At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and operations for a growing ministry, shaping its future direction.
- Company: Keswick Ministries, a vibrant charity with a rich history since 1875.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension contributions, and relocation support.
- Other info: Join a supportive team culture in the stunning Lake District.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in a beautiful location while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with a passion for ministry and strategic thinking.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 55000 £ per year.
Head of Finance role at Keswick Ministries, providing strategic leadership with the opportunity to develop into a future Finance Director.
Contract & Hours: Permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week)
Salary: £52,000 – £55,000 relocation allowance available
Location: Hybrid/Keswick, Cumbria (Three days per week on site, two days remote)
Keswick Ministries exists to refresh God's people with joy in Christ Jesus. Since 1875, Christians have gathered in Keswick for the annual Convention to Hear God's Word, Become like God's Son, and Serve God's Mission. Completely free to attend, this summer's Convention welcomed around 10,000 adults and 3,500 children to the Lake District. With the Pencil Factory development now complete, Keswick Ministries has a significantly enhanced campus from which to grow its year-round teaching and training, discipleship resources and commercial lettings.
We're looking for a strategic, commercially minded and servant-hearted Head of Finance to join the Leadership Team. Reporting to the CEO and working closely with the Director of Operations, you'll provide leadership across finance and a range of operational functions including HR. You'll play a key role in ensuring the ministry has the systems, structures and resources needed to support sustainable growth and long-term impact.
In this role, you'll have the opportunity to:
- Provide strategic financial leadership across the charity and its trading subsidiaries, helping shape the future direction of a growing ministry.
- Lead financial planning, budgeting and forecasting, ensuring resources are stewarded effectively to maximise ministry impact.
- Partner closely with the CEO, Leadership Team and Trustees, contributing to key decisions and organisational strategy.
- Oversee HR processes and people-related initiatives, helping foster a healthy, Christ-centred culture where staff can flourish.
- Shape and develop the role over time, with additional responsibilities influenced by your experience, strengths and interests.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or demonstrably equivalent experience) with a heart for ministry and an entrepreneurial outlook. As Keswick Ministries continues to grow, the role offers the opportunity to broaden your leadership contribution over time and develop towards a Director of Finance position. You'll join a warm, prayerful team in one of the UK's most beautiful locations, serving a ministry that has been faithfully equipping and encouraging Christians for over 150 years.
Benefits:
- 10% employer pension contribution, with Salary Sacrifice option
- 25 days annual leave plus bank/public holidays
- Office closed for four days between Christmas and New Year, in recognition of the additional hours worked during Convention
- Relocation package available
- Daily devotions, times of prayer and staff fellowship
- Beautiful Lake District location with a supportive and collaborative team culture
For further details please see the candidate pack.
For an informal and confidential chat to ask any questions, please contact Nick Thomas, Senior Consultant, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Please apply through the Charisma Charity Recruitment website with your CV and a supporting statement explaining how you match the requirements of the role (including the genuine occupational requirement), and describing any potential conflicts of interest.
Key dates:
- Closing date: Thursday 26th November
- Charisma vetting interviews will be completed on a rolling basis and must be completed by: Tuesday 1st December
- Interviews in person with Keswick Ministries: w/c Monday 7th December
We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law.
Due to the nature of the work, there is a genuine occupational requirement that the post holder is a practising evangelical Christian in accordance with the Equality Act 2010, Part 1, Schedule 9. Employees are required to agree to Keswick Ministries' statement of beliefs and values.
Head of Finance in Keswick employer: Keswick Ministries
Keswick Ministries is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant work culture centred on joy and collaboration. Located in the picturesque town of Keswick, employees benefit from a supportive environment that encourages professional growth and development, while contributing to meaningful financial stewardship that maximises Kingdom impact. With a commitment to refresh the church, team members find purpose in their roles, making it a rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Keswick
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Keswick Ministries. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Keswick Ministries.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Keswick Ministries. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in Keswick
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Keswick Ministries and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Keswick Ministries how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Keswick Ministries
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Keswick Ministries.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Keswick Ministries's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
