Director of Finance

The Anglican Communion Office (ACO) is pleased to be exclusively partnering with Robertson Bell in their search for a Director of Finance to join their team on a permanent basis. Founded in 1968, the ACO is the permanent Secretariat for the Instruments of Communion and supports the Anglican Communion in over 165 countries around the world.

The Director of Finance role presents an exciting opportunity to manage and create a finance team that will support the Anglican Communion, whilst also being a key member of the senior management team. You will lead and direct the Anglican Communion’s financial strategy and management, ensure commercial planning, delivery and evaluation in all areas of ACO activity, whilst also providing financial management and administration for three related charities: the Anglican Alliance, the Anglican Centre in Rome and the Lambeth Conference Company.

The organisation:

The ACO serves as a hub for communication, coordination, and collaboration among its member churches. The ACO supports global ministries, including mission, advocacy, ecumenical relationships, and social justice efforts. It liaises with the office of the Archbishop of Canterbury. It provides resources, organises international conferences, and promotes unity and understanding within the Anglican community. The ACO plays a vital role in connecting Anglicans around the world, fostering shared values and addressing global challenges together.

This role offers a full-time opportunity with flexible working arrangements and an excellent benefits package, including 10% employer pension contribution, 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) and opportunities to work from home up to two days per week. All candidates must live within a commutable distance from their offices in Westbourne Park.

The role:

• Lead on the development and execution of financial strategy, financial planning, budgeting and cost control for the ACO and related charities.
• Key advisor to the Secretary General, management team and trustees on the overall financial landscape for the ACO and its on-going performance and position.
• Manage and continuously improve the efficient running of financial operations including the preparation of management accounts, cash flow forecasts, payroll, tax returns, and management of creditors and debtors.
• Ensure that an adequate control framework exists.
• Manage and continuously improve financial reporting ensuring accurate, timely and appropriate information for colleagues.
• Manage budgeting and planning processes, providing all appropriate financial data, and supporting budget-holding staff in all areas.
• Support funding applications and subsequent donor reporting to grant making bodies with project and programme budgeting.
• Manage the preparation of statutory accounts and be the main contact with external auditors.
• Be vigilant to financial and operational risks and to report and mitigate such risks.

The successful candidate will have:

• Ideally, understanding and knowledge of the UK charity finance environment.
• Experience in budgeting and cost control, including provision of reports and analysis to an audience with different levels of financial literacy.
• Strong financial leadership skills capable of directing financial strategy and delivering highest quality financial management.
• Experience in working with diverse stakeholders both within and outside an organisation
• Experience in managing and motivating teams.
• Experience of upgrading control processes and implementing change.
• A full finance qualification, or the ability to prove they are qualitied by experience.
• The willingness to travel throughout the Anglican Communion.

The deadline for applications is on Sunday 13^th October, with first stage interviews taking place on the 21^st October. Applications will be under continuous review before this date so please do not delay in applying!