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- Tasks: Manage 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, especially in education or public sector.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a collaborative environment.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 35000 £ 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.
Click to apply today.
Finance Manager in Holywood employer: Sullivan Upper School
Contact Detail:
Sullivan Upper School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager in Holywood
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in education. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Sullivan Upper School and its financial operations. Show us you’re genuinely interested in the role by discussing how your skills align with their needs during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to finance management. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Sullivan Upper School.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager in Holywood
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Manager role. Highlight your experience in financial management, especially in education or the public sector, and showcase your skills in VAT compliance and internal controls.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you’re the perfect fit for the Assistant Bursar position. Share specific examples of how you've managed financial operations and contributed to a team, and don’t forget to express your enthusiasm for working at Sullivan Upper School!
Showcase Your Skills: Use bullet points to clearly outline your relevant skills and experiences. Mention your proficiency in Microsoft Excel and any accounting qualifications you hold, as these are key for the role. We want to see how you can contribute to our financial integrity!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Sullivan Upper School!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sullivan Upper School
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets, reconciled accounts, or improved financial processes in previous roles.
✨Understand the Education Sector
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial challenges faced by schools, especially regarding funding, VAT compliance, and audit requirements. Showing that you understand the unique environment of Sullivan Upper School will set you apart.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think of examples where you've had to implement strong internal controls or manage financial discrepancies. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
This role involves collaboration with various departments. Be prepared to discuss how you've worked effectively in teams before, particularly in high-pressure situations. Highlight your communication skills and ability to foster a supportive environment.