Senior Finance Officer

Hereford Cathedral; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A historic religious institution in the United Kingdom is seeking a Senior Finance Officer to support the financial operations with integrity and compliance. This full-time role involves managing accounts, preparing reports, and collaborating within a dynamic team. Ideal candidates will have AAT qualifications, financial administration experience, and a strong attention to detail. Benefits include 25 days of annual leave and a supportive team culture.

Benefits

Free on-site parking

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Non-contributory pension scheme with 8% employer contribution

Discounts in the Cathedral café and shop

Qualifications

• Experience of financial administration.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic and faith-based environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage the purchase ledger, coding invoices and running payments.
• Reconcile bank accounts and ensure accuracy.
• Prepare and submit Gift Aid claims and grant applications.
• Process payroll information timely for payments.
• Assist with the preparation of monthly management accounts.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Collaborative approach

Education

Qualified or part-qualified AAT (or equivalent)

Tools

Sage 50

Xero

Job description

We are looking for a skilled and detail-focused individual to join the Finance Department at Hereford Cathedral as our Senior Finance Officer. This is a key role supporting the financial health of the Cathedral, ensuring the integrity of our accounting systems and compliance with regulatory requirements.

To provide expert financial administration, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the Cathedral's accounting systems. To support the Chief Finance Officer in delivering efficient financial operations, compliance with regulatory requirements, and transparent reporting that aligns with the Cathedral's mission and values.

The ideal candidate will be self-motivated and organised, with excellent attention to detail and a collaborative approach. If you are enthusiastic about combining financial professionalism with purpose-driven work in a faith-based environment, we would love to hear from you.

Joining Hereford Cathedral means becoming part of a close-knit and passionate team, working in one of the most historic and inspiring buildings in the region. With up to 130,000 visitors each year, the Cathedral offers a dynamic workplace rooted in faith, heritage, and community.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the purchase ledger, including coding invoices, maintaining records for capital projects, and running payments
• Reconcile bank accounts, control accounts, and digital payment systems to ensure accuracy.
• Prepare and submit Gift Aid claims and grant applications.
• Process payroll information prior to submission to payroll bureau and ensure timely payment to staff.
• Assist with the preparation of monthly management accounts and circulate reports to department heads.
• Post journals, accruals, and prepayments during month-end routines.
• Reconcile intercompany transfers and company charge card transactions.
• Assist with quarterly VAT submissions.
• Assist with the preparation of annual statutory accounts.
• Assist with the provision of information to support the annual external audit.
• Perform year-end routines in Sage, maintaining the integrity and efficiency of financial records.
• Load budgets and support the development of tailored reports for internal use.
• Work with the Cathedral's digital working group to improve financial reporting processes.
• Provide ad-hoc financial support to the CFO, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the department.
• Take on additional tasks as required, supporting the evolving needs of the Cathedral and its mission.

Job Specification

Essential

• Qualified or part-qualified AAT (or equivalent)
• Experience of financial administration.
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic and faith-based environment.

Desirable

• Experience using Sage 50 or Xero.
• Experience in accounts preparation, including draft management accounts for charities.
• Understanding of VAT, payroll and gift-aid processing.

Working Hours

This is a full-time role of 35 hours per week, typically Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 17:00. Some flexibility or hybrid working may be discussed at interview. Occasional out-of-hours work may be required, with time off in lieu offered for agreed additional hours.

Our Staff Enjoy

• A unique working environment in the heart of Hereford's historic centre
• Free on-site parking
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• non-contributory pension scheme with an 8% employer contribution.
• A collaborative and supportive team culture
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Discounts in the Cathedral café and shop

HOW TO APPLY

For full details and how to apply, please visit the vacancies page of the Hereford Cathedral website. Fully completed application forms must be received before midday on the closing date of Monday 27 October 2025. Please note that we do not shortlist from CV-only submissions.