Bursar/Financial Manager

Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa; Makhanda; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Makhanda is seeking a Bursar/Financial Manager to oversee financial management and human resources. The ideal candidate will have substantial financial experience, excellent leadership skills, and a Bachelor's degree in accounting. This role involves strategic planning and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. The position is crucial for maintaining financial stability and promoting the institution's values.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of relevant experience, including financial management.
• Experience as a Bursar or in a similar financial role at an independent school.
• Experience in human resources management is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Manage the overall financial and administrative operations of the School.
• Prepare and monitor budgets collaboratively with the Senior Management Team.
• Provide financial advice and guidance to the School's leadership.

Skills

Financial management

Human resources management

Budgeting

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

Tools

Financial management systems

Accounting software

Job description

The Diocesan School for Girls in Makhanda (Grahamstown) invites applications for the position of:

BURSAR/FINANCIAL MANAGER

MAIN JOB OBJECTIVE/S

A senior leadership role responsible for the strategic development and day-to-day management of the School’s Financial and Human Resources functions, under the direction of the Head of School and the School Council. The position ensures financial stability and HR compliance while upholding and supporting DSG’s educational ethos and values.

DESCRIPTION OF KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

(this is what is required)

• Overall strategy and maintaining the financial objectives of the School, including the day‑to‑day financial affairs of the School.
• Take delegated responsibility for the overall finances of the School.
• Foster sound working relationships with key internal stakeholders (Senior Management Team, DSG Council and St Andrew’s College Management) and external providers (bankers, investment managers, auditors; insurers and tax advisors).
• Ensuring the establishment and maintenance of appropriate finance and administrative structures/infrastructure, systems and processes that support the optimal functioning of the School.
• Ensuring the development and implementation of policies relating to finance and compliance with employment legislation.
• Keeping Council updated on all financial and Human Resource issues and trends, and attend all Executive Committee and Council meetings.
• Forecasting and modelling of various scenarios for strategic planning.
• Head of School and staff of St Andrew’s College;

STANDARD EXPECTED

(this is how the job needs to be done)

Play an active part of the School’s Leadership Team and attendance/participation at Senior Management, DSG Council and DSG Council subcommittee meetings to support institutional decision‑making.

Establish appropriate structure, systems and processes to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of financial and administrative support services, including monitor key HR metrics and analytics to inform decision‑making.

Primary liaison with the School’s bankers and investment managers to keep them abreast of the School’s finances and requirements and take responsibility for documentation and financial transactions between the School and these parties.

Proactive in providing financial and administrative advice to support the implications of the School’s strategy for financial, administrative and support services.

Lead workforce planning initiatives to ensure appropriate staffing levels across academic, boarding, administrative, and support functions.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT:

• In consultation with the Senior Management Team and the DSG Council, prepare a realistic and balanced budget for all School activities.
• Preparing regular management accounts for budget holders and report on the financial state of the School to the Senior Management Team and DSG Council.
• Manage all accounting functions, ensuring efficient operation according to agreed procedures and financial problem solving.
• Manage and monitor the financial aspects of contracts, tenders, and service agreements.
• Manage, monitor and disburse bursary, scholarships and donations in line with instructions from Senior Executive and DSG Council.
• Oversee all accounting operations including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger.
• Develop and implement fee collection policies and procedures.
• Prepare the annual financial accounts and liaise with the School’s auditors in the preparation of the School’s annual financial reports.
• Implement the approved insurances and handle any claims that arise.
• Oversight of the investment portfolios including the school lead on the Investment, HR and Finance Committees of Council.
• Participation in SABISA and ISASA for monitoring of best finance practice in the independent school sector.
• Responsible for accurate and timely statutory reporting and the financial management of the trusts within the School.
• Overseeing the financial operation of the Family of School’s shared services: academic (for example, the music school, D&T) and non‑academic (for example, transport and sports facilities).

Obtain agreement of budgets and monitor accounts against budgets.

Propose annual fee increases and structures for DSG Council approval.

Liaise with local government (Municipality) and service providers and monitor issues as they relate to fees and charges (for example, rates and taxes; utility and municipal service charges).

Actively manage the cash flows and resources of the School to optimise the use of funds, including investing of excess cash and provide regular cash flow forecasts.

Final approval for all ordering, processing and payments of all goods and services provided to the School.

Operation of all bank accounts, ensuring that a full reconciliation is undertaken at least once per month.

Book room, Clothing Exchange, assets register and all debtors and creditors functions.

Final approval of pupil charges and fees other dues, including taking legal action where necessary to recover bad debts. Liaise with parents regarding outstanding fee collections.

Manage the relationship with the School auditors.

Seek professional advice on insurance and advise Senior Executive and the Council on the appropriate insurances for the School and its pupils.

Seek, where necessary, professional advice on such issues of the School and School’s trusts PBO and/or tax status and keep these up to date.

Liaise with the Advancement Office with regards to the financial treatment of special donations and fundraising.

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT:

• Maintaining oversight of all HR operations, while delegating responsibilities effectively.
• Foster a collaborative and professional team environment.
• Ensure continuous professional development opportunities for all team members.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation including employment equity legislation, safeguarding, safeguarding requirements, and health and safety regulations.
• Overseeing the annual appraisal process for teaching and non‑teaching staff and support succession planning initiatives.
• Overseeing staff wellbeing programs, recognising the unique demands of boarding School life.
• Overseeing payroll liaison, salary reviews and ensure equitable pay structures.
• Ensure adherence to independent schools’ regulatory requirements and inspection standards.

Manage, mentor, and develop all members of the Finance and HR Department.

Set clear objectives and conduct regular performance reviews for direct reports.

Provide expert advice on complex employee relations matters, including disciplinary, grievance, and performance issues.

Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of changes in employment legislation and communicate implications to the School.

All performance goals set during appraisals are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time‑bound) and identification of key positions requiring succession planning.

Advise on terms and conditions of employment contracts and benchmarking compensation against comparable independent Schools.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• A three-year bachelor’s degree preferably with a major in accounting plus 10 years’ relevant experience where such experience includes:
• Experience in a financial manager role, or as a Bursar at an independent school.
• Experience in accounting, cash flow management, debtors management and contract management (financial element).
• At least 5 years’ in a management and leadership roles.
• Previous experience in human resources management will be an advantage.
• Experience with secretarial aspects of the business in order to coordinate changes with the Master’s Office.
• Previous experience in education where the focus has been in finance and human resources will be an advantage.

COMPETENCIES (I.E. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES)

TECHNICAL AND LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

• Understanding of the social, political and economic environments in South Africa, particularly as they relate to education within South Africa.
• Advanced proficiency in financial management systems and accounting software.
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting standards and best practices.
• People management skills with a consultative and inclusive style, able to build consensus and commitment to new initiatives.
• Experience with HR compliance, employment law, and staff management.
• Ability to develop, articulate and implement strategic goals.
• Ability to represent the School and act as an ambassador.

MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES

• High level of financial and people management skills.
• Sound policy development and implementation skills.
• High level problem solving and conceptual reasoning skills.
• Excellent organisational and planning skills.

ADMINISTRATION/TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Critical administrative skills including good organisational and planning skills as well as problem‑solving and able to manage multiple demands.
• Able to develop and drive the implementation of logical and effective financial and administrative systems and processes.
• Able to develop and generate appropriate financial reports, financial models and spreadsheets.

WORK BEHAVIOURS AND ATTITUDES

• Personal credibility and an ability to engender respect and instil confidence in people at different levels within the School.
• Personal integrity with a keen sense of fairness, able to balance the competing demands within the Schools with staff, students, parent expectations and organisational resources.
• Commitment to transparent management.
• High level of personal responsibility and corporate obligation with a results focus and a strong sense of accountability.
• High level of professionalism and conduct that will enhance the reputation of the Schools.
• Personal flexibility: willing to consider alternative perspectives and ideas but with an ability to make difficult decisions independently.
• Able to act decisively on critical financial matters and being able to take decisions timeously in the interests of improved financial management of the School, consulting, where required, with the Business Manager and Head.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with an ability to relate to staff at different occupational levels as well as from different cultures and backgrounds.
• Methodical and logical thinker with strong attention to detail and meeting deadlines.

Please follow the link below and complete the application form.

Applications Close 5 December 2025 at 12:00

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All applications will be treated in strict confidence. The school reserves the right not to proceed with the filling of the post. An application in itself does not entitle the applicant to an interview. Applicants who do not hear from the school within two weeks should consider their application unsuccessful. DSG is an equal opportunity employer and committed to achieving employment equity.

Under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) which came into effect on 1 July 2021, all organisations and schools alike have a legal obligation to manage the personal information it processes appropriately, by applying specific principles and conditions. The Diocesan School for Girls is committed to ensuring the security and protection of your personal information and to provide a compliant and consistent approach to data protection. Should you have any questions related to the POPIA Act, please refer to our website.