At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and ensure the Cathedral's long-term sustainability.
- Company: Historic Cathedral in Chichester, a hub for community and culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension contribution, and flexible working.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a nationally significant organisation while leading financial initiatives.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with senior financial leadership experience, ideally in charity or heritage.
- Other info: Join a vibrant community welcoming over 350,000 visitors annually.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking a Chief Finance Officer who will provide strategic financial leadership, playing a pivotal role in securing the long-term sustainability of this nationally significant Cathedral.
Position: Chief Finance Officer
Location: Chichester/Hybrid
Hours: Part-time (21 hours per week)
Salary: £60,000 pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Benefits: Pension contribution, pro rata of 34 days’ leave including bank holidays, Employee Assistance Programme, free onsite parking, and flexible working opportunities
Closing Date: Monday 2 February 2026
Interviews: First interviews will take place in person in Chichester on Tuesday 10 February
The Role
This is a pivotal senior leadership role with responsibility for the overall financial health, sustainability and strategic direction of the Cathedral. Working closely with the Chief Operating Officer, Chapter and senior colleagues, you will provide robust financial leadership while supporting income generation, investment planning and effective use of resources across a complex charity operation.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading financial strategy, planning, budgeting, forecasting and reporting across all Cathedral entities
- Overseeing monthly management accounts, statutory reporting and audit processes
- Managing financial risk, cash flow forecasting and investment of liquid funds
- Supporting and advising trustees and committees with clear financial analysis
- Identifying and developing new income streams including commercial activity, grants and fundraising
- Providing financial oversight for new projects and strategic initiatives
- Ensuring compliance with Charity Commission and Church of England financial requirements
- Managing and developing the finance team
- Overseeing IT strategy and third party service providers to ensure value for money
About You
You will be a qualified accountant with senior level experience and the confidence to operate both strategically and hands on within a values led organisation. You will bring:
- A recognised accounting qualification such as ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA
- Recent senior financial leadership experience, ideally within a charity or heritage setting
- Strong commercial awareness and experience of income generation
- Proven expertise in budgeting, forecasting and financial planning
- Experience of financial risk management and investment decision making
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence a wide range of stakeholders
- A collaborative leadership style with strong people management skills
- The ability to manage competing priorities and multiple projects effectively
- Experience of Xero or the ability to learn new systems quickly
You do not need to be a member of the Church of England but should be in sympathy with the organisation’s mission and values.
About the Organisation
The Cathedral is a living, working place of worship that has been at the centre of life in Chichester for over nine centuries. It is the Mother Church of the Diocese, which covers East and West Sussex and it is also a visitor attraction, a venue for music and the arts and an all-round hub for the community welcoming over 350,000 visitors each year. Staff do not have to be Christian, but you should understand the Christian mission.
Chief Finance Officer - Chichester employer: NFP People Limited
Contact Detail:
NFP People Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Finance Officer - Chichester
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the finance sector! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help land that dream job.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interview by researching the Cathedral and its financial operations. Think about how your experience aligns with their mission and values. We recommend practising common interview questions and having a few thoughtful questions ready to show your genuine interest.
✨Showcase Your Skills
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, make sure to highlight your financial leadership experience and any successful projects you've led. We want to see how you can bring value to their team, so don’t hold back on sharing your achievements!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website for the best chance at landing the role! We streamline the application process and ensure your CV gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on new opportunities that match your skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Finance Officer - Chichester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your financial leadership experience and any relevant qualifications to show us you’re the perfect fit for the Chief Finance Officer role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your values align with our mission. Don’t forget to mention specific examples of your past achievements that relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Financial Acumen: In your application, be sure to demonstrate your expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning. We want to see how you've successfully managed financial risks and contributed to income generation in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there!
How to prepare for a job interview at NFP People Limited
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Chief Finance Officer, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the Cathedral's operations and be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed budgets and forecasts in previous roles.
✨Understand the Mission
Familiarise yourself with the Cathedral's mission and values. Show that you appreciate its significance in the community and how your financial strategies can support its long-term sustainability. This will help you connect with the interviewers on a deeper level.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about financial risk management and income generation. Prepare specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated challenges or identified new income streams. This will showcase your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Highlight your communication skills by discussing how you've influenced stakeholders in previous roles. Be prepared to share examples of how you've collaborated with teams or boards to achieve financial goals, as this is crucial for the role.