The Role

The Finance Director role is a senior position overseeing Finance, Information Technology and Data for the CDBF group. Working closely with the CEO, the Finance Director will lead, manage and develop the team, deliver specific projects and work to support the wider diocese.

The Finance Director will take a lead role in shaping a robust financial plan and a coherent programme of change initiatives to develop effective financial processes and procedures.

They will have responsibility for financial strategy, innovation and oversight of the finance team and contribute to the overall leadership and operation of the Diocese.

The Finance Director will be a member of the Senior Management Group and be responsible for the effective management of diocesan financial resources to enable its mission of the Church in the Diocese of Chelmsford. They will provide effective financial information to the Board, Councils, departments and parishes. They will regularly attend and present to governance committees including Bishop’s Council, Finance Committee (our trustee body) and Diocesan Synod.

The Finance Director will be a suitably experienced and qualified accountant, strengthening our finance team and personally leading selected programmes of work. They will be a strategic implementor – able to deliver a change programme to support our strategic development. They will also be a visible leader who is able to motivate direct reports to ensure delegated responsibilities are delivered and effective communication is maintained. They will have a track record of enabling change and improving business processes in a finance department. They will have a servant leadership ethos and will demonstrate good customer service with an ability to build good relationships with other departments and stakeholders.

Principal Accountabilities

Financial Strategic Planning

Work with the CEO and trustees to shape the diocesan financial strategy and associated policies and processes.
Lead the implementation of the financial strategy, particularly overseeing work to improve the financial resilience of the organisation and to ensure financial sustainability of the Diocese.
Take a lead role in the development of the diocesan investment strategy and its implementation.
Work with the CEO to develop alternative revenue streams where possible in order to diversify diocesan income away and reduce dependency on Parish Share.

Finance and Governance

Ensure the CDBF Group complies with tax requirements and regulatory requirements of the Companies and Charities Acts and Ecclesiastical Law; and ensure group company secretarial responsibilities are executed.
Ensure compliance with all statutory and financial reporting requirements across the Group, lead on risk management and support the internal and external audit programme.
Review financial policies and practices within the diocese to ensure they reflect best practice and financial developments within the Charity sector and the Church of England.
Provide budgetary control and management information, ensuring the provision of appropriate management information to budget holders, board members and trustees on a regular basis.
Improve and develop existing budget framework, management accounts and performance monitoring, in-year forecasting and cash flow management.
Accountable for embedding the revised Share Allocation process and allocation developed for implementation from 2023.
Oversee the planning and production of year end accounts and the external audit.
Oversee treasury management functions.

Finance Department, IT and Data Teams

Lead, manage and develop the Finance team, IT Manager and Data and Business Systems Manager, ensuring that our functions effectively serve the CDBF group and the wider diocese.
Develop improved business processes and business systems and identify opportunities for efficiencies. Develop a centre of expertise and a culture of continuous improvement and best practice.
Ensure the effective delivery of finance team services including payrolls, invoice processing and payment, recording of income and reporting on grants and restricted funds.
Ensure Finance Team and other key personnel maintain focus on priorities. Provide clear communication, effective delegation and oversight to ensure priorities and deadlines are met.
Oversee the implementation of new accounting software (X-Ledger), ensuring core processes and controls continue to operate effectively throughout the transition and maximising use of improved functionality.
Oversee the development and implementation of IT strategy for the CDBF Group and the efficient value for money service delivery of the IT function.

Change Management & Communications

Lead and embed change across the Finance function and contribute to the implementation of broader strategic change across the diocese.
Provide effective communication of financial information to enable others to understand the financial position, including management information to engage stakeholders in financial matters and inform decision making.
Take a personal lead on ad-hoc finance and business change projects as required.

Relationship Building

Engage with parishes, deaneries and Bishop’s Leadership Team on strategic and operational financial matters, including problem solving, parish share issues, trusts, loans and projects.
Provide financial advice/support to parishes and deaneries (particularly parish and deanery treasurers).
Oversee the implementation of the revised Parish Share process.
Oversee and encourage the uptake of the Parish Giving Scheme in our parishes.
Communicate an understanding of the financial needs of the diocese, giving practical costs of providing ministry across the diocese to promote good stewardship.
Work closely with Archdeacons, Mission and Ministry Advisors and other colleagues to communicate the positive impact and practical costs of providing ministry across the diocese and how this is funded through parish share.
Actively promote a deeper understanding of the principles of Christian giving.

Personal Development

Keep up to date with developments in financial best practice.
Take a proactive approach to continual professional and personal development
Represent the Diocese at National Church events such as the Inter Diocesan Finance Forum.
Develop network of contacts across dioceses and national church and beyond to share ideas and best practice.

Other

Oversee the development and implementation of IT strategy for the CDBF group and delivery of IT services.
Enable effective cyber-security processes and ensure resilience in diocesan staff home working.
Attend and support key meeting and events within diocesan life, to ensure strategic financial input to lead and inform discussion and decision-making.
Engage appropriately with trustees, National Church and external stakeholders, representing the diocese and Church of England to outside parties.
Work collaboratively with other members of the senior management team and undertake such other reasonable duties as may be required by the Chief Executive.
To ensure duties are undertaken in line with the Data Protection Act and polices and principles and with the strictest level of confidentiality.
The Church of England is committed to promoting a safe environment and culture for children, young people and vulnerable adults. The individual appointed to this role will be expected to work within the policy and procedures of the relevant safeguarding policies and to attend/complete all required safeguarding training.

Equality and Diversity
Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in employment practices and leadership relationships.
Ensure that the diocese proactively support the principles and practices of equality of opportunity in accordance with its legal obligations and theological values.