford, Kent
Salary/package: £25,948.96 per annum
Contract type: Apprenticeship
Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week

The Education People (TEP) are looking for a positive and solutions-focused individual that is looking to gain hands-on experience, develop confidence with finance systems and grow within a supportive environment. This is an opportunity to build strong foundational finance skills while working with colleagues across a busy and collaborative team.

Who we are

The Education People (TEP), part of Commercial Services Group (CSG) excels in delivering essential services that significantly impact the lives of children. With a team of specialists in various educational fields, they take pride in offering expert-driven services including early years and childcare, equality and inclusion, school improvement and professional development, ensuring comprehensive support for educational institutions.

Why this role matters

The Finance Officer Apprentice will play a key role in supporting accurate financial processing, ensuring customer records, supplier information and billing activities are maintained to a high standard.

This is a role where attention to detail, collaboration and sound judgement are essential, with responsibility for supporting core finance systems and helping colleagues across the organisation.

What you’ll be doing

• Managing customer records within the Contracted Services Billing System to ensure accurate and timely information.

• Supporting the input and updating of packaged and ad‑hoc orders to maintain smooth billing processes.

• Providing customer service support to CSB users to resolve queries and maintain positive relationships.

• Monitoring central mailboxes for PSF and P2P queries to support efficient supplier setup and processing.

• Assisting with debt management activities including issuing monthly statements and following up outstanding invoices.

• Supporting month‑end processes and helping maintain strong internal controls across finance systems.

• Providing financial support to service teams and customers to ensure smooth operational delivery.

• Contributing to general day‑to‑day finance activities and ad‑hoc projects as required.

What we’re looking for

• Level 3 qualification or ideally studying towards AAT qualification.

• Knowledge of finance systems and accounting software is desirable but not essential.

• Excellent organisational, interpersonal and relationship building skills.

• Strong IT skills, particularly use of Microsoft Excel skills and confidence working with computerised records.

• Ability to manage competing deadlines with minimal supervision.

• Commitment to confidentiality and data protection.

What you’ll get in return

• Salary of £25,948.96 per annum.

• 25 days annual leave, rising in line with policy for the role.

• Birthday Day Off.

• One concessionary day during the Christmas period.

• Pension scheme with employer contribution.

• Life assurance cover.

• Access to Learning & Development opportunities via our CSG Academy.

Why CSG?

CSG is the UK’s largest local authority-owned trading company (LATCO), generating over £800 million in revenue per annum and supporting more than 16,000 education and public sector customers globally.

We are growing through a combination of organic development, acquisitions and strategic partnerships. Our businesses deliver services across education, IT, HR, legal, energy, procurement and more, all focused on delivering meaningful impact.

As a locally owned organisation, we take pride in reinvesting a significant proportion of our profits into frontline services, helping strengthen the communities we serve.

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.

As a member of Inclusive Employers and a Working Families Employer, we are actively building an environment that supports inclusion, flexibility and belonging for all colleagues.

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our application and interview process; please let us know if you require any.