School bursar / business manager

[Torres10]

Hi there, has anyone managed to get a role as a bursar or SBM without having worked in a school before? I am an accountant working in industry but whenever I ask recruiters if I would be considered I have been told I don't have any school experience, so very unlikely! Has anyone actually managed it?
Thx

[yummumto3girls]

Why don't you apply to be a governor at your local school, that would give you some of the experience and knowledge you need. There is also a SBM qualification you can do. Trouble is the job is not jut about finance, although a lot of it, so it would help to be able to demonstrate administrative skills, H & S, line management, HR, premises management as well as being a good people person.

[cantpickaname]

I do this job and more and more often qualified accountants are being recruited for vacancies in this area. This is particularly the case in academies where there seems to be more of a finance/school manager split to address the thorny issue of running as school as a business. Agree re getting as much school 'insider' experience as possible, there is nothing like it!

[Schnarftastic]

Just wanted to let you know i am from the same background as you, never having worked in a school, but have wanted to be a bursar for ages.....a job recently came up at an independent school via a recruitment agent and was told by them they wouldn't submit my CV as I lacked relevant experience and wouldn't be considered by the school. So not to be deterred I applied directly with the school, got an interview and have just been invited back for a final interview - so don't be put off...fingers crossed this won't be the end of my journey into education but it certainly has proved the agency wrong that I wouldn't even get an interview!