Finance Manager/Bursar

Education Authority; Antrim; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The Education Authority seeks a Bursar – Administrative Officer responsible for finance and administrative functions within a school. The role includes budget preparation, staff management, and ensuring facility upkeep while facilitating effective communication with external agencies. Candidates should possess a relevant degree and significant experience in finance and administration.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in finance and administration roles.
• Experience managing staff and resources for at least 2 years.
• Knowledge of computerised accounting systems and LMS.

Responsibilities

• Prepare annual budget plans and monitor school finances.
• Manage administrative support staff and their duties.
• Oversee maintenance and security of school buildings and facilities.

Skills

People management

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Planning

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Studies, Finance, or Accountancy

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Bursar – Administrative Officer

REPORTS TO: Principal

JOB PURPOSE

To be responsible for all matters of school management relating to Finance, Building, Equipment, Non-Teaching Staff, and General Administration.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Bursar will work closely with the Principal and Vice-Principal(s) and will participate in formal planning, decision-making, implementation, and monitoring.

Finance

In keeping with the EA scheme for LMS, the Bursar will develop and monitor financial administrative structures within the school, including:

• Preparing estimates of annual expenditure and drawing up the annual budget plan for approval by the Principal and Governors.
• Monitoring and controlling all finances within the school.
• Preparing financial reports related to the school’s budget and updating budget holders regularly.
• Allocating department budgets for resources and reprographics.
• Preparing Salary Review Letters for Teaching Staff.
• Managing school-based accounts and ensuring proper record-keeping and procedures.
• Overseeing purchasing and requisition procedures.
• Purchasing capital items, furniture, and fittings.
• Acting as Secretary to the Finance Committee.
• Overseeing the collection of school fees and petty cash management.
• Reconciling monthly budget and expenditure reports and advising the Principal of any issues.

Administration

The Bursar will serve as Office Manager, providing administrative support and managing secretarial, clerical, ancillary, auxiliary, cleaning, and security staff, including:

• Monitoring attendance and implementing attendance policies.
• Approving staff replacements, interviewing, and vetting applicants.
• Managing staff work and approving salary returns.
• Handling arrangements for staff appointments.
• Organizing student enrollment, admissions, registration, and maintaining student records.
• Maintaining personnel records for all staff.

Building, Plant, and Equipment

The Bursar will oversee maintenance of all buildings, plant, and equipment, liaising with relevant departments and external bodies, including:

• Coordinating maintenance work and keeping records.
• Ensuring security, health & safety, and insurance arrangements are in place.
• Managing the school minibus booking system, maintenance, and insurance.
• Maintaining a capital inventory of equipment.
• Organizing premises letting and related invoicing.

External Agencies

The Bursar will maintain effective liaison with external agencies such as DENI, CCMS, and EA.

This job description is subject to review and may include other duties of a similar nature. The post-holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity, and adhere to equality legislation at all times.

Further details of terms and conditions are available here.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Applicants should demonstrate how they meet the essential and desirable criteria outlined below, providing clear examples in their application form.

SECTION 1 - ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Studies, Finance, or Accountancy (RQF Level 6) or higher qualification.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in finance and administration roles.
• Experience in preparing financial accounts.
• At least 2 years’ experience in managing staff and resources.
• Knowledge of computerised accounting systems, LMS, and school financial protocols.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

SECTION 2 - ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• Knowledge of book-keeping principles and methods.
• Strong people management, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Excellent planning, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to build effective relationships with stakeholders.

SECTION 3 - DESIRABLE CRITERIA

• Over 5 years’ experience in finance and administration.
• Over 3 years’ management experience.
• Experience in producing budget estimates and working with external agencies.

DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND

Applicants recommended for appointment involving regulated activity will require an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background, which they will bear the cost of.

Further information is available at NI Direct or the Department of Justice.

APPLICANT GUIDANCE NOTES

Guidance notes are available here. Learn about benefits of joining the Education Authority here.

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer