Assistant Bursar

Assistant Bursar

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

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.

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.

• 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

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

• Competitive salary and structured working hours
• Opportunity to work in a prestigious, high‑performing school
• Supportive, professional, and collaborative team environment

Sullivan Upper School is committed to safeguarding children and young people. The successful candidate will undergo enhanced Access

NI 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.

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