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 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) and will manage a small team and will oversee the operational processes and functions, and communicate the necessary assurances, information and reports to the Senior Management Team, Chapter and the Board of our to be established trading company periodically. This will involve communicating complex financial ideas and information to a range of stakeholders (mostly non-financial).   

The successful candidate will be CAEW, ACCA or CIMA Qualified or similar and be able to show continued professional and personal development .  They will have:

•  Demonstrable experience in strategic financial leadership, with a track record of leading financial governance, compliance, and team development.   

• Strong knowledge of VAT, tax planning, and advanced accounting practices.   

• Excellent verbal and written communicator with an enthusiastic can-do approach and the ability to convey complex financial information to diverse stakeholders clearly and effectively.   

• Experience of dealing with colleagues, trustees and stakeholders.  

• Excellent analytical and reporting skills, proficient in financial software and Microsoft Office Suite.   

• Familiarity with a multi-fund accounting software   

• Empathy with the ethos of the Church of England. 

They will be:

• Commited to upholding the highest standards of safeguarding practice.

• Commited to equal opportunties and inclusivity and at ease when working at all levels. 

• Self-motivated.

• Highly collaborative and have excellent interpersonal skills including warmth, tact, diplomacy, discretion and imagination.

• Meet the standards required to pass a Fit and Proper Persons test. 

Safeguarding

The position is subject to a Basic DBS check as well as the ongoing safeguarding training provided by the Church of England and Diocese applicable to this role.

Benefits

• Annual leave allowance of 27 days per annum (FTE) plus public holidays
• Employer pension contributions of 7.5% plus employee contribution.
• Commitment to professional development and training
• Cash health plan

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

Application Instructions

Candidates invited to interview will be required to complete an application form as part of our Safer Recruitment procedure.