Assistant Bursar
| Posting date: | 18 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £34,434 to £39,152 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 20 March 2026 |
| Location: | BT18 9EP |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | Ad Talent Recruitment Ltd |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 180226SUS-66153 |
Summary
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.