Job Title: Finance Director
Salary Grade: Band 1
Department: Finance
Working Arrangements: Full-Time (hybrid by arrangement)
Reporting to: Diocesan Secretary
Date of Issue: January 2026
Overall Purposes of Post
The Finance Director provides strategic and operational financial leadership for the Gloucester Diocesan Board of Finance group (GDBF), ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of the diocese in support of its vision of ‘Life in all its fullness’.
The post-holder will be responsible for financial strategy, financial governance, budgeting, forecasting, statutory compliance, risk management, and leadership of the finance function (there are 6/7 members of the Finance Department). They will act as a trusted adviser to the Diocesan Secretary, Bishops’ Staff Team, and the Board of Finance, enabling informed and confident decision-making.
The post-holder will need a strong understanding of the Christian faith and Anglican ecclesiology to understand the complexities of this role, it is not however an occupational requirement that they are a practicing, Christian.
Context In Which Diocesan Jobs Are Carried Out
We want all our people to have good working experiences – and we seek to continually improve our working systems and arrangements. We welcome and encourage new ideas and suggestions about what we can do better.
We expect that all who serve with the GDBF are sympathetic to the organisation’s mission to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Responsibilities and Accountabilities
Strategic Financial Leadership
- To lead the development and delivery of a financial strategy, to underpin the strategic delivery of the LIFE Vision, ensuring alignment with agreed priorities and responsible stewardship.
- Delivering timely, accurate and effective management reporting to the organisation on the activities and balance sheet of the DBF.
- Leading and managing the Finance department.
Governance and Compliance
- To act as Secretary to the Finance and Audit Committees, supporting the Chairs of each in ensuring suitable oversight and scrutiny of the GDBF’s finances and the work of the Finance Team.
- To ensure compliance with all relevant UK Charity law, Church of England Measures, UK GAAP, including oversight of the annual external audit and preparation of statutory accounts.
- To ensure an organisational compliance checklist is maintained, managed and regularly reported to the Finance Committee.
- To ensure an organisational risk register is maintained, managed and regularly reported to the Audit Committee and Bishop’s Council.
Business Partnering
- To ensure the Finance function acts as a key business partner to the GDBF and its leadership by leading the provision of annual budgeting and multi-year financial planning and regular management accounts with commentary provided by departmental Heads and Directors.
- To ensure Clergy, Parish Officers and PCCs are regularly communicated with regarding Parish Share, Parochial Fees and all other relevant financial matters. To provide and support training for PCC Treasurers to ensure they feel informed and able to undertake their roles.
- To oversee the provision to the Diocesan Secretary, Finance Committee and Bishop’s Council of clear financial analysis and scenario modelling for ongoing activities, subsidiary performance and potential project/grant funding.
- As requested, to join specific working groups of the diocese to provide financial insight and leadership.
Operational Finance and Systems
- To ensure the GDBF Finance Team operates using efficient, robust financial systems with appropriate internal controls, working to the scheme of delegation approved by the Trustees.
- To oversee good management of GDBF cashflow, investments and financial risk management.
Leadership and Management
- To lead the Finance Team as a core part of the GDBF team and ensure it acts in accordance with the organisation’s culture and values.
- To ensure the Finance Team are trained, supported and equipped to undertake their work, and when appropriate to explore and enable suitable professional development.
- To act as part of the senior leadership of the GDBF, both as an individual and as part of a team of Directors.