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Assistant Bursar

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Assistant Bursar
Assistant Bursar at Friends’ School Lisburn Commissioned by MCS Group
MCS Group are hiring an Assistant Bursar to join the finance team at Friends’ School Lisburn, one of Northern Ireland’s most respected independent schools. This diversified role offers a qualified accountant the chance to support financial oversight, strategic decision-making, and operational excellence within a thriving organisation.
About the Role
Play a pivotal role within a close-knit, forward-thinking finance team. This position explores finance, operations, and project work across both administrative and strategic domains, preparing you for long-term career progression in the education sector.
- Key contributors for senior leadership and finance strategy, driving organisational growth
- Values-led culture* with a track record of excellence and positive impact
- Predictable progression path with senior leadership experience
- Opportunity to lead and mentor a small finance team*
- Continuous involvement in systems enhancements and improvement initiatives
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Responsibilities
- Production of management accounts, budgets, and financial reporting in support of school campaigns and operating objectives
- Overseeing income and expenditure management, including revenue collection, vendor reconciliations, and invoice processing
- Support for internal and external audits, ensuring adherence to statutory obligations and full transparency
- Handling VAT returns, banking, and meticulous financial controls aligned with school policies
- Collaborating on finance projects and technology upgrades to optimise workflows
Qualifications & Experience
- Chartered accountancy qualification: ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or CIPFA (certified or part-qualified)
- Proven finance/accounting hands-on experience (minimum 3+ years in education or large-scale governance contexts)
- Competency in Excel (advanced spreadsheets, financial modelling) and emphasis on financial systems' familiarity
- Seen as a steadfast collaborator, able to communicate clearly with senior leaders, teachers, and external stakeholders
- Invested in proactive problem-solving and team development


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Benefits
Financial
- Competitive salary aligned with experience
- 43 days annual leave (including statutory holidays)
Pensions & Workplace Culture
- Full access to NILGOSC pension scheme
- Dynamic workplace with strong mentoring and professional development opportunities
Employer Trusted by Reputation
Friends’ School Lisburn is recognised as a leading independent institution in the Belfast region and holds a 5-star Google review rating of 4.9 for its outstanding service quality.
If this role aligns with your ambitions, please apply confidentially by emailing your up-to-date CV to [insert link]. Alternatively, contact Luke Maddison, Senior Consultant, at MCS Group: 📞 028 9049 0861
(Even if this post isn’t ideal, we have alternatives—visit MCS Group Jobs.)
Community-rooted principles drive decisions at the Friends’ Schools Trust.*
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