At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee financial management for a registered charity, supporting 36 parishes.
- 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 finance while working part-time with flexibility.
- 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.
Senior Financial Director (Permanent) in Ayr employer: Diocese of Galloway
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Galloway offers a rewarding opportunity for a Senior Financial Director to contribute to the financial stewardship of a respected charity. With a flexible working arrangement based in Ayr, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that values work-life balance, alongside competitive remuneration and generous holiday entitlement. This role not only allows for professional growth within the charity sector but also provides the chance to make a meaningful impact across 36 parishes in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Financial Director (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 scenarios related to budgeting and forecasting to show you’re the right fit.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick 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 Senior Financial Director (Permanent) in Ayr
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Senior Financial Director. Highlight your relevant experience in charity accounting and financial management, as well as any qualifications like CA, ACCA, or CIMA that match what we're looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that relate to the key duties listed in the job description, like budgeting and liaising with stakeholders.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to showcase your skills with Microsoft Suite and accounting software like Sage and Xero. We want to see how you can bring your tech-savvy side to the table, so mention any relevant projects or tasks you've handled.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. Make sure to submit your CV and cover letter before the deadline, and double-check everything for typos or errors!
How to prepare for a job interview at Diocese of Galloway
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Financial Director, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets, forecasts, and financial statements in previous roles. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the numbers but can also interpret and leverage them effectively.
✨Understand Charity Accounting
Since this role involves charity accounting methods, make sure you’re well-versed in the Charity SORP. Familiarise yourself with the specific regulations and reporting requirements for charities in Scotland. Being able to speak confidently about these will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
You'll be managing a Finance Assistant, so it's crucial to highlight your leadership experience. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or mentored colleagues in the past. This will demonstrate your capability to manage and support others effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly
This role requires liaising with various stakeholders, so strong communication skills are a must. Practice articulating complex financial concepts in simple terms. You might even want to prepare a few scenarios where you've had to explain financial information to non-financial colleagues or stakeholders.
