Finance Manager

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 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. Additional relevant skills: Finance Manager, Accounts Manager, School Accountant, Financial Controller, Accounts Payable/Receivable