Chief Finance Officer

Portsmouth Cathedral; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Portsmouth Cathedral is seeking a Chief Finance Officer to lead financial oversight and strategic initiatives. The role involves managing a team, ensuring compliance, and enhancing financial sustainability. Candidates should be CAEW, ACCA, or CIMA qualified with strong leadership and communication skills. Benefits include generous annual leave and pension contributions.

Benefits

27 days annual leave plus public holidays

Employer pension contributions of 7.5%

Support for professional development

Cash health plan

Qualifications

• Experience in governance, compliance, and team development.
• Strong knowledge of VAT and advanced accounting practices.

Responsibilities

• Ensure financial oversight and compliance.
• Drive strategic initiatives for financial sustainability.
• Manage a small team and oversee operational processes.

Skills

Strategic Financial Leadership

Governance

Compliance

Team Development

Communication

Analytical Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Education

CAEW

ACCA

CIMA

Tools

Financial Software

Microsoft Office Suite

Multi-Fund Accounting Software

Job description

As Portsmouth Cathedral continues its journey of growth and expansion, we seek a CFO who will not only ensure financial oversight and compliance but also drive strategic initiatives to foster financial sustainability. Your expertise will be instrumental in solidifying the Cathedral’s financial position, optimising its resources, and advancing our service to the community.

Following the implementation of the Cathedrals’ Measure 2021 and the registration of Portsmouth Cathedral as a charity in March 2024, the new role of Chief Finance Officer, funded by the Cathedrals Sustainability Fund, will support the Chapter, the Cathedral’s governing body, in offering strategic financial leadership. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the CFO will be part of the Senior Management Team (SMT), managing a small team, overseeing operational processes and functions, and communicating necessary assurances, information, and reports to the SMT, Chapter, and the Board of the to-be-established trading company. This includes conveying complex financial ideas to a range of stakeholders, mostly non-financial.

The successful candidate will be CAEW, ACCA, or CIMA qualified or similar, with a demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional and personal development. They will have:

• Demonstrable experience in strategic financial leadership, including governance, compliance, and team development.
• Strong knowledge of VAT, tax planning, and advanced accounting practices.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with an enthusiastic, can-do approach, capable of conveying complex financial information clearly to diverse stakeholders.
• Experience working with colleagues, trustees, and stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical and reporting skills, proficiency in financial software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Familiarity with multi-fund accounting software.
• Empathy with the ethos of the Church of England.

They will also be:

• Committed to upholding the highest standards of safeguarding.
• Dedicated to equal opportunities and inclusivity, comfortable working at all levels.
• Self-motivated.
• Highly collaborative with excellent interpersonal skills, including warmth, tact, diplomacy, discretion, and imagination.
• Able to meet the standards required to pass a Fit and Proper Persons test.

Safeguarding: The position is subject to a Basic DBS check and ongoing safeguarding training provided by the Church of England and Diocese.

Benefits include:

• Annual leave of 27 days plus public holidays.
• Employer pension contributions of 7.5%, with additional employee contributions.
• Support for professional development and training.
• Cash health plan.

Portsmouth Cathedral is an Equal Opportunities Employer and a member of Inclusive Church.