St Giles' Cathedral

Head of Finance

Accountable To: Chief Operating Officer

Salary: £47,000- £60,000 depending on experience

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time

Location: Office-based at the Cathedral, with some flexibility as required

Role Purpose

The Head of Finance will provide operational leadership of the Cathedral’s financial function, ensuring robust financial management, strong governance and effective internal controls. As a member of the senior management team, the postholder will support decision-making across all areas of activity, including heritage, income-generating, development, restricted fund and capital project activity. The role is central to ensuring that the Cathedral’s resources are managed effectively in support of its mission, including the stewardship of its historic fabric, the delivery of its public benefit objectives, and the clear reporting of financial performance, risks and opportunities to senior colleagues and governance bodies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of budgets, forecasts, monthly management accounts and clear commentary on financial performance, variances, risks and opportunities to ensure timely and transparent data and insights from the Cathedral and all its entities.
• Take overall responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the finance function, leading, managing and developing the finance team so that responsibilities are clear and the function operates in an efficient, accurate and collaborative way.
• Lead year-end audit planning and preparation, act as the main point of contact for auditors, banks and the Treasurer and oversee the preparation of annual accounts and financial content for statutory and governance reporting.
• Assist in the development and implementation of the Cathedral’s financial strategy in line with organisational priorities, ensuring resources are aligned with mission, sustainability and public benefit objectives.
• Ensure effective financial procedures and policies where applicable, controls and checks are in place across all areas of the finance function, reviewing and improving processes where required to maintain a robust control environment.
• Maintain rolling cash flow forecasts and provide advice on cash requirements, reserves, restricted funds and investment or deposit options, ensuring the Cathedral has sufficient day-to-day working capital to meet its commitments.
• Oversee VAT, Gift Aid, PAYE and other payroll-related payments, pensions and other tax compliance matters, seeking specialist advice where appropriate and ensuring timely and accurate submissions to relevant authorities.
• Ensure accurate accounting and reporting for each entity of the Cathedral, restricted funds, grants and designated funds, including timely financial reporting to funders and clear advice to budget holders on fund conditions and availability.
• Support Cathedral operations through meetings with COO and the Minister and regular meetings with budget holders.
• Support governance through clear, timely and practical reporting to the COO and Treasurer to enable their reporting to the SCIO Board, Kirk Session, Finance Committee and other relevant committees or working groups.
• Provide financial modelling, analysis and insight to support income-generating activity, commercial operations, fundraising, events and other operational decision-making supporting the setting of and monitoring of KPIs
• Provide financial advice, modelling and reporting for major projects, capital works and strategic initiatives, ensuring that financial implications, risks and funding requirements are clearly understood.
• Take responsibility for the effective operation and development of the Cathedral’s accounting system and related finance software (Sage), including supplier relationships, third-party support arrangements and improvements to reporting frameworks.

Key Challenges

• Balancing strategic financial leadership with hands-on operational oversight in a medium-sized organisation.
• Managing multiple income streams, including donations, grants, restricted funds, commercial activity, visitor income and events, each with distinct requirements.
• Supporting decision-making in a complex environment where financial, operational, compliance and reputational risks must be carefully managed.
• Ensuring robust financial systems and controls while continuing to improve processes, reporting and use of management information.
• Providing clear advice on cash flow, reserves, restricted funds and major project commitments in a context where timing of income and expenditure may vary significantly.
• Working collaboratively across teams, translating financial information into clear and practical insight for non-finance colleagues, senior managers and trustees.

Person Specification

Essential

• Fully qualified chartered accountant or equivalent experience (CIMA, ACCA or ACA).
• Significant experience in a senior finance role, ideally at Financial Controller level or above.
• Strong financial management, budgeting, forecasting, reporting and audit experience.
• Good knowledge of charity accounting, including the Charities SORP and the requirements of charity governance and statutory reporting.
• Strong communication, organisational and team leadership skills, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Experience of developing and implementing financial systems, processes and internal controls.
• Experience of managing cash flow, reserves and financial forecasts in a complex organisation.
• Experience of working with boards, trustees, committees or senior governance bodies.
• Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial information and identify risks, trends and opportunities.
• Ability to explain financial information clearly and confidently to non-finance colleagues, senior managers and trustees.

Desirable

• Experience within the charity, heritage, cultural, visitor attraction or faith-based sector.
• Experience supporting capital, conservation, major project or grant-funded programmes.
• Understanding of charity funding streams, including restricted funding, designated funds, grants and funder reporting requirements.
• Experience of VAT partial exemption, Gift Aid, payroll oversight or other charity tax matters.
• Experience of commercial, retail, ticketing, EPOS, events or visitor attraction finance.
• Experience of managing accounting systems, finance software, supplier relationships or third-party finance support contracts.