Finance Manager

Reports to: Head of Operations

Works closely with: Staff team, clergy, churchwardens and PCC

Hours: Full time: 37.5 hours per week, with the option to reduce depending on candidate and circumstance

Contract: Permanent

Salary: £34,628

Location: Primarily on site, with opportunities for flexible/hybrid working

Purpose of the Role

The Finance Manager is responsible for the effective financial management and in large part, delivery of the church, ensuring robust systems, accurate reporting, compliance with charity and diocesan requirements, and strong financial planning. The role supports the PCC in fulfilling its legal and fiduciary responsibilities and enables staff and clergy teams to focus on the strategic priorities of the church.

This is a broad role with a large scope requiring close attention to detail in a complex organisation. There is a requirement for oversight and management as well as day to day bookkeeping delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management and Reporting

• Oversee all day-to-day financial operations of the church.
• Prepare accurate management accounts for the Head of Operations, Incumbent, Treasurer, and PCC.
• Monitor income and expenditure against budget, identifying risks and opportunities.
• Manage cash flow to ensure the parish can meet its financial commitments.
• Prepare year-end accounts and act as the main liaison with independent examiners or auditors.

Budgeting and Financial Planning

• Lead the annual budgeting process in collaboration with staff team colleagues, clergy and PCC.
• Support medium- and long-term financial planning aligned with wider church strategy and organisational priorities.
• Provide clear financial analysis and advice to inform decision-making.

Governance, Compliance, and Risk

• Ensure compliance with Charity Commission requirements, diocesan financial regulations, and PCC policies.
• Support the PCC in meeting its fiduciary responsibilities.
• Maintain appropriate financial controls, policies, and procedures.
• Assist with risk management and internal controls, including fraud prevention.

Income, Funds, and Stewardship

• Oversee the management of restricted, designated, and unrestricted funds.
• Monitor and reconcile income streams, including:
• Planned giving and donations
• Service fees (weddings, funerals, etc.)
• Grants and trusts
• Commercial and events income
• Support stewardship campaigns and fundraising initiatives with financial insight and reporting.

Payroll and Staffing Costs

• Working closely with the Governance and Administration Officer & our payroll provider to oversee payroll processing, pensions, and staff-related financial matters.
• Ensure compliance with employment and HMRC requirements.
• Work with line managers on staffing budgets and forecasts.

Systems and Processes

• Maintain and develop effective financial systems and software.
• Ensure accurate record-keeping and audit trails.
• Improve processes to enhance efficiency, transparency, and resilience.

Collaboration and Communication

• Work closely with the Head of Operations and PCC Treasurer, offering professional financial expertise and support.
• Occasional requirement to attend relevant subcommittee meetings, presenting financial reports clearly and accessibly.
• Where appropriate, support staff and volunteers with budget management and financial understanding.
• Communicate financial information sensitively and clearly to non-financial audiences.

Person Specification

Essential Experience and Skills

• Significant experience in financial management, accounting, or a related role.
• Strong understanding of budgeting, cash flow management, and financial reporting.
• Experience working within a charity, not-for-profit, or public-sector environment.
• Knowledge of charity finance and governance requirements.
• Experience of financial software
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and integrity.
• Strong excel skills.
• Ability to explain financial information clearly to non-specialists.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Desirable Experience and Skills

• Experience working within a church context.
• Familiarity with diocesan financial frameworks.
• Experience managing complex or multi-stream income.
• Knowledge of payroll, pensions, and employment-related finance.

Personal Qualities

• Commitment to the values and mission of the parish.
• Discreet, trustworthy, and professional.
• Calm, collaborative, and solutions-focused.
• Confident in offering advice and constructive challenge where needed.
• Able to work independently while being an effective team member.

Safeguarding

• St Mary Redcliffe Church is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
• All appointments are subject to appropriate safeguarding checks.

How to Apply

Applicants are invited to submit:

Their CV and a covering letter of no more than 2 pages, outlining suitability for the role based on the information contained in the recruitment pack.

Closing Date: By 10am on Thursday 2 April

Applications should be sent to: jobs@stmaryredcliffe.co.uk

Further Information

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact:

Chris Whitwell, Head of Operations: chris.whitwell@stmaryredcliffe.co.uk

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Volunteer Welcomer and Guide (Multiple opportunities)

Location: St Mary Redcliffe Church, Bristol
Commitment: Flexible, to be agreed with the Volunteer Coordinator

St Mary Redcliffe Church is one of Bristol’s most iconic landmarks — a magnificent medieval church with over 800 years of history, stunning architecture, and countless stories woven through its walls. Each year, we welcome around 50,000 visitors from all over the world who come to explore its beauty, spirituality, and heritage. We’re building a team of warm, enthusiastic volunteers to help make every visit a memorable experience — and we’d love you to be part of it!

The role

As a Welcomer and Guide, you’ll be one of the friendly faces that make visitors feel at home from the moment they step inside. You’ll help people discover the rich history of St Mary Redcliffe, share fascinating stories about its past and present, and contribute to the welcoming atmosphere that makes this church so special.

What you’ll be doing

• Welcoming visitors with a smile and offering a friendly first point of contact.
• Helping and directing people around the church and its facilities.
• Sharing stories and information about the church’s history, architecture, and community life.
• Leading guided tours for pre-booked groups (training and support provided).
• Encouraging donations and promoting the Gift Aid scheme to support the church’s work.
• Assisting with ticket sales for tours and special events when needed.

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Warm, approachable, and enjoys meeting people from all walks of life.
• Friendly and well-presented, with a welcoming manner.
• Reliable and enthusiastic, with a positive, can-do attitude.
• Confident using initiative and comfortable working independently.
• Interested in the history and heritage of St Mary Redcliffe (no prior knowledge needed — we’ll help you learn!).
• Open to learning new systems and technology, such as digital tills or booking systems.

What you’ll gain

• The chance to be part of a welcoming, supportive volunteer team.
• Opportunities to learn about one of England’s most remarkable churches.
• New skills in customer service, guiding, and heritage interpretation.
• The satisfaction of helping thousands of visitors enjoy an unforgettable experience.

Interested?

We’d love to hear from you!

Please fill out an application form via our Better Impact page | https://bttr.im/f2tya
To find out more or express your interest, please contact our Visitor Services Coordinator, Lucy Marshall.
lucy.marshall@stmaryredcliffe.co.uk

0117 231 0060

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