School Business Manager Job Belfast area,Northern Ireland UK,Management

This one-year School Business Manager post sits within St John Fisher Catholic Comprehensive School, a secondary school. It carries financial leadership across finance, HR, estates, health and safety and administrative systems, reporting to the Headteacher and Governors. Full-time at 37 hours, with flexible working possible up to 0.5 of the contract, it includes line management of the Premises Manager and team.

Visa sponsorship is not available, and the post starts on 1 January 2027.

What the job involves

Prepare monthly financial reports, action plans and accounts for the Headteacher and Governors
Ensure financial reports meet audit standards and LA, DfE and governor return requirements
Work with an external provider on monthly payroll to ensure accurate payments
Oversee the purchase ledger so supplier invoices are paid on time
Manage external lettings, liaising with hirers and ensuring sales invoices are issued and paid promptly
Scrutinise premises, catering and ICT budgets for best value through contract and SLA management
Provide strategic oversight of large capital projects and planned maintenance
Identify and secure additional income, including grant bids and community lettings
Line-manage the Premises Manager and team for maintenance, health and safety, security and site

What’s required Experience

Experience as a School Business Manager or Senior Finance Lead, ideally in a secondary school or MAT
Experience of managing staff
Experience of lettings management and risk assessments
Experience maintaining accurate administration, reports and records

Skills & knowledge

Excellent mathematical and accounting skills
Knowledge of health and safety legislation and requirements
Ability to work independently under time pressure, make decisions and solve problems
Excellent time management and organisation
Flexibility, resilience and adaptability, working well as part of a team

Checks & eligibility

Full enhanced DBS check
Eligibility to work in the UK

Nice to have

Proficiency with school financial, budgeting and MIS software, ideally FMS, Access Education and SIMS
Experience of generating income through letting facilities
Relevant managerial and operational qualifications

What’s offered

Personalised CPD programme
Free counselling services
Early finish on Wednesday afternoons, with CPD and meetings largely in school hours
Flexible working up to 0.5 of the contract