Location:  Aylesford / Hybrid

Salary/package:  £40,000 per annum

Contract type:  Permanent

Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week

Looking for an opportunity to drive meaningful change in finance training across the education sector?

This is a genuinely exciting time to join Schools Financial Services as we refresh, modernise and elevate our entire training offer. In this role, you’ll play a key part in reshaping how we support schools, academies and education professionals overall — delivering high‑quality, engaging and forward‑thinking training that makes a real difference.

Who we are 

This role sits within The Education People, part of Commercial Services Group. The Education People provides specialist services to schools and academy trusts, supporting strong financial management and helping education settings focus on delivering the best outcomes for children and young people.

Why this role matters 

The Training Lead Officer is responsible for leading and delivering a high quality finance training and development programme for schools , academy trusts and internal team members. The role plays a key part in improving efficiency consistency and customer engagement across Schools Financial Services. Through effective leadership and collaboration, the role supports strong financial practice across the education sector.

What you’ll be doing 

• Lead the delivery of finance training for schools, academy trusts, headteachers, governors and internal team members.

• Manage and develop a team of training officers to deliver a high quality service.

• Coordinate and deliver a programme of finance training forums and ad hoc sessions.

• Develop and improve training content using a range of delivery methods.

• Ensure training on new initiatives and finance systems is delivered effectively.

• Oversee training budgets and support income monitoring and targets.

• Maintain an overview of staff skills and coordinate training and development needs.

• Work collaboratively with other service leads to ensure consistent service delivery, adapting training programmes where necessary.

• Support the delivery of traded contracts as required.

• Deputise for the Finance Operations Manager when necessary.

What we’re looking for

• Experience working within a school finance environment.

• Experience of delivering training and supporting professional development.

• Proven ability to manage and support a team.

• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Good understanding of school finance systems and processes.

• Ability to plan organise and manage competing priorities.

• Confident using IT systems and digital training methods.

• Commitment to high quality customer service and continuous improvement.

What you’ll get in return

• Salary of £40,000 range per annum.

• 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.

Why CSG?

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.

We are expanding rapidly, with annual growth of around 25 percent, supported by a blend of organic development, acquisitions and strategic partnerships. 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

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.