School Bursar/Business Manager

PaJeS; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Nancy Reuben Primary School in Hendon NW4 is seeking an experienced Bursar/School Business Manager to lead financial and operational functions with strategic impact. You will work closely with the Headteacher and Governing Body to ensure sound budgeting, value for money and sustainable development.

The role requires strong financial management, project delivery, and governance experience within a Voluntary Aided setting, with a proactive, collaborative approach to school improvement.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in financial management, budget preparation and monitoring.
• Ability to contribute to long-term financial sustainability and strategy.
• Solid understanding of school funding, SFVS and local authority procedures.
• Experience managing premises, procurement and building projects.
• Knowledge of governance, risk management and statutory compliance for schools.
• Experience overseeing HR, payroll and administrative functions.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in IT and financial management systems, with good reporting ability.

Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for the strategic and day-to-day management of the school's financial and business functions.
• Provide professional advice to the Headteacher and Governing Body on financial and operational matters.
• Ensure financial sustainability, value for money and robust financial controls.
• Collaborate with governors, staff, parents and contractors on strategic decisions affecting the school.
• Oversee premises maintenance, procurement and building improvement projects.
• Ensure compliance with governance, regulatory and SFVS requirements.
• Maintain accurate management reports and financial forecasts.

Skills

Financial expertise

Strategic leadership

School finance knowledge

Project management

Governance & compliance

Operational management

Communication skills

IT & Excel

Job description

Nancy Reuben Primary School is a thriving Voluntary Aided orthodox Jewish school with approximately 250 children aged 2-11, situated in Hendon NW4.

We are seeking an experienced, proactive and highly motivated Bursar / School Business Manager to join our team and play a key role in the school's strategic development, financial management and operational leadership.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced School Bursar or finance professional with a strong background in financial management, strategic planning and project delivery. The successful candidate will be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, working closely with the Headteacher and Governing Body to ensure the effective management of the school's financial and operational resources and to support its continued development.

The Role

The successful candidate will take responsibility for the strategic and day-to-day management of the school's financial and business functions, ensuring financial sustainability, operational efficiency and value for money.

Working collaboratively with the Headteacher, governors, staff, parents, contractors and the local authority, the postholder will provide professional advice and contribute to important strategic decisions affecting the future of the school.

Essential Skills, Experience and Attributes

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Financial expertise: Significant experience in financial management, budget preparation, monitoring, forecasting and financial reporting, with the ability to ensure effective financial controls and value for money.
• Strategic leadership: The ability to contribute to the school's strategic vision, long-term financial sustainability and development, providing sound professional advice to the Headteacher and Governing Body.
• School finance knowledge: A sound understanding of school funding, maintained-school financial regulations, local authority procedures and Department for Education guidance, including the Schools Financial Value Standard (SFVS).
• Project management: Excellent project management skills, with experience in managing premises, maintenance, procurement, contractors and building improvement projects.
• Governance and compliance: An understanding of school governance, financial accountability, risk management and statutory compliance, including the particular responsibilities of a Voluntary Aided school.
• Operational management: The ability to oversee administrative, HR, payroll and operational functions effectively, ensuring that the school runs efficiently.
• Communication and relationship management: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the confidence to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders and present financial information clearly.
• IT and analytical skills: Strong IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Excel and financial management systems, together with the ability to analyse information and produce accurate management reports.

The ideal candidate will be highly organised, commercially aware, solutions-focused and able to demonstrate initiative, sound judgement and the highest levels of integrity and professionalism.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious and capable professional to make a meaningful contribution to the strategic direction and continued success of our school.