SCHOOL FINANCIAL MANAGER/BURSAR - ASAP appointment

Edustaff; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 550 000 - 700 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading public school in Johannesburg is seeking a Financial Manager / Bursar to oversee payroll, budgeting, and financial operations. The ideal candidate will have a tertiary qualification in Financial Management or Accounting and experience in financial management within an educational environment. Strong leadership and reporting skills are essential. This full-time position offers a chance to contribute to a values-based educational institution.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in financial management and payroll in an educational setting.
• Strong skills in budgeting and reporting.
• Ability to lead a team with integrity and accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Manage payroll functions and ensure compliance with statutory deductions.
• Oversee the school's financial operations and prepare the annual budget.
• Coordinate SARS reconciliations and ensure compliance with tax laws.

Skills

Financial Management

Payroll Management

Budgeting

Reporting

Team Leadership

Communication

Education

Tertiary qualification in Financial Management or Accounting

Tools

SAGE Payroll

Ed-Admin

Job description

SCHOOL FINANCIAL MANAGER / BURSAR

Start Date: 1st of October 2025 or ASAP

Our client is a leading, high-performing public school with a proud tradition of academic excellence, values-based education, and a commitment to empowering young women. We are seeking a full-time Financial Manager / Bursar to play a key role within our administration department.

This leadership position involves managing financial operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting efficient school administration. The successful candidate will report to senior management and oversee the finance team.

Position Details

• Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
• Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 07:30 – 15:30
• Reports to: Business Manager
• Team Leadership: Direct management of 2 Debtors Clerks and 1 Creditors Clerk

Key Responsibilities

1. Salary Administration
2. Manage and process all payroll functions, including statutory deductions (UIF, PAYE, Pension) and returns.
3. Ensure accuracy and compliance using SAGE Payroll.
4. Support salary negotiations and contract finalization with the HR Manager.
5. Financial Oversight
6. Oversee the school's financial operations and systems.
7. Approve expenditure based on verification and policy compliance.
8. Manage external service providers and contracts.
9. Liaise with insurance brokers and manage the asset register.
10. Maintain best practices in financial management aligned with policies.
11. Budgeting and Reporting
12. Prepare and monitor the annual budget with the Business Manager.
13. Generate monthly management accounts for SMT and SGB.
14. Ensure compliance with GDE reporting requirements.
15. Manage payments to suppliers and assist with LTSM reporting.
16. Liaise with auditors and prepare audit documentation.
17. Tax and Compliance
18. Coordinate SARS reconciliations and returns.
19. Ensure compliance with tax laws and regulations.

Qualifications & Competencies

• A tertiary qualification in Financial Management, Accounting, or a related field.
• Proven experience in financial management and payroll, preferably in an educational setting.
• Strong budgeting and reporting skills, with experience presenting to leadership and governance bodies.
• Proficiency in financial software; experience with SAGE Payroll and Ed-Admin is advantageous.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to lead a team with integrity, accuracy, and accountability.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Additional Notes

We seek a collaborative leader with high professionalism. If you do not hear from us within 2 weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful.