CIRCUIT FINANCE OFFICER
Southwark and Deptford Circuit
Job Description
A crucial role in the life of this group of churches, ensuring the proper organisation and management of its finances to enable its life and mission.
Key terms and conditions
| Terms of appointment | Part Time |
| Location | This position is primarily home-based, though it necessitates attending occasional in-person meetings in the Southwark and Deptford |
| Remuneration | £8,840 per annum based on 10 hours a week, plus pension contribution of 6%. (Equivalent to 592 full-time, based on 38 hours.) |
| Hours of work | This role offers an average of 10 hours per week, characterised by its flexibility to accommodate busier and quieter periods throughout the year. Working hours are negotiable with the selected candidate. Attendance at meetings, either in-person or online, will be required periodically, with advance notice provided. |
| Holiday entitlement | 2 days annual leave plus 8 days bank holiday, totalling 30 days annual leave entitlement per year pro rata. As an additional benefit to long-term serving employees, you will gain a day’s annual leave on the second-year anniversary of service and two days after five years of service. Leave will need to be agreed in advance. |
| Clearance | appointment subject to satisfactory references. |
About the Southwark and Circuit
There are seven churches across the Borough including Deptford that sits right on the border of Greenwich and Lewisham. There is a rich history both in the lives of each of the churches and the areas we serve. We recognise that we are not working on our own – churches of all denominations work together and we partner with other voluntary bodies in projects that benefit the community. As London continues to develop we are aware that for all its affluence and opportunity there are other stories that need to be heard, genuine voices that must not be silenced by the noise of the city or excluded from what it means to be God’s people.
About the role
This role has been introduced to enhance the Circuit’s ability to further its mission and effectively oversee its resources. Historically, the Circuit’s finances were managed by a volunteer treasurer in collaboration with an accounting firm. However, due to the growing complexity of charity finance regulations and the increased time commitment required, a decision has been made to appoint a part-time Circuit Finance Officer (CFO) to fulfil the Circuit’s charitable objectives more efficiently. While a Circuit trustee will maintain the formal role of Circuit Treasurer and oversee the accounts and we will continue to employ a firm of professional accountants, the newly established position will assume responsibility for the bulk of day-to-day financial tasks.In designing this position, we aimed for maximum flexibility to appeal to a broad pool of applicants. Initially, the CFO may need to physically attend meetings, some often in the evening, to familiarise themselves with the Circuit’s operations. Nonetheless, it is expected that the role will predominantly allow for flexible scheduling to accommodate other responsibilities. Joining a welcoming team, the CFO will be a crucial part of an organisation committed to serving Christ and the community.
Key responsibilities
This role incorporates several distinct but inter-related elements. They may be broken down as follows:
1. Day-to-day financial management
- processing payments and purchase invoices using the QuickBooks accounting system
- oversight of cash flow in the Circuit’s various accounts to ensure funds are available to meet debts as they fall due
- reconciliation of balance sheets
- monitoring the receipt of payments from the churches to Circuit funds, and chase where appropriate
- requesting the withdrawal of funds for grants and major manse repairs from centrally held funds with the Methodist Church, as directed
2. Payroll and staffing expenses
The payroll function of processing PAYE is performed by the Central Payroll Bureau of the Methodist Church. The CFO is responsible for the following functions:
- processing the monthly payment of salaries, stipends and apprenticeship levy into the Circuit’s accounting system – Quickbooks, ensuring that all necessary requirements are met (including the annual preparation of P11Ds), which are submitted to the Payroll Bureau at the specified date, annually.
- notification to the Methodist Church’s central Payroll Bureau of all salary and stipend changes by the required date, annually
- notification to the Payroll Bureau of changes to salary payments, including new starters and leavers
- proactively managing annual inflationary pay increases and other changes
- processing of expenses for staff members and volunteers
3. Financial reporting
- production of reports for Circuit Meeting (trustees of the charity), who usually meet three times a year (weekday evenings)
- submission of Annual Returns to the Methodist Church as required
- making financial returns to the Charity Commissioners as required, in conjunction with the Circuit Accountants and Circuit Treasurer, as required
4. Production of annual accounts
- working with the Circuit Treasurer and the Circuit accountants to ensure that the annual accounts are prepared in a timely and appropriate fashion
- liaising with Circuit auditors to ensure that all necessary requirements are met in a timely fashion
5. Forward planning
- ensuring that the Circuit assessments (the annual contributions from individual congregations to the central Circuit budget) are set annually as part of the budget process, and arranging for the collection of agreed sums from the churches
- production of an annual budget for the Circuit in May/June each year based on previous income and expenditure and agreed mission plans
- provide appropriate financial advice and guidance to the Circuit Leadership, assisting in long-term financial planning and decision-making.
6. Other tasks
- ensuring that bank signatories and authorisations are up to date
- keeping appropriate financial records and ensure suitable retention / disposal policy is implemented
- providing advice and assistance to church treasurers, if time permits
- providing the Superintendent Minister and the Circuit Leadership Team with the advice and information necessary to enable sound financial decision-taking
- to keep up to date with the latest developments in charity finance and law, and other relevant legislation
This list of duties listed is not exhaustive, and the post holder may be expected to undertake other related activities in consultation with their line manager as are within their competencies and level of responsibility.
There will almost certainly be potential for additional hours supporting individual churches with their finances, if mutually desired.
Management
The post holder will be managed by the Superintendent Minister of the Circuit, currently Revd Rachael Wilson. The post holder will work directly with her and may at times be matrix managed by other members of the Circuit Leadership Team when the superintendent is on annual leave or away from duties. Additionally, the successful applicant will work most closely with the Circuit Treasurer, who will oversee and help direct their work.
| Category | Skills/Qualifications Required |
| Financial Management | Proficiency in using Quickbooks accounting system – requiredUnderstanding of cash flow management – requiredAbility to perform balance sheet reconciliations – requiredExperience in grant application and fund management – desirableCompetency in monitoring and managing payments and receipts – required |
| Category | Skills/Qualifications Required |
| Payroll and Expenses | Familiarity with PAYE processing – requiredExperience in handling salary, stipends, and expense processing – requiredAbility to manage pension contributions and liaise with pension providers – desirableKnowledge of annual financial responsibilities – required |
| Financial Reporting | Ability to produce financial reports for trustee meetings and annual returns – requiredExperience in making financial returns to relevant authorities – desirableSkills in liaising with auditors and accountants for annual accounts preparation – required |
| Budgeting and Planning | Proficiency in budget preparation and financial forecasting – desirableExperience in setting financial assessments and managing collection from congregations – requiredAbility to provide financial advice for long-term planning – required |
| General Administration | Keeping financial records up-to-date – requiredManaging bank signatories and authorisations – desirableAbility to provide assistance to church treasurers – requiredStaying informed on charity finance, law, and relevant legislation – requiredHandling Gift Aid on donations – desirable |
| Category | Skills/Qualifications Required |
| Flexibility & Availability | Willingness to attend meetings in person, primarily during evenings – requiredAbility to work flexibly, accommodating busier and quieter periods – requiredOpenness to potentially support individual churches with their finances beyond the core role – desirable |
| Interpersonal Skills | – Ability to work closely with the Circuit Treasurer, leadership team, and other staff – requiredEffective communication skills for providing financial advice and information – requiredTeam-oriented approach to join a friendly and welcoming staff team – required |
| Technical Skills | – Must keep up to date with developments in charity finance and law – requiredAbility to use financial software and tools proficiently – required |
| Commitment | Aligned with the charitable purposes of the Circuit – desirableOpenness to part-time work with potential for additional hours if mutually agreed – desirable |
| Qualifications | Relevant experience in finance and administration roles required- Any qualifications related to finance, accounting, or related fields would be advantageous |
Please send a CV to Rev’d Rachael Wilson, Superintendent, Southwark and Deptford Circuit at: (email) You may also contact her with any questions you may have (020 8789 9722).
Closing date for applications: 21.10. 2024 (Please note that we may interview candidates before the closing date, if they have the skills and experience we need, so we encourage those interested to apply as soon as possible.)
Commence employment: As soon as possible (by mutual agreement)