Bursar Job Description and Role Profile

The bursar is responsible for overseeing the financial operations and administrative finance functions of an educational institution or small to medium sized organisation. This Bursar job description is suitable for applicants with a strong background in accounting, budgeting and financial leadership who can ensure accurate reporting, regulatory compliance and efficient day to day cash management.

Bursar Job Profile

The bursar provides leadership and operational management of the finance function, delivering timely financial information, effective control systems and sound financial planning. The role supports senior management and governing bodies by translating financial data into clear advice and implementing robust processes that safeguard the organisation's resources.

The purpose of the role is to maintain financial integrity, manage budgets and cash flow, oversee payroll and transactional accounting, and ensure compliance with statutory and internal requirements. The bursar manages a small finance team and liaises closely with academic or service leaders to align financial practice with organisational objectives.

Bursar Job Description

The bursar is expected to prepare and present regular financial reports, lead the annual budgeting process and monitor performance against approved plans. This includes forecasting income and expenditure, identifying variances, recommending corrective actions and advising senior leaders on financial implications of strategic decisions.

In addition to core accounting duties, the bursar will manage cash, banking arrangements and creditor and debtor processes to maintain liquidity and control. The role requires responsibility for payroll oversight, year end accounts preparation and coordination of external audits, ensuring documentation, reconciliations and schedules meet professional standards.

The postholder will maintain and develop financial policies and procedures, ensure compliance with statutory obligations and support procurement and asset management. Effective staff supervision, stakeholder communication and a commitment to continuous improvement are essential to deliver reliable, efficient and compliant financial services.

Bursar: Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and maintain financial policies, procedures and internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure accuracy of records
• Lead the annual budget setting process and produce periodic budget monitoring reports for senior management and governors
• Prepare monthly and annual management accounts, variance analysis and financial forecasts
• Manage cash flow, banking relationships and short term investment decisions to maintain liquidity
• Oversee accounts payable and receivable processes, including timely invoicing, collection and supplier payments
• Supervise payroll processing, including pay runs, pensions administration and statutory deductions where required
• Coordinate preparation of year end accounts and liaise with external auditors during financial audits
• Maintain fixed asset registers and ensure appropriate depreciation and capital accounting
• Ensure compliance with statutory reporting requirements and relevant financial regulations
• Provide financial advice to senior leaders on budgeting, cost control and resource allocation
• Manage and develop the finance team, including workload allocation, training and performance appraisals
• Support procurement activity, review contracts and advise on value for money and financial risk
• Implement and monitor financial systems and reconciliations to ensure data integrity
• Prepare financial information for board or governing body meetings and respond to audit and inspection queries

Bursar: Requirements and Qualifications

• Degree in accounting, finance, business or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience
• Professional accounting qualification (for example ACCA, CIMA, ACA) or substantial proven finance experience
• Minimum of three to five years' experience in a senior finance role, preferably within education or a similar public sector environment
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting and budgetary control
• Proven experience of preparing management accounts, forecasts and statutory year end accounts
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage competing priorities
• Good leadership and staff management skills, including delegation and performance development
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to present financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with experience of working with senior leaders and governors
• High level of integrity and commitment to confidentiality and compliance with regulatory requirements
• Proven ability to develop and implement policies, controls and process improvements
• Comfortable working with financial systems and able to learn new software as required
• Satisfactory background checks where required by the employer