Job Title

Finance Manager (School / Education Sector)Holywood, Northern Ireland BT18The experience expected from applicants, as well as additional skills and qualifications needed for this job are listed below. Full-Time | Permanent NJC Points 29-32 | 39,862 -42,839 per annumSullivan Upper School is a highly regarded co-educational and interdenominational grammar school based in Holywood, Northern Ireland. Offering both Secondary and Preparatory education.The Role: Finance Manager (Education Sector)We are seeking an experienced Finance Manager / School Finance Manager to take responsibility for the financial operations of a busy Accounts Office within a leading grammar school environment. Reporting directly to the Bursar, you will lead on management accounts, fees management, VAT, payroll support, purchase ledger, income control, and financial compliance.Key ResponsibilitiesManagement Accounts & Financial Reporting Prepare monthly management accounts, financial reports, and Governor packsMonitor budgets, analyse variances, and support forecastingAssist with annual budgeting and long-term financial planning Prepare year-end accounts and support statutory reportingMaintain accurate financial records using FMSComplete reconciliations (bank, control accounts, accruals, prepayments) Income Management & Credit Control Manage income reconciliation across Parentmail, SumUp, grants, and cashless systems Administer and manage direct debit processingImplement credit control procedures and manage overdue accounts Administer Gift Aid claims and maintain accurate records Purchase Ledger & Accounts Payable Oversee invoice processing, coding, and authorisation workflowsManage supplier payments (BACS, cheque, and e-banking)Reconcile supplier statements and purchase ledger accountsOversee staff expenses, petty cash, and credit card reconciliations Maintain strong internal financial controls VAT, HMRC & Compliance Prepare and submit VAT returns to HMRC and the Department of Education Ensure correct VAT treatment across all school activitiesManage partial exemption calculations and adjustments Maintain audit-ready VAT documentation Payroll Support Support payroll processing and amendmentsOversee payslip distribution and statutory documentation (P60s)Assist with payroll year-end processes Finance Systems & Administration Support cashless catering and school meal systemsManage pupil accounts xjdpvnf and pre-ordering systems Liaise with catering team and software suppliersOversee Parentmail payment systems Support Free School Meals administration About You Proven experience in a Finance Manager, School Finance Manager, or Senior Accountant role Strong technical knowledge of management accounts, VAT, payroll, and budgetingExperience in direct debit administration, credit control and purchase ledger managementConfident user of Excel and financial systems (FMS desirable) Strong leadership and communication skills with the experience to manage a small team Apply Now- Closing Date: 13th May 2026, 12.00 pmAdditional relevant skills: Finance Manager, School Finance Manager, School Accountant, Education Finance Manager, Finance Lead (Education), Bursar's Office Finance.