Micklefield School seeks assistant Bursar with financial expertise for 2026 start, apply by 31 October 2025

Micklefield School is currently looking for an enthusiastic and skilled individual to join their team as an Assistant Bursar, starting in 2026. This exciting opportunity requires someone with a tertiary financial qualification and at least five years of experience in a financial role, particularly with a strong background in accounting to Income Statement and Balance Sheet level and monthly payroll administration. If you are a meticulous, organised, and flexible professional with excellent interpersonal skills, Micklefield School invites you to apply for this vital position by 31 October 2025.

Detailed vacancy information

• Institution: Micklefield School
• Position: Assistant Bursar
• Start date: For 2026 (exact start date to be confirmed upon appointment)
• Application closing date: 31 October 2025
• Minimum qualifications: A Tertiary financial qualification
• Experience required:
  • Five years in a financial position.
  • Demonstrated track record of accounting to Income Statement and Balance Sheet level.
  • Monthly payroll administration.
  • School-based experience is highly recommended.
• Key responsibilities include: General financial processing, administration and control, budgetary management, customer and billing management, debt collection, procurement and creditors, banking, monthly payroll administration on Sage Cloud Payroll, school maintenance management, fixed assets, general school administration, and managing the financial aspects of school events.
• Essential competencies and skills: Meticulous and accurate data-capturing skills, attention to detail, excellent interpersonal skills, high computer literacy, effective organisational and time-management skills, good written and verbal communication skills, excellent multi-tasking capability, the ability to meet the demands of working in a small school environment, flexibility, enthusiasm, commitment, trustworthiness, and being a team player willing to be involved in all aspects of school life.

Summary of the assistant bursar vacancy

Micklefield School is seeking a dedicated Assistant Bursar to commence duties in 2026. This role is crucial to the smooth financial operation of the school and requires a professional with robust financial expertise.

The successful candidate will possess a tertiary financial qualification and a minimum of five years’ experience in a financial capacity, with a proven ability to manage accounts up to Income Statement and Balance Sheet level. Experience with monthly payroll administration, particularly using Sage Cloud Payroll, is essential. While not strictly mandatory, previous experience within a school environment would be a significant advantage.

Key duties will be broad, encompassing general financial processing, budgetary oversight, managing customer accounts and billing, and proactive debt collection. The Assistant Bursar will also handle procurement, creditor relations, banking operations, and the management of fixed assets. Furthermore, the role involves supporting general school administration and overseeing the financial elements of various school events and maintenance management.

Beyond technical skills, the school is looking for an individual who is highly organised, meticulous, and possesses strong computer literacy. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are vital for engaging with staff, parents, and suppliers. The ideal candidate will be a flexible, enthusiastic, trustworthy team player capable of multi-tasking effectively in a dynamic small school setting.

How to apply for this post

To apply for the Assistant Bursar position at Micklefield School, please ensure you submit all required documents by the closing date of 31 October 2025. Your application should be sent via email to [email protected].

• The subject line of your email must clearly state: Assistant Bursar.
• Attach your full Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Include a comprehensive covering letter.
• Complete and attach the official Micklefield Application Form. Applications without this specific form will not be considered. You can download the form from: https://www.micklefield.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Assistant-Bursar.pdf
• Provide testimonials and the names and telephone numbers of at least three professional referees.

Questions and answers for potential candidates

• Q: What is the primary focus of this Assistant Bursar role?
  A: This role primarily focuses on comprehensive financial administration, including processing, budgeting, billing, payroll, and general financial control within Micklefield School.
• Q: Is school-based experience a mandatory requirement?
  A: While not strictly mandatory, school-based experience is highly recommended and would be a significant advantage for candidates.
• Q: What specific software is used for payroll administration?
  A: Monthly payroll administration is conducted using Sage Cloud Payroll. Experience with this system would be beneficial.
• Q: How important are soft skills for this position?
  A: Soft skills such as excellent interpersonal abilities, strong communication, flexibility, and a team-player attitude are considered crucial for success in a small school environment.
• Q: Can I submit my application without the Micklefield Application Form?
  A: No, the vacancy explicitly states that applications submitted without the official Micklefield Application Form will not be considered.
• Q: What level of accounting knowledge is expected?
  A: Candidates must demonstrate a proven track record of accounting to Income Statement and Balance Sheet level.
• Q: Are there opportunities for involvement beyond core financial duties?
  A: Yes, the school is looking for a team player willing to be involved in all aspects of school life, suggesting broader engagement.
• Q: What should I include in my covering letter?
  A: Your covering letter should highlight how your qualifications, experience, and competencies align with the specific requirements and responsibilities outlined in the vacancy.
• Q: What kind of references are preferred?
  A: Professional referees who can speak to your financial experience, work ethic, and character are preferred, with their names and telephone numbers provided.
• Q: How can I stand out as a preferred candidate?
  A: Emphasise your meticulous attention to detail, demonstrate your ability to manage multiple financial responsibilities efficiently, and highlight any prior experience in educational settings. Show your enthusiasm for contributing to a school community.
• Q: What is the expected start date for this role?
  A: The position is for 2026, meaning the successful candidate will commence their duties at the beginning of that year or at a mutually agreed point within 2026.
• Q: What are the key elements of customer and billing management?
  A: This involves handling parent accounts, issuing invoices, managing queries, and ensuring timely collection of fees and other income for the school.

Institution details

• School Name: Micklefield School
• Website: https://www.micklefield.co.za
• Vacancy Source: ISASA Vacancies

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