Bursar

Bursar

FOR DECEMBER 2020 / JANUARY 2021* 

(* a later start date may be considered for the right candidate) 

Applications are encouraged from candidates who have a proven record of success in the management of people across various disciplines combined with finance knowledge.  The successful candidate will have excellent interpersonal and leadership skills together with the ability to work co-operatively and negotiate effectively, with some international experience preferred and an understanding of high-quality British education.

This is a superb opportunity to join the Wellington family of schools in a key senior leadership role and be a pivotal part of the strategic development of both Wellington College International Shanghai and Wellington College China.

THE POST

1 PURPOSE

The appointment of a strong and effective Bursar is vital to achieving our aims.  We seek a visionary, yet down-to-earth and flexible, team player with high energy, serious resilience and a genuine commitment to continual improvement in all areas of College life. 

The Bursar is the administrative leader of the College and is responsible for all non-academic operations. The successful candidate will be supported by members of staff offering leadership in and guidance on finance, purchasing, HR, facilities, IT, school services, etc.   

The appointment will be made by the Board of Governors, including the Executive Master.

The Bursar reports to the Executive Master on a day-to-day operational basis but is also accountable to the Board

The Executive Master is responsible to the governors for the overall well-being of the College, and the Bursar is accountable for the implementation and daily running of the financial and administrative systems, and the timely flow of accurate and relevant financial information to support that process. 

The successful candidate will join a strong group of WCC Bursars and enjoy cross group collaboration, in addition to support from a strong Central Office multi discipline team, as and when required.

2 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

GOVERNANCE

The Bursar is a key member of the facilities sub-committee and the finance and HR sub-committee meetings under the governorship of the School Advisory Board (SAB). The Bursar, in conjunction with the chair of each sub committee, is responsible for the preparation and circulation of the agenda and papers ahead of the sub-committee meetings and the subsequent production and distribution of minutes. 

The Bursar attends the School Advisory Board (SAB) meetings as a non-voting member, by invitation.

The Bursar is directly accountable to the board for all non-academic aspects of the College, except marketing and admissions.

FINANCE

The finance department works under the general direction of the Bursar. The Bursar holds ultimate responsibility for the preparation of the budgets and financial projections of the College and for the control of expenditure within the approved budgets. The Bursar also bears the responsibility for the maintenance of the College’s accounting records, the preparation of all students’ accounts and for ensuring their prompt settlement.

The Bursar will be responsible for the preparation and filing of statutory financial statements and for all tax filings and compliance with tax regulations.

HUMAN RESOURCES

The Bursar is responsible for the smooth running of all departments within the administrative structure of the College and is responsible for the structure and development of those teams to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the College.

The Bursar oversees recruitment across the College, including supporting and guiding the academic teams on the recruitment, onboarding and induction of teaching staff and directly managing the human resources team. The Bursar has ultimate responsibility for the appointment of all non-teaching support staff. The Bursar is also responsible for the administration of compensation and benefits across the College in line with WCC Group Policy and Safer Recruitment. 

The Bursar is responsible for overall leadership and management of all members of the non-teaching staff who are employed throughout the College and for appraising key members of staff as well as managing all disciplinary matters concerning the non-teaching staff. The Bursar will identify areas in which they would benefit from training and development and lead on succession planning, and talent development, within the non-academic functions.

BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS

The Bursar is responsible for the maintenance of all College buildings and for the upkeep of the College grounds and playing fields. The Bursar is also responsible for the cleanliness, good condition and security of the College buildings and other facilities.

The Bursar is responsible for the arrangement of all College staff accommodation, its sourcing and upkeep, as well as the letting arrangements of College property to outside organisations.

The Bursar has overall responsibility for health and safety, ensuring that the College complies with the highest standards of relevant legislation, and for ensuring that the College’s safety policy is kept up to date. The Bursar will be responsible for chairing the regular safety committee meetings and for arranging the annual health and safety audit.

RECORD KEEPING

The Bursar is responsible for the maintenance of full and complete archives relating to all College functions especially financial and budgeting, the physical plant, student records and employee records.

The Bursar needs to ensure that the College always has accurate and up-to-date records of all necessary information on students and their families.

The Bursar is also responsible for all the administrative and financial arrangements involved in the withdrawal of students from the College.

GENERAL ADMINISTRATION AND VENDOR MANAGEMENT 

The Bursar is responsible for the : 

• supervision of technology and technology support staff. Computerisation of College administration, admissions, student files, etc.

• negotiation of contracts especially, for example, the cafeteria, the provision of bus transport and school uniform with outside suppliers and oversight to ensure that the contracts are implemented as agreed.

• maintenance of fully adequate insurance policies covering all risks likely to affect the College's physical plant, students, and employees.

• proper registration of all certificates and licences with government and regulatory authorities.

• ensuring proper legal review and minimise risks on all College contracts and documents.

REMUNERATION PACKAGE

The successful candidate will receive an extremely competitive salary and package with benefits appropriate to the responsibility and status of the position, including housing, annual flight allowance, family medical insurance and visas, relocation allowance and school places for up to two children.

The successful candidate will also be eligible to be enrolled in the company’s Executive Bonus and Long-Term Incentive Plan. 

If you have any questions prior to submitting your application please contact Rowan Bell, Senior HR Director on rowan.bell@wellingtoncollege.cn