School Bursar

Knysna, South Africa Posted on 27/03/2026

A reputable educational institution in Knysna is seeking a diligent and experienced finance professional to join their administrative team. This role offers the opportunity to take ownership of the school's financial health, ranging from daily processing to high-level reporting. Depending on the candidate's seniority and experience, the position will be structured as either a Bookkeeper or a Bursar. The successful individual will ensure the smooth operation of school fee collections, supplier management, and financial reporting while providing essential administrative support to the school's leadership. This is a full-time, on-site position requiring a professional who thrives in a community-focused environment and can manage the unique financial cycle of an academic year.

• Comprehensive Financial Accounting: Manage the full accounting function through to trial balance and balance sheet, ensuring all reconciliations are accurate and up to date.
• Debtors and Fee Management: Oversee the monthly school fee billing process, including the management of debit orders via Netcash and proactive debt collection.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a professional point of contact for parents, staff, and vendors regarding financial queries, ensuring clear and empathetic communication.
• Budgetary Support: Assist the Business Manager or Board with budget preparation, monitoring expenditure, and identifying financial variances.
• Procurement: Coordinate purchasing activities for the school, ensuring cost-effective sourcing and accurate record-keeping.
• Event Support: Provide financial oversight and administrative assistance for various school events and fundraising initiatives.
• Executive Reporting: For candidates at the Bursar level, attend Executive Committee meetings and provide strategic financial insights directly to the Board.

• A recognized tertiary qualification in Accounting, Bookkeeping, Finance, or a closely related field.
• Experience: A minimum of 5 years of experience in a comprehensive bookkeeping, bursar or similar financial role.
• Technical Expertise: Proven ability to manage accounts from source documentation through to the balance sheet.
• Collections Proficiency: Advanced experience in debtors management and debt collection is essential.
• Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional ability to interact professionally with a diverse group of stakeholders, including parents and school staff.
• Reliability: Strong time management skills and the ability to maintain accuracy while working under pressure to meet month-end deadlines.
• Accounting Software: Xero (or a comparable cloud-based accounting system).
• Productivity Suites: Advanced MS Excel or Google Sheets; proficient in MS Word or Google Docs.
• Payment Systems: Netcash.
• Previous experience working within the education sector or a non-profit environment.
• Familiarity with Netcash or similar payment distribution platforms.
• Reside in Knysna or surrounding areas.
• Employment Type: Permanent.

• Leave: 20 days annual leave.
• Environment: A stable, community-centric working environment within the education sector.