Overview
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.
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
o Prepare monthly management accounts, financial reports, and Governor packs
o Monitor budgets, analyse variances, and support forecasting
o Assist with annual budgeting and long-term financial planning
o Prepare year-end accounts and support statutory reporting
o Maintain accurate financial records using FMS
o Complete reconciliations (bank, control accounts, accruals, prepayments)
* Income Management & Credit Control
o Manage income reconciliation across Parentmail, SumUp, grants, and cashless systems
o Administer and manage direct debit processing
o Implement credit control procedures and manage overdue accounts
o Administer Gift Aid claims and maintain accurate records
* Purchase Ledger & Accounts Payable
o Oversee invoice processing, coding, and authorisation workflows
o Manage supplier payments (BACS, cheque, and e-banking)
o Reconcile supplier statements and purchase ledger accounts
o Oversee staff expenses, petty cash, and credit card reconciliations
o Maintain strong internal financial controls
* VAT, HMRC & Compliance
o Prepare and submit VAT returns to HMRC and the Department of Education
o Ensure correct VAT treatment across all school activities
o Manage partial exemption calculations and adjustments
o Maintain audit-ready VAT documentation
* Payroll Support
o Support payroll processing and amendments
o Oversee payslip distribution and statutory documentation (P60s)
o Assist with payroll year-end processes
* Finance Systems & Administration
o Support cashless catering and school meal systems
o Manage pupil accounts and pre-ordering systems
o Liaise with catering team and software suppliers
o Oversee Parentmail payment systems
o 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.
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