Assistant Bursar/Financial Accountant

Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in Johannesburg is seeking an Assistant Bursar/Financial Accountant to provide financial and administrative support, ensure accurate financial operations, and assist with budgeting and audit preparations. The ideal candidate has over 5 years of experience in finance roles and strong Excel skills. The position is office-based and offers an opportunity to work collaboratively with the finance team.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in a finance or accounting support role.
• Strong Excel skills and proficiency in accounting software.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Prepare ad hoc invoices for various school activities and services.
• Maintain and reconcile cash books and perform monthly bank reconciliations.
• Assist with preparation of audit documentation and schedules.

Skills

Financial support

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Accounting software proficiency

Excel skills

Tools

Xero

Job description

Job Specification: Assistant Bursar/Financial Accountant

Position Title: Assistant Bursar/Financial Accountant

Reporting to: Head of Finance

Location: 26 Woolston Road, Westcliff, Johannesburg

Working Hours: In office 7:30 – 16:00

Overall Purpose of the Role

The Assistant Bursar provides essential financial and administrative support to the Head of Finance and broader Finance Office, ensuring accurate, efficient and compliant financial operations across the school. The role supports day-to-day finance activities, reporting, event-related financial management, budgeting, and audit preparation, contributing to strong internal controls and sound financial governance.

Key Responsibilities

1. Finance & Accounting Responsibilities

• Prepare ad hoc invoices for various school activities and services.
• Maintain and reconcile cash books and perform monthly bank reconciliations.
• Process supplier invoices, payment documentation and ensure correct coding and allocation.
• Prepare monthly management accounts, including variance analysis and commentary.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records within the school’s accounting system.
• Provide financial support for school shop accounting, including monthly reconciliations and annual stock counts.
• Support financial administration for school projects such as cake sales, Grade 7 leadership initiatives, and other learner-led activities.
• Assist with financial reconciliations for school events, socials, fundraisers, and other community activities.
• Provide financial tracking, reconciliations, and reporting for the Parents’ Association on all events and funds.
• Work with departments and Heads of Grade to prepare regular actual vs. budget reporting and offer insights on spend.

3. Budgeting Support

• Assist with the annual budgeting cycle, including data collection, template management, gathering inputs, and consolidating submissions.
• Provide departments and grade heads with accurate historical figures and guidance during the budgeting process.
• Support preparation of budget presentations and internal budget review documentation.

4. Audit Support

• Assist with the preparation of audit documentation, schedules, reconciliations, and financial year-end files.
• Coordinate and respond to auditor information requests in a timely manner.
• Support implementation of audit findings and improvements to internal controls.

5. Governance & Committee Support

• Assist the Bursar in preparing financial reports, variance explanations, and supporting schedules for the Finance & Facilities Sub-Committee.
• Ensure accuracy, completeness, and timely delivery of all board and sub-committee submissions.
• Support follow-ups and action items arising from committee meetings.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and work under pressure.
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills.
• Good communication skills and a service-driven approach.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a small team.
• High level of integrity, discretion and confidentiality.
• 5+ years’ experience in a finance or accounting support role (school environment beneficial but not essential).
• Proficiency in accounting software and strong Excel skills. (experience in working woth Xero advantageous).

Closing Date

04/12/2025

26 Woolston Road, Westcliff, Johannesburg, South Africa