Finance & Operations Director

The Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham recognises that our world is in desperate need of hope. In a post-Covid age and cost of living crisis, with our country's structures and systems under pressure and the increasing mental health challenges facing young people, the cry for hope is clear. We believe that hope is found in Jesus Christ, which the church is uniquely placed to share in every community.

The Diocese has a vision of Living Hope for the city, towns and villages of Nottinghamshire and beyond and is committed to its mission of Growing Disciples of Christ with Compassion, Confidence and Courage. A key aspect of that vision is the articulation of 7 Areas of Focus which healthy churches attend to: Inspiring Worship, Reaching Younger, Enhancing Diversity, Growing Leaders, Enabling Commitment, Encouraging Generosity and Nurturing Prayer.

Could you bring your finance leadership expertise to support our mission of Growing Disciples of Christ with Compassion, Confidence and Courage?

About Your New Ministry Context

The Diocese covers the city of Nottingham, the county of Nottinghamshire, with a few parishes in South Yorkshire. As part of the Church of England, we serve over a million people through a network of 300 churches and 73 church schools. Based at Jubilee House in the beautiful market town of Southwell, the Diocesan Board of Finance (DBF) is the registered charity and company limited by guarantee through which the Diocese operates. You'll be joining an organisation with a clear vision of Living Hope for the city, towns and villages of Nottinghamshire and beyond.

This is an exciting time for the Diocese. In November 2024, we secured £33.16 million from the Church of England's Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board for a decade-long Church Growth Programme. This significant investment will fund church revitalisation, evangelism, discipleship, vocations and the development of younger leaders across our communities. The new Finance & Operations Director will play a pivotal role in stewarding these resources and ensuring ongoing financial sustainability.

Your Role as Finance Leader

Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will lead the finance function as a trusted partner to both the Jubilee House Leadership Team and the Bishop's Core Team. This is a strategic role where you'll shape the financial direction of the Diocese while providing hands-on support to parishes navigating financial challenges. You will combine strategic financial stewardship with operational oversight, ensuring the Diocese’s resources are effectively managed in alignment with the vision and mission. You will work collaboratively across the organisation, with frequent and detailed parish engagement, to shape and implement financial strategy, while also leading the administration of financial initiatives which include, giving, strategic operations and property-related activities.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Financial Leadership

• Collaboratively support the development and implementation of financial strategies that align missionally with the diocesan seven areas of focus, across the Diocese with particular support to Parishes.
• Prepare and present financial reports, including budgets, forecasts, and risk analyses, to senior management and decision making committees.
• Engage with third party contractors to advise on financial planning, investment strategies, and capital structure decisions.
• Ensure the diocesan residential property portfolio strategically meets missional needs.

• Oversee day-to-day operations, including HR, Property and Finance teams.
• Implement policies and procedures to enhance efficiency and compliance.
• Manage relationships with committees, contractors, and other external partners.

• Identify and mitigate financial and operational risks.
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and National Church standards.
• Coordinate audits and implement internal controls.
• Lead and develop the finance and operations teams to deliver excellent service.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
• Collaborate with other departments to align operational goals with the overall Diocesan vision, mission and strategy.

Who We're Looking For

• Professional Excellence

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent) with significant post-qualification experience.
• Extensive experience in financial management and operational leadership.
• Strong understanding of financial regulations and compliance requirements.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects.

• There is a genuine occupational requirement for the post holder to be a committed Christian in the Anglican tradition or another member denomination of Churches Together in England. You'll need a strong understanding and empathy with the aims, ethos and beliefs of the Christian faith and its expression through the Church of England.

• Excellent communicator who can make complex financial issues accessible to non-financial audiences.
• Collaborative team player with an open working style.
• Effective influencer who can build trust with clergy, lay leaders and external stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

What We Offer

• Generous pension: 10% of salary contributed by the Diocese.
• Excellent work-life balance: 35-hour working week with hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
• Generous leave: 25 days annual leave + 5 discretionary days (predetermined dates) + 8 bank holidays.
• Additional benefits: Free onsite parking in our scenic location, Maternity, paternity and shared parental occupational pay, Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme, Employee Assistance Programme with counselling, legal and health advice, Relocation packages considered for successful candidates relocating from outside of the local area.
• Meaningful work: The opportunity to directly support the Church's mission in communities across Nottinghamshire.

Ready to Answer the Call? If you're a talented finance professional who wants to work for an organisation with a fantastic culture that makes a real difference, enables change, and has a clear purpose rooted in Christian faith, we'd love to hear from you. Closing date to receive applications is 17th February 2026.

The Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community and strive to be an equal opportunity employer.