At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations, produce reports, and support strategic decision-making.
- Company: Leicester Cathedral, a hub for community engagement and culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, hybrid work, and pension scheme.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career progression into CFO role.
- Why this job: Join a meaningful organisation and shape its financial future.
- Qualifications: Qualified finance professional with strong management accounting skills.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 48000 £ per year.
Leicester Cathedral sits at the heart of the city and Diocese of Leicester and plays a vital role in worship, community engagement, heritage, culture, and public life. Following the Leicester Cathedral Revealed project, the organisation is entering an exciting new chapter focused on long‑term sustainability, operational effectiveness, and financial resilience.
ER Recruitment is supporting Leicester Cathedral to recruit a Head of Finance to work closely with the Chief Operating Officer and current CFO during a planned transition period.
Role & Responsibilities- Produce accurate and timely management accounts, financial reporting packs, and cashflow forecasts.
- Provide clear financial insight and commentary to support operational and strategic decision making.
- Simplify complex financial information for non‑finance stakeholders across the Cathedral.
- Improve financial processes, reporting efficiency, and financial controls within a self‑accounting environment.
- Support budgeting, forecasting, audit preparation, and year‑end accounting requirements.
- Work closely with the COO, Finance Committee, and wider leadership team to support organisational planning.
- Manage day‑to‑day finance operations including reconciliations, payroll oversight, and working capital management.
- Build strong working relationships across the organisation and act as a trusted financial sounding board for senior leadership.
- Support the planned transition into the future Chief Finance Officer position.
- Qualified or qualified by experience finance professional with strong management accounting capability.
- Experience producing meaningful financial analysis and presenting information in a clear, accessible way.
- A proactive and solutions‑focused approach with the ability to work at pace and improve processes.
- Strong attention to detail alongside the ability to see the wider operational picture.
- Confident communicator who can build trusted relationships with a range of stakeholders.
- Experience within charity, not‑for‑profit, education, public sector, or values‑led organisations would be advantageous.
- Comfortable operating both strategically and hands‑on within a smaller organisation.
- Strong systems skills including Excel and financial reporting systems.
- 8% non‑contributory pension scheme.
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Hybrid working available following probation.
- Opportunity for future progression into the Chief Finance Officer role.
Head of Finance employer: Eileen Richards Recruitment
Leicester Cathedral offers a unique and fulfilling work environment, where the Head of Finance will play a crucial role in shaping the financial future of a cherished community institution. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, the organisation provides opportunities for progression into senior roles, alongside a generous benefits package that includes an 8% non-contributory pension scheme and 25 days of annual leave. The hybrid working model promotes a healthy work-life balance, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and impactful employment.
Contact Details:
Eileen Richards Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the finance sector! Attend local events, join online forums, or even reach out to folks on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Showcase Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your management accounting skills and how you've simplified complex financial info in the past. We want to see how you can bring value to their team!
✨Be Ready for the Interview
Prepare for common interview questions by thinking about your experiences in budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. We recommend practising your answers so you can confidently demonstrate your proactive approach and attention to detail.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission at Leicester Cathedral.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Head of Finance role. Highlight your management accounting capabilities and any relevant experience in charity or not-for-profit sectors. We want to see how you can bring value to Leicester Cathedral!
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. Share specific examples of how you've simplified complex financial information or improved processes in previous roles. Let us know what excites you about working with us!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a Head of Finance, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. In your application, demonstrate your ability to present financial insights clearly and accessibly. We love candidates who can bridge the gap between finance and non-finance folks!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at Leicester Cathedral!
How to prepare for a job interview at Eileen Richards Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. Prepare examples of management accounts or financial reports you've produced, and be ready to explain the insights they provided.
✨Simplify the Complex
One of your responsibilities will be to simplify complex financial information for non-finance stakeholders. Think about how you can convey intricate financial concepts in layman's terms. Practice explaining a complicated financial topic to a friend who has no finance background to ensure you're clear and concise.
✨Show Your Strategic Side
The role requires a strategic mindset, so be prepared to discuss how you've contributed to organisational planning in the past. Think of specific examples where your financial insights influenced decision-making. Highlight your proactive approach to improving processes and how it benefited your previous organisation.
✨Build Relationships
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Be ready to share how you've built trusted relationships with various stakeholders. Prepare anecdotes that showcase your ability to collaborate effectively, especially in a smaller organisation where teamwork is crucial.
