The Finance Team is based at Clayton House, Blackburn and is responsible for the accounting, financial reporting, and basic IT support.

The role will report to the Deputy Diocesan Secretary

There is a high degree of confidentiality in this work.

General

• Keep up to date with legislation relating to the finance function that may affect the reporting of financial information and taxation
• Ensure financial records are maintained in compliance with the policies and procedures of the company and that accurate and appropriate recording of income and expenditure occurs.
• Respond to any queries and requests for other staff members and external bodies in a customer focussed manner.
• Assist at Diocesan events which may require occasional evening and weekend working
• Support the finance team as required and especially in relation to IT issues and development of the accounting software.

Financial Management

• Support on budget planning and forecasting activities for the National Church bid 2023 Mutual Financial Flourishing
• Collaborate on the design and running of reports for on XLedger, implementing changes and training users across the DBE, DBF and DBE Services
• Provide support to Financial and Management Accountant (DBF) on all project claims for National Church
• Undertake tasks allocated by the Deputy Diocesan Secretary within the Finance Function to support the team.

Choir Church

• Undertake project reporting for Choir Church both financial and against targets.

Qualifications

• ACCA qualification
• AAT Professional (Level 4)
• Good level of general education – GCSE at English and Maths or equivalent

Knowledge & Skills

• Proven ability in accountancy skills (3 years)
• Evidence of CPD
• Proven ability in the use of computer programmes and the ability to learn new applications, in particular all Microsoft 365 packages such as Word, Excel, Teams Access, planner, Outlook, Accounting software, report writing
• Proficiency with a range of accounting software to produce reports and manage accounts
• Knowledge of SharePoint and power automate
• Ability to produce management accounts
• Knowledge of Charity Accounting
• Knowledge of VAT
• Knowledge of Charity/ partial exemption VAT
• Knowledge of Accounting computer systems
• Knowledge of Accounting computer systems
• Ability to model budgets and relate these to overall company performance
• Knowledge of xledger accounting systems
• Knowledge of finance legislation and compliance with it
• Understanding of year-end accounting, audit processes and statutory accounts
• Able to deal with queries and resolve on own initiative
• Able to carry out work of a confidential nature
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Able to support non-finance staff in the production of financial information
• Willingness to accept responsibility, take initiatives, be imaginative and adaptable and to work as part of a team
• Ability to work in a pressurised environment and to meet deadlines by prioritising work.
• Good organisational skills

Attitudes and Values

• Respect and facilitate the aims of the Charity
• An understanding of the Church of England
• A positive attitude towards people and a commitment to equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory working
• A positive attitude towards training and development
• Willingness to work flexibly and outside office hours (time off in lieu)

The Diocese of Blackburn represents the Church of England in most of Lancashire and part of Wigan Metropolitan Borough, covering an area of 878 square miles with a population of 1.3 million.

The Diocese is made up of two archdeaconries, Blackburn, and Lancaster, with a total of fourteen Deaneries.

There are 281 Churches, comprising around 226 parishes, with around 250 clergy (c. 200 stipendiary) and 230 licensed Readers.

Outline of Terms and Conditions

Employer: Blackburn Diocesan Board of Finance

Salary: £24,344.32 per annum

Hours: 32 hours per week (0.91 FTE)

Fixed Term: Duration 2 Years fixed term

Location: The post holder will be based at the Blackburn Diocese Board of Finance, Clayton House, Walker Office Park, Blackburn, BB1 2QE.

Pension: Member of the Royal London Pension Scheme, 10% Employer contribution 2% minimum employee contribution.

Annual leave: Entitlement of 25 days (not including statutory bank holidays) in the first year of employment rising by 1 day per completed calendar year up to a maximum of 30 days per year. Pro rata for part-time employees. The holiday year runs from 1 January to 31 December.

References: Appointment will be subject to the receipt of satisfactory references.

Probationary period: The appointment is subject to the satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period.

Notice Period: During the six-month probationary period four weeks’ notice is required on either party. Thereafter you will be required to give three months’ notice should you wish to resign.

Expenses: Working expenses are paid at the diocesan rates.

Right to work: The post-holder must have the right to reside and work in the UK.

Diversity - The Board of Finance believes that diversity enables us to thrive and develop and is committed to race equality, welcoming applications from UK Minority Ethnic backgrounds

The Board of Finance is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment

Next Steps

For an informal conversation regarding this post please contact Ruth McGaughey, Deputy Diocesan Secretary ruth.mcguaghey@blackburn.anglican.org

How to apply

Please visit the general vacancy website by following the link below to apply

General vacancies | The Diocese of Blackburn (anglican.org)