At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage financial operations for a charitable diocese, including budgeting and reporting.
- Company: Join the Roman Catholic Diocese of Galloway, a respected Scottish charity.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 7 weeks holiday, and a group pension scheme.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying flexible part-time hours.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with experience in charity accounting preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
A unique and exciting opportunity has arisen for the post of Director of Finance for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Galloway, to look after all aspects of the financial management of the diocese, which is a registered Scottish Charity. Based in our office in Ayr, but with room for flexibility for agreed home working, and working circa 21 hours per week, this would be an exceptional opportunity for a qualified Accountant who may be looking to work part time. The diocese operates a central function whilst providing support to 36 parishes throughout Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway.
The key duties of the role include:
- Production of annual financial statements for audit and filing with OSCR
- Production of accurate quarterly and year end accounts by taking responsibility for all accruals, prepayments, fixed assets, cashflow and trial balance, as well as the consolidation of parish year-end financial returns
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Timely and accurate production of charity returns to OSCR
- Production of journals and bank account reconciliations
- Liaising with bankers, solicitors, insurers and investment bankers
- Support to parishes regarding financial matters
- Management of the Finance Assistant in carrying out their duties
The ideal candidate will:
- Be educated to degree level and hold a relevant professional accountancy qualification (CA, ACCA, CIMA)
- Preferably have experience or knowledge of charity accounting methods and familiarity with the Charity SORP
- Manage a centralised payroll system for diocesan and parish staff
- Be a competent and capable user of the Microsoft Suite and possess a strong knowledge of computerised accounting systems, including Sage and Xero
- Be a capable communicator, able to work with stakeholders at all levels
The successful candidate will enjoy first class working terms and conditions, including a competitive salary, 7 weeks holiday (pro rata), and membership of a group pension scheme. Applicants are invited to submit a current CV and covering letter explaining their suitability for the post by email no later than 5.00pm on Monday 25th May 2026.
Finance Director - Investment (Permanent) in Ayr employer: Diocese of Galloway
Contact Detail:
Diocese of Galloway Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director - Investment (Permanent) in Ayr
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience with charity accounting. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of charity SORP and financial management practices. We recommend practising common interview questions and having examples ready that showcase your skills in budgeting and forecasting.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director - Investment (Permanent) in Ayr
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Director role. Highlight your relevant experience in charity accounting and financial management, as well as any qualifications like CA, ACCA, or CIMA. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Explain why you're the perfect fit for this position and how your background aligns with our needs. Be sure to mention your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and liaising with stakeholders, as these are key aspects of the role.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Finance Director, you'll be working with various stakeholders. Use your application to demonstrate your communication skills. Whether it's through your CV or cover letter, make it clear that you can effectively engage with different levels of the organisation.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Diocese of Galloway
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Director, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial statements and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets and forecasts in the past. Be prepared to share specific examples of your experience with charity accounting methods and the Charity SORP.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves managing a Finance Assistant, so highlight your leadership experience. Think about times when you've successfully led a team or mentored someone. Be ready to discuss your approach to supporting others in their financial duties and how you ensure accuracy and compliance.
✨Communicate Clearly
You'll be liaising with various stakeholders, so effective communication is key. Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. During the interview, focus on how you can adapt your communication style to suit different audiences, whether they are bankers, parish staff, or board members.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Diocese
Research the Roman Catholic Diocese of Galloway and understand its mission and values. This will help you align your answers with their goals. Be prepared to discuss how your financial strategies can support the diocese's charitable activities and enhance its financial health.