Head of Finance

SAINT are pleased to be exclusively partnering with Robertson Bell in our search for a new Head of Finance to join our close-knit team on a permanent basis. SAINT is a prominent Christian multi-Parish church group located in East London, with a vision of bringing hope to the people of East London.

As the Head of Finance at SAINT, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the financial health and sustainability of the church. Reporting into the Chief Executive Officer and the Honorary Treasurers, you will focus on the full accounting process and delivery of financial guidance for the parishes, and other related charities.

The organisation:

SAINT is one church with multiple Church of England parishes, across East London, which work together in collaboration. The four parishes that make up SAINT are: the Parish of Hackney, the Parish of St Mary with St Edward and St Luke Leyton, the Parish of St Leonard Shoreditch and the Parish of West Ham. We have been commissioned as a resource church to serve young people, train diverse leaders and plant churches in partnership with a network of friends.

The Head of Finance role is a permanent, full-time position with an opportunity for a hybrid working arrangement. The successful candidate will work at least 2 days per week on site with the flexibility to work remotely. The church offices are in a new, light-filled building next to the St. John at Hackney Church. You will be working alongside a closely integrated team of 40 staff and clergy, all with exceptional skills within their ministries.

The key duties of this Head of Finance role are as follows:

• Work with Pastoral Leads to help develop and execute the financial strategy supporting SAINT's mission and goals.
• Conduct financial analysis to support decision-making and advise on financial strategies.
• Prepare consolidated accounts for the entire church group, combining financial data from all churches and entities under SAINT.
• Facilitate annual audits, including liaising with external auditors and providing required documentation.
• Prepare, analyse and distribute monthly and annual financial statements in accordance with UK accounting standards.
• Ensure compliance with UK accounting and financial regulations, including charity reporting requirements and VAT.
• Work with the Finance Manager to develop and monitor budgets and identify areas for cost optimisation.
• Engage in the life of the Church to develop and maintain positive staff relationships, the organisational culture and connections with the congregation and community.

The successful candidate will have:

• Qualified as an Accountant with professional body membership (ACCA, ACA, or equivalent).
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant accounting and financial management experience.
• Experience of producing statutory accounts, management accounts, cash flow forecasts, budgets and other financial reports.
• Knowledge of UK charity accounting and reporting regulations is an advantage.
• Excellent attention to detail, organisational skills, and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

As a result of our Christian ethos, this post is covered by an Occupational Requirement under Part 1 of Schedule 9 to the Equality Act 2010. The successful candidate will be expected to be an active Christian who will play a key role in the leadership of the church so understands the need to apply their Christian faith in the context of the work.

The closing date for applications is on Monday 1st April (Easter Monday), with first stage interviews due to take place the week commencing 8th April. Applications will be under constant review before the closing date, so please submit your application with our exclusive search agent Robertson Bell ASAP to avoid disappointment!