Our aim is for everyone in the National Church Institutions (NCIs) to feel that they belong, and are valued for who they are and what they contribute. Together, our people contribute in different ways towards our common purpose, whichever NCI they work in and whatever their background.

The Ministry Development Team (MDT) is part of the Archbishops’ Council of the Church of England. It serves the dioceses and the bishops by providing advice and consultancy on ministry, and encourages an increase in the diversity and number of ministerial vocations.

As members of the Ministry Development Team (MDT) our work will both shape and be aligned with the Church of England's Vision and Strategy. We will focus our attention primarily outwards, towards those we support and guide in churches, dioceses and Theological Education Institutions. In order to deliver this we will work collaboratively with colleagues in other parts of the Ministry Development Team and in other parts of the NCIs.

The Ministry Development Team is closely engaged in working towards the outcomes of the Vision and Strategy. It is also about to implement significant changes to the way financial support for ordinands is assessed, allocated and paid. The objective is to provide greater flexibility, accountability and transparency for the dioceses.

Please note this role is being offered on a fixed-term contract expected to last for 13 months (maternity cover).

As Finance and Data Administrator, the main purpose of the role is to ensure the effective implementation of financial policy through administration of the ordination training budget. This comprises fees paid to TEIs and maintenance grants paid to TEIs and dioceses for around 1200 ordinands in training.

The Ministry Development Team is engaged in a major programme of change in the way in which grants are assessed, allocated and paid.

You will have a key role in the implementation of the new arrangements as well as ensuring high levels of service and process improvement in the light of experience and stakeholder feedback.

The Church of England is for everyone and we want to reflect the diversity of the community the Church serves across the whole country. Therefore, while of course we welcome all applications from interested and suitably experienced people, we would particularly welcome applicants from UK Minority Ethnic Backgrounds and disabled people.

For an informal conversation please contact helen.fraser@churchofengland.org

Closing date for applications will be on the Monday 5th June 2023.

Interviews will be held on Friday 9th June 2023.

In return we offer a unique environment with opportunities for continuous learning, generous annual leave for work life balance, season ticket loans and a range of benefits including discounted entry to attractions and what we feel is a market leading package when it comes to our pension scheme.

The Role

Ordinand Finance

• Preparation of specific components of Training for Ministry Budget in collaboration with the Grants and Finance Officer.
• Payment of Resourcing Ministerial Formation (RMF) related funds.
• Calculation and payment of tuition fees and maintenance grants for all students under RMF.
• Payment of Ad hoc grants following policy guidelines including Disability, Special Hardship “Train A Priest” Fund.

Data Management

• Analysis of RMF Diocesan Allocation utilisation data including Confirmation of Training Forms (COTs).
• Monitor and report on the use of MDT restricted funds.
• Monitor diocesan expenditure on ordinand maintenance and implement arrangements which share these costs in accordance with relative diocesan wealth (pooling).
• Maintain and interrogate data on attendance at MDT Discernment Panels.
• Maintain and interrogate data on ordinand training.
• Maintain and interrogate data on vocation exploration.
• Produce reports and further data analysis as required.
• Assist with the implementation of a new training/grants MDT IT system and supply input into the Finance Transformation Programme.

Divisional Financial Management

• Work with Ministry Development team colleagues to build departmental budgets.
• Ensure effective expense and other payment workflows on SAP including POs and codings.
• Liaise with Archbishops’ Council Finance Department on budgetary issues and resolve them.
• Monitor progress against budget and forecast outcomes as required.
• Administration through preparation and correspondence of the WCMET Grants.

The Requirements

Essential Skills/Aptitudes:

• A keen analytical mind with high numeracy skills and attention to detail.
• Skills in communicating financial information for colleagues and external stakeholders.
• High level of computer literacy in particular the creation and formatting of spreadsheets.
• Familiarity with use of payments and budgeting system such as SAP.
• Discretion and reliability in observing confidentiality.

Desirable Knowledge/Experience:

• Confident in church and theological terms and some knowledge of the structures of the Church of England.

Personal Attributes:

• An ability to work independently in accordance with policy guidelines.
• An understanding and empathy with the ethos of the Church of England.

Circumstances:

• Able to travel within England and attend occasional meetings away from London

In the National Church Institutions (NCIs), we support the mission and ministries of the Church of England. We work with parishes, dioceses, schools, chaplaincies and other ministries, and with national and international partners including mission agencies, and other denominations and faith groups.-.

Find out more about working for the National Church Institutions at Careers | The Church of England

Our NCI values

• We strive for excellence
• We collaborate
• We act with integrity
• We show compassion
• We respect others

We welcome everyone and we accept and value people for who they are and what they contribute, treating others in the way we would wish to be treated ourselves. We actively listen to and include others, encouraging and enabling everyone’s voice to be heard in discussions and decisions. When we disagree, we aim to disagree well with respect and kindness.

We want to encourage applications from a diverse group of people. Even if you have never thought about working for us before, if you have the skills and experience we’re looking for then we would like to hear from you. If there is anything we can do to support you in your application please get in touch via email to hr.recruitment@churchofengland.org.

• As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively look to attract, recruit and retain those of you who are disabled.
• We are a member of the Armed Forces Covenant, and welcome applications from those of you who have served in our Armed Forces and their families.