School Bursar

Moorlands School is a small, thriving prep school of some 155 pupils. It has an excellent reputation in a competitive local market for independent education, with many families coming to the school via recommendations. The school is a friendly, family environment with one form entry and high expectations of pupils of all ages. Moorlands is the oldest prep school in Leeds and next year will be celebrating its 125th anniversary. The school is a member of IAPS and an acquired school in the Methodist Independent School Trust. The school also has a close working relationship with the local MIST trust school, Woodhouse Grove School.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), the Bursar will work alongside the Moorlands’ Governors and Headteacher on the overall strategic direction of the school.

Moorlands is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The Bursar is expected to be committed to their responsibilities and requirements in this crucial area.

The Bursar’s main areas of responsibility encompass the following areas:
- Strategic planning
- Financial management
- Member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Premises management
- Health and Safety processes
- Administrative effectiveness
- Clerk to the Governors
- School Representation
- Scope

The role is for three days a week during term time, with an additional 18 days (six weeks) to be worked during school holidays and a yearly total of four INSET Days prior to term starting, to attend. Other ad-hoc hours additionally to be worked in school either side of the term as needed to discharge the duties of the Bursar.

Lunch is provided, as are drinks.

The Bursar is responsible to the Governing Body for the conduct of the financial affairs, business management and material state of the premises and to the Headteacher for the day-to-day administration.

The Bursar line manages:

- The Caretaker, and through them the maintenance support and cleaning teams
- The administration team

There are a number of events that staff attend, including the Summer Fair, Christmas Fair and Speech Day, which are required as part of the role.

The role is including, but not limited to, the following:
**Financial Management**

In conjunction with the Deputy Bursar and Finance Assistant and under the direction of the Moorlands’ Governing Body and MIST:
- Maintain the accounts of the school in line with recognised accounting practices and other legal requirements.
- Preparation of termly management accounts, cash flow forecasts and other reports as required by the Headteacher, Moorlands’ Governors and MIST
- Preparation of any other papers requested by the Governors to inform their decision on matters such as the annual fee increases.
- To report immediately any exceptional variances
- To use benchmarking tools to identify areas of relative spend, assess trends, and identify areas where economisation could be achieved
- Liaise with the MIST Group auditors in the preparation of statutory accounts
- To advise on general financial policy within the school, preparing appraisals for projects as they arise and preparing a long-term financial strategy in conjunction with School Governors and the Headteacher, for the future development of the school
- Prepare and submit annual estimates of income and expenditure as required by Governors and MIST
- To obtain agreement of budgets and to monitor accounts against budget, both at departmental and whole school level
- Submit information to the Charity Commission as required and ensure that the school operates within the stated aims and objectives
- Be responsible for the management of procedures and controls for the authorisation of expenditure; monitoring income and expenditure against budget and ensuring a regular system of reporting to the Headteacher, SLT and Governors
- Keeping a clear view on overdue fees, resolving such and managing debt recovery effectively
- Administering the bursary system for parents and prospective parents needing financial assistance
- Supervising the School’s insurance in all its forms and dealing with any insurance claims. Liaison with the School’s insurance brokers to ensure that adequate cover for the school and pupils is in place.
- Representing the School at Bursar’s forums or other relevant meetings

**Premises management**

The Bursar has primary responsibility to present the premises in its best state at all times. They are assisted in this by the School Caretaker, Assistant Caretaker and cleaning team.
- Strategic overview of the maintenance and refurbishment of School buildings, security, fire prevention, boilers, swimming pool and the maintenance of the buildings, including maintenance schedules and record keeping
- Oversee the management of the maintenance schedules and the efficient operation of all facilities on the site
- Oversee the upkeep of the playing fields, gardens, boundaries, roads, land drainage and woodland.
- Oversee the purchase, repair and maintenanc