Finance Manager

Finance Manager (School / Education Sector)

Holywood, Northern Ireland BT18
Full-Time | Permanent
NJC Points 29-32 | £39,862 -£42,839 per annum

Sullivan 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 Responsibilities

Management Accounts & Financial Reporting

• Prepare monthly management accounts, financial reports, and Governor packs
• Monitor budgets, analyse variances, and support forecasting
• Assist with annual budgeting and long-term financial planning
• Prepare year-end accounts and support statutory reporting
• Maintain accurate financial records using FMS
• Complete 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 processing
• Implement 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 workflows
• Manage supplier payments (BACS, cheque, and e-banking)
• Reconcile supplier statements and purchase ledger accounts
• Oversee 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 activities
• Manage partial exemption calculations and adjustments
• Maintain audit-ready VAT documentation

Payroll Support

• Support payroll processing and amendments
• Oversee payslip distribution and statutory documentation (P60s)
• Assist with payroll year-end processes

Finance Systems & Administration

• Support cashless catering and school meal systems
• Manage pupil accounts and pre-ordering systems
• Liaise with catering team and software suppliers
• Oversee 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 budgeting
• Experience in direct debit administration, credit control and purchase ledger management
• Confident 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 pm

Additional relevant skills: Finance Manager, School Finance Manager, School Accountant, Education Finance Manager, Finance Lead (Education), Bursar’s Office Finance.