Finance Manager (School / Education Sector)
Holywood, Northern Ireland BT18
Full-Time | Permanent
NJC Points 29-32 | £39,862 -£42,839 per annum
Sullivan Upper School is a highly regarded co-educational and interdenominational grammar school based in Holywood, Northern Ireland. Offering both Secondary and Preparatory education.
The Role: Finance Manager (Education Sector)
We are seeking an experienced Finance Manager / School Finance Manager to take responsibility for the financial operations of a busy Accounts Office within a leading grammar school environment. Reporting directly to the Bursar, you will lead on management accounts, fees management, VAT, payroll support, purchase ledger, income control, and financial compliance.
Key Responsibilities
Management Accounts & Financial Reporting
Prepare monthly management accounts, financial reports, and Governor packs
Monitor budgets, analyse variances, and support forecasting
Assist with annual budgeting and long-term financial planning
Prepare year-end accounts and support statutory reporting
Maintain accurate financial records using FMS
Complete reconciliations (bank, control accounts, accruals, prepayments)
Income Management & Credit Control
Manage income reconciliation across Parentmail, SumUp, grants, and cashless systems
Administer and manage direct debit processing
Implement credit control procedures and manage overdue accounts
Administer Gift Aid claims and maintain accurate records
Purchase Ledger & Accounts Payable
Oversee invoice processing, coding, and authorisation workflows
Manage supplier payments (BACS, cheque, and e-banking)
Reconcile supplier statements and purchase ledger accounts
Oversee staff expenses, petty cash, and credit card reconciliations
Maintain strong internal financial controls
VAT, HMRC & Compliance
Prepare and submit VAT returns to HMRC and the Department of Education
Ensure correct VAT treatment across all school activities
Manage partial exemption calculations and adjustments
Maintain audit-ready VAT documentation
Payroll Support
Support payroll processing and amendments
Oversee payslip distribution and statutory documentation (P60s)
Assist with payroll year-end processes
Finance Systems & Administration
Support cashless catering and school meal systems
Manage pupil accounts and pre-ordering systems
Liaise with catering team and software suppliers
Oversee Parentmail payment systems
Support Free School Meals administration
About You
Proven experience in a Finance Manager, School Finance Manager, or Senior Accountant role
Strong technical knowledge of management accounts, VAT, payroll, and budgeting
Experience in direct debit administration, credit control and purchase ledger management
Confident user of Excel and financial systems (FMS desirable)
Strong leadership and communication skills with the experience to manage a small team
Apply Now- Closing Date: 13th May 2026, 12.00 pm
Additional relevant skills: Finance Manager, School Finance Manager, School Accountant, Education Finance Manager, Finance Lead (Education), Bursar’s Office Finance