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- Tasks: Support financial operations and ensure audit-ready records in a busy school environment.
- Company: Join the prestigious Sullivan Upper School, known for academic excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, structured hours, and a supportive team atmosphere.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the financial integrity of a high-performing school.
- Qualifications: Experience in financial management and strong knowledge of VAT and regulations.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a collaborative environment.
The predicted salary is between 34434 - 39152 £ per year.
Location: Holywood, Northern Ireland BT18
Contract: 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.
Additional relevant skills: Finance Manager, Accounts Manager, School Accountant, Financial Controller, Accounts Payable/Receivable.
Assistant Bursar employer: AD TALENT RECRUITMENT LTD
Contact Detail:
AD TALENT RECRUITMENT LTD Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Bursar
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector or finance world. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Sullivan Upper School. Understand their values and how you can contribute to their financial integrity. Tailor your answers to show you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your financial skills! Brush up on VAT regulations and internal controls, as these are key for the Assistant Bursar role. Being sharp on these topics will give you an edge during discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Bursar
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Assistant Bursar role. Highlight your financial management experience and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to our school!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the role and how your values align with ours at Sullivan Upper School. Keep it engaging and personal.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your organisational and Excel skills in your application. Mention specific examples of how you've managed financial operations or improved processes in previous roles. We love seeing real-life applications!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at AD TALENT RECRUITMENT LTD
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Assistant Bursar, you'll be dealing with financial operations daily. Brush up on your knowledge of VAT, HMRC regulations, and internal financial controls. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles, as it shows you understand the importance of financial integrity.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your experience in managing income streams, payroll processes, and reconciliations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easier for the interviewers to see your impact.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
The role requires excellent organisational skills, so come prepared to discuss how you manage multiple tasks and deadlines. You might want to share a time when you successfully juggled various responsibilities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the school's financial goals or how they ensure compliance with financial regulations. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the school is the right fit for you.