Location: Hybrid/Aylesford

Salary/package: £42,833 - £51,500 per annum

Contract type: Permanent

Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Returns and Compliance Manager to join The Education People, part of Commercial Services Group (CSG). This is a key leadership role within Schools Financial Services, providing the chance to shape financial compliance and assurance across Kent Maintained Schools and influence best practice in education finance.

Who we are 

The Education People is a leading education services provider within Commercial Services Group (CSG), the UK’s largest local authority-owned trading company. We are dedicated to improving educational outcomes and life chances through expert support, training, and services that empower schools, academies, and education professionals. As part of CSG, we share a strong moral purpose, a commitment to excellence, and a belief that we are stronger together.

Why this role matters 

This role ensures the effective co-ordination and delivery of statutory financial returns and compliance across schools, maintaining high standards of governance, accountability, and financial integrity. You will lead a team that safeguards sound financial practices, supports data-driven decision-making, and provides assurance to local authority stakeholders through robust challenge, reporting and compliance programmes.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead and manage the Returns and Compliance team to deliver statutory financial services to schools and Kent County Council (KCC)
• Develop and oversee systems for collecting, analysing, and submitting financial data to the DfE and Kent County Council
• Lead and deliver a schools compliance programme, reporting on key risks and outcomes. Collaborate with other SFS Managers and KCC departments to continuously review risk and priorities addressed via the compliance programme
• Manage the Schools Financial Value Standard (SFVS) process and provide assurance reports for the Section 151 Officer in Kent County Council
• Coordinate and interpret financial data to support decision-making across Schools Financial Services, Kent County Council and within schools themselves
• Ensure schools comply with the Scheme for Financing Schools and Financial Controls by interpreting complex policies as required and providing support and guidance internally to staff and externally to schools
• Manage the auditing of school voluntary funds and associated income generation
• Oversee finance tests for Headteacher recruitment and market related services
• Collaborate as part of the Schools Financial Services management team to deliver shared objectives and continuous improvement

What we’re looking for

• Qualified accountant or equivalent professional/management qualification, or proven ability to perform the role
• Significant experience in finance, including budgeting, monitoring and year-end processes
• Experience working with school leaders and implementing financial policy and procedures
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Excellent communication, analytical and relationship management abilities
• In-depth knowledge of financial controls, education finance systems, and relevant policies
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• A collaborative, customer-focused approach with the ability to work independently and motivate others
• Excellent IT skills

What you’ll get in return

• Salary of £42,833 - £51,500 per annum
• 25 days annual leave
• Life assurance cover (4x salary)
• Pension scheme with up to 8% 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.