Job Description
Assistant Bursar
Location: Holywood, Northern Ireland BT18Contract: Full-time | Permanent | 36.25 hours/week (Mon–Fri, 8:30am–4:30pm)Salary: £34,434 – £39,152 per annum
About Sullivan Upper School
Sullivan Upper School is a prestigious co-educational and interdenominational grammar school in Holywood, Northern Ireland, offering both Secondary and Preparatory education. Known for academic excellence, the school fosters a supportive, inclusive, and values-driven environment, where staff and pupils thrive.
About the Role
We are seeking a proactive and highly skilled Assistant Bursar to support the Bursar in managing the school's financial operations. This is a senior, hands-on role with management responsibility to maintain robust financial controls and ensure audit-ready records.
This is an excellent opportunity for a finance professional who enjoys variety, thrives in a busy environment, and wants to contribute to the smooth running of a high-performing school. You will play a key role in promoting financial integrity across the school.
Key Responsibilities
* Manage income streams, including school fees, Gift Aid, premises hire, and cashless systems
* Oversee accounts payable, expense claims, and credit card reconciliations
* Reconcile bank, control, and suspense accounts monthly
* Support payroll inputs, processes and year-end submissions
* Maintain VAT compliance and manage correct VAT accounting
* Oversee school meals systems and Free School Meals administration
* Prepare and input journals, maintain financial schedules, and ensure audit-ready records
* Champion strong internal controls, financial probity, and compliance
About You
The ideal candidate will have:
* Proven experience in financial management, ideally in education or the public sector
* Strong knowledge of VAT, HMRC regulations, and internal financial controls
* Hands-on experience with payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, (including direct debit management) and reconciliations
* Excellent organisational, reporting, and Microsoft Excel skills
* Integrity, discretion, and commitment to safeguarding and GDPR
* A recognised accounting qualification
Benefits
* Competitive salary and structured working hours
* Opportunity to work in a prestigious, high-performing school
* Supportive, professional, and collaborative team environment
Safeguarding
Sullivan Upper School is committed to safeguarding children and young people. The successful candidate will undergo enhanced AccessNI clearance and pre-employment checks.
The closing date for receipt of applications is: 12:00 noon on Monday 9th March 2026
Click to apply today.
Additional relevant skills: Finance Manager, Accounts Manager, School Accountant, Financial Controller, Accounts Payable/Receivable.
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