School Bursar

Farney Close School Ltd.; Bolney; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days’ annual leave + bank holidays

Free on-site parking

Free lunch during term time

On-site gym access

Job summary

Farney Close School Ltd. seeks a School Bursar to lead the Trust’s finance, IT and facilities functions. You will advise the Principal and Trustees, safeguard the school’s long‑term financial position and ensure resources are used effectively.

You will oversee budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, audit and compliance, along with payroll, pensions, systems, risk, procurement, IT and estate management. Lead and develop operational colleagues in an inclusive culture.

Qualifications

• Recognised accountancy qualification (ACA/ACCA/CIMA/CIPFA) or equivalent senior‑level expertise.
• Experience with budgets, forecasting, cash flow, management and statutory accounts, audit and financial controls.
• Oversight of payroll and pension administration.
• Ability to explain complex financial matters clearly to senior leaders and trustees.
• Confidence using finance and reporting systems to identify risks and support decision‑making.

Responsibilities

• Lead budgets, forecasting, financial reporting and audit/compliance.
• Oversee payroll, pensions, systems, risk, procurement and IT.
• Provide strategic financial advice to Principal and Board of Trustees.
• Develop operational colleagues and promote an inclusive, accountable culture.

Skills

Accountancy qualification

Budgeting

Forecasting

Payroll oversight

Pensions administration

Financial reporting

Audit & controls

Leadership experience

Stakeholder communication

Safeguarding & inclusion

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA/CIPFA qualification

Tools

Access Education

Finance systems

Job description

37 Hours Per Week
£60,000 - £65,000 (Depending on Experience)
Free on-site parking
Free lunch – in term time

Join Farney Close School as our School Bursar and help ensure that our finances, systems and services give children and young people the best possible support.

• Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday
• Contract: Permanent
• 25 days’ annual leave + bank holidays
• Free on-site parking
• Free lunch during term time
• Use of the on-site gym

About us

Farney Close School is an independent residential special school for children and young people aged 9 to 18 with Education, Health and Care Plans. Set within a 32-acre estate, we provide a nurturing and therapeutic environment where education, care and support services are shaped around each child.

We work together across education, care, therapy and support services, listening to different perspectives and taking responsibility for providing the highest possible standards. Safeguarding is central to every decision we make.

About the role

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the School Bursar will lead the Trust’s finance, IT and facilities functions. You will advise the Principal and Board of Trustees, protect the school’s long-term financial position and make sure our resources are used carefully and effectively.

This is a varied senior role for someone who can provide sound strategic advice while remaining involved in the practical detail. You will lead budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, audit and compliance, alongside senior oversight of payroll, pensions, systems, risk, procurement, IT and the school estate

You will also lead and develop operational colleagues, encouraging an inclusive culture in which people feel respected, share ideas and take ownership of their work. We value leaders who are open, accountable and willing to learn from evidence and improve how things are done.

About you

You will bring:

• A recognised accountancy qualification, such as ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA, or equivalent senior‑level financial expertise and training
• Substantial experience of budgets, forecasting, cash flow, management and statutory accounts, audit and financial controls
• Senior oversight of payroll and pension administration
• The ability to explain complex financial matters clearly and provide reliable advice to senior leaders and trustees
• Confidence using finance and reporting systems to identify risks and support decision‑making
• Experience of leading colleagues, balancing priorities and building constructive working relationships
• A clear commitment to safeguarding, equality, inclusion and continuous improvement

Experience within education, a charity or another regulated setting would be helpful, as would knowledge of charity accounting, Teachers’ Pensions, estates, IT or business continuity. Experience of implementing or improving Access Education or a comparable integrated system would also be an advantage.

Closing date: 19 November 2026
Proposed start date: January 2027 (or sooner if available)

Farney Close School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The appointment is subject to satisfactory references, identity and right-to-work checks, health clearance, and an enhanced DBS check including the children’s barred list. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, subject to the relevant Exceptions Order.

We welcome applications from suitably qualified people and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

All roles are subject to receipt of good employment reference, health clearance and an enhanced DBS check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Farney Close is committed to equality and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment.

Farney Close School is an equal opportunities employer.

Farney Close School
Part of Farney Educational Trust
Registered in England No: 543113
Registered Charity No: 307024
DFE No: 938/6217

Email Us: [e-mail]
Pupil Referrals: [e-mail]

Safeguarding: [e-mail]
Subject Access Requests: [e-mail]