Bursar

Location Stockton-on-Tees
Discipline: Accountancy & Finance
Job type: Permanent
Salary: £45,000 - £50,000
Contact name: Emily Watson

Contact email: emily@sirecruitment.com
Job ref: 23263
Published: about 24 hours ago

​My client is seeking an experienced and dynamic Bursar to join their leadership team within the education sector.

This pivotal role is responsible for the overall financial, operational, and facilities management of the school, ensuring the effective and efficient stewardship of resources and supporting the Head and Board of Governors in achieving the school’s strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Management & Reporting:

  • Manage all aspects of accounting functions, including purchase ledger, sales ledger, and nominal ledger.

  • Prepare and present quarterly management accounts, balance sheets, income and expenditure reports, and cash flow forecasts.

  • Conduct monthly bank reconciliations and ensure accurate financial transactions.

  • Prepare for and assist with external audits, acting as the main contact for auditors.

  • Ensure compliance with all financial regulations, including charity law, Gift Aid, and VAT.

  • Develop and implement financial policies and internal controls to maintain financial health and sustainability.

Budgeting & Financial Planning:

  • Prepare the annual budget and monitor expenditure and income against it.

  • Produce long-term financial forecasts, including cash flows.

Payroll, Pension & Income Management:

  • Oversee payroll and administer pension schemes for staff, ensuring accurate and timely payments.

  • Manage billing processes, implement robust credit control, and liaise with stakeholders as required.

  • Oversee commercial operations to maximise the use of the organisation’s assets and infrastructure.

Operations, Facilities & Strategic Leadership:

  • Oversee all aspects of operations, facilities, and health & safety.

  • Develop and manage preventative maintenance schedules for buildings and equipment.

  • Supervise repairs, reactive maintenance, and capital projects from inception to completion.

  • Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, including risk assessments and fire safety.

  • Lead, manage, and train facilities and catering teams.

  • Supervise external contractors and service providers, ensuring compliance with organisational policies.

  • Oversee operational functions including security systems, utilities, IT, catering, transport, and data protection.

  • Advise the Head and Board of Governors on finance, operations, and commercial development.

  • Contribute to strategic planning, risk management, and long-term organisational development.

  • Line management responsibility for key operational staff.

About You:

  • Professionally qualified (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or with significant experience in a comparable role.

  • Proven ability to manage budgets, financial reporting, and audits.

  • Strong knowledge of health and safety legislation (IOSH highly desirable).

  • Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills, with the ability to balance strategic priorities with day-to-day operations.

This is an exciting opportunity for a proactive and capable professional to make a real impact within a forward-looking and supportive school environment.