School Bursar at Pinefield Schools

Description

• As part of our commitment to sound financial management, accountability and responsible stewardship of resources, we are seeking a highly competent, experienced and trustworthy School Bursar to join our team.
• The School Bursar will be responsible for supporting the effective management of the school's financial operations and ensuring that proper financial records, controls and reporting systems are maintained.
• The successful candidate must demonstrate a high level of integrity, accuracy, financial discipline and confidentiality.

Key Responsibilties
The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Managing the day-to-day financial and accounting operations of the school.
• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date financial records and supporting documentation.
• Preparing periodic financial reports for the Director.
• Supporting the preparation, implementation and monitoring of the school's annual budget.
• Monitoring income, expenditure, cash flow and other key financial activities.
• Maintaining accurate records of school fees and reconciling payments received.
• Monitoring outstanding fees and supporting appropriate follow-up in line with approved school procedures.
• Processing approved payments and ensuring that all transactions are supported by proper documentation and authorisation.
• Preparing and processing bank deposits, transfers and other financial transactions.
• Carrying out regular bank reconciliations and investigating discrepancies promptly.
• Managing petty cash and ensuring proper accountability and documentation.
• Supporting payroll preparation, verification and other salary related activities as required.
• Maintaining proper records of staff advances, loans, deductions and other financial obligations where applicable.
• Liaising with banks, auditors, vendors and other relevant external stakeholders.
• Supporting procurement processes by ensuring that financial documentation and approvals are properly maintained.
• Ensuring compliance with approved financial policies, procedures and internal control requirements.
• Supporting internal and external audit exercises and implementing approved recommendations.
• Identifying financial irregularities, discrepancies or control weaknesses and promptly escalating them to Management.
• Maintaining the highest level of confidentiality regarding school finances, staff salaries and other sensitive information.
• Providing accurate financial information and analysis to support Management decision making.
• Carrying out any other reasonable duties assigned by Management.

Qualifications and Experience
Candidates must meet the following requirements:

• A Bachelor's Degree from a reputable A list university with a minimum of Second Class Upper Division (2:1) in Accounting, Finance, Economics or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 5 years' relevant experience in accounting, finance or financial management.
• Previous experience working as a Bursar, Accountant or Finance Officer within a reputable school or educational institution will be an added advantage.
• Professional certification or membership with a recognised accounting body such as ICAN, ACCA or ANAN will be an added advantage.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting and internal controls.
• Good knowledge of budgeting, cash flow management and financial analysis.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and relevant accounting software.
• Ability to prepare accurate and timely financial reports.
• Strong analytical, numerical and problem solving skills.
• Sound knowledge of relevant statutory, tax and regulatory requirements will be an advantage.
• Excellent attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.

The ideal candidate should be:

• Highly trustworthy, honest and ethical.
• Financially disciplined and accountable.
• Analytical, accurate and detail oriented.
• Strong in financial controls and record management.
• Able to identify discrepancies and take appropriate action.
• Highly organised and able to manage multiple financial priorities.
• Discreet and capable of handling highly confidential information.
• Able to communicate financial information clearly to Management and non finance stakeholders.
• Proactive and solution oriented.
• Dependable and able to work with minimal supervision.
• Committed to responsible stewardship and the prudent management of school resources.
• Respectful of Pinefield Schools' Christian foundation and willing to uphold and support the values and ethos of the school.