Following charity registration, a planned restructure of the finance team has been completed and the Cathedral is now recruiting both for a new Chief Operating Officer (COO) and for the new post of Chief Finance Officer (CFO), who will report directly to the COO. It is hoped the CFO applicants will have the opportunity to meet the newly appointed COO during the CFO selection process.

The Cathedral’s Chief Finance Officer is one of two Chief Officers appointed by the Cathedral Chapter. The CFO leads and directs the Cathedral’s finance strategy and operations to ensure sound financial management across the Cathedral’s diverse range of activities and legal entities including those via its trading subsidiary, Cathedral Enterprises, and associated fundraising trusts and in support of the Cathedral’s priorities. The post holder works closely with the Cathedral’s Chief Operating Officer and other members of the Cathedral’s Senior Management Team and has responsibility for providing strategic advice and guidance on all aspects of the Cathedral’s financial affairs.

The finance team plays an important role in the long-term stewardship of the Cathedral, ensuring the effective management of income and spend so that the Cathedral’s scarce financial resources are carefully and thoughtfully used and identifying and supporting ways to grow income. The finance team supports the governance and financial management of two connected fundraising charities, the St Albans Cathedral Music Trust and the St Albans Cathedral Education Trust.
This role involves working in partnership with many people in our cathedral community, across staff teams, with volunteers, and engaging with varied external stakeholders. 

The Chief Finance Officer has line management responsibility for the full time, highly experienced Finance Manager, who is responsible for the day to day maintenance of the Cathedral’s accounting records, as well as the full time Cathedral Shop Retail Manager. The Chief Finance Officer is also an Executive Director, and the Company Secretary, of Cathedral Enterprises, the Cathedral’s trading subsidiary, recognising the critical role commercial activity plays in the Cathedral’s long-term resilience and growth. 

As a member of the Cathedral’s Senior Management Team, the post has collective responsibility for the delivery of the Cathedral’s overall vision and priorities. The role reports to the Chief Operating Officer and also works closely with the Dean and the Finance Committee. The CFO contributes to the formulation and implementation of the Cathedral’s strategy through participation at Chapter and with the Senior Management Team. The CFO attends all Chapter, Senior Management Team, Finance, Audit and Risk Committee meetings, Enterprises Board meetings and Fabric and Property Committee meetings. Therefore, there is a requirement to be able to work the hours flexibly when necessary to facilitate meeting attendance. The CFO will deputise in the absence of the COO.  
  
The role is part time, working 21 hours a week, over 3 days and is usually office based.

The deadline for applications: Friday 31 May  
Interviews: Monday 17 June 

Shortlisted candidates will also be offered an information gathering meeting with the Head of Finance and a member of the Finance Committee before interviews on 17 June 

For an informal conversation with the Dean or Head of HR, please contact Michelle Ovenden, Head of HR and Office Support E: [email protected] 

Job Pack

Application Form