About The Role
Grosvenor Chapel is a Chapel of Ease in the Ecclesiastical Parish of St George’s Hanover Square. Located on South Audley Street in the heart of what is fondly referred to as the ‘Village of Mayfair’, the Chapel has been serving the community of Mayfair and beyond for almost three hundred years.
Over the last three years the Chapel has been going through a period of transition, renewal and growth. We currently have a modest annual income, which comes from regular giving, occasional donations, and the hiring out of our Chapel rooms and car bays and are seeking an experienced Finance Officer to help with the day-to-day management of the Chapel’s finances.
Whilst some tasks are covered by existing staff, the Finance Officer will have responsibility for overseeing the Chapel’s accounting processes, monitoring income and expenditure, managing accounts payable and accounts receivable, overseeing service cash collections and banking, completing the monthly reconciliations and preparation of financial reports, helping with any VAT and quarterly gift aid returns. The role will also be required to support the annual budgeting process, year-end audit and preparation of statutory accounts.
Most of the work will be expected to be completed remotely, with attendance in person on site at least once a month for meetings and other activities.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone looking to join a highly motivated team in a welcoming and friendly work environment, and where they can apply their financial skills and experience in a unique setting and make a real difference.
If this sounds like you then we’d love to hear from you!
For more information, questions about the role, or to have an informal conversation, please contact Rosslyn Okumu, Operations Manager & Chapel Administrator, by email info@grosvenorchapel.org.uk or telephone 020 7499 1684.
Financial administration and bookkeeping
• Import bank statements into Xero accounting software on a monthly basis.
• Complete bank reconciliations for all bank accounts, ensuring correct coding of all financial transactions to the nominal ledger, posting of month-end journals.
• Monitor accounts receivable and accounts payable, following up on unpaid invoices and outstanding payments, ensuring these are escalated as necessary.
• Oversee/support Chapel volunteers in quarterly Gift Aid returns (HMRC) and the monthly counting of cash service collections, paying in cheques and cash into the Chapel’s bank accounts in a timely manner.
• Maintain accurate financial records, data and files of all financial transactions and records.
Financial Reporting
• Prepare quarterly financial reports with cash-flow re-forecasts, variance analysis and commentary as necessary.
• Help identify any issues affecting financial performance, as well as methods to rapidly flex the organisation in the event of uncertainties, including scenario planning and going concern forecasts and projections where needed.
Annual Planning and Budgeting Process
• Participate in the annual budget meetings, ensuring future financial planning and cashflow forecasts are realistic.
• Prepare the annual budget for review and approval by the Chapel Committee.
Annual Audit Process
• Act as the primary point of contact for auditors, preparing and coordinating audit documentation before and during audit week, answering queries and ensuring timelines are met.
Governance and Compliance Support
• Complete periodic reviews of the Chapel’s financial policies and processes to ensure they remain fit for purpose and compliant with any relevant regulatory and legal requirements (e.g. Charity Commission, HMRC).
• Suggest any improvements needed and assist with implementation.
Wider Organisational Support
• Provide ad hoc financial support e.g. providing financial analysis and costings for new income generation and fundraising opportunities, appeals, funding bids and grant applications, including project accounting and financial reporting for successful bids and to meet donor expectations / grant requirements.
Experience & Knowledge
• Experience working in an accounts/finance role within a small to medium charity or the not-for-profit sector.
• Professional accounting qualification (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or CIPFA) or equivalent (desirable).
• IT literate with an emphasis on financial systems and spreadsheets, specifically Xero accounting software and Excel (intermediate to advanced level).
• Up-to-date knowledge of the Charity Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP).
• Good understanding of compliance and regulatory standards, charity audits and statutory accounts preparation.
• Experience supporting income generation (e.g. funding applications) (desirable).
Skills & Attributes
• High level of numeracy / financial acumen.
• Strong analytical skills and a problem-solving mindset.
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy; able to work accurately and maintain consistency in work even when under pressure.
• Professional and discrete; able to handle sensitive or confidential information (e.g. financial data and records).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to analyse financial information and present this in a suitable format for non-finance professionals.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills; able to manage workload to deadlines with limited supervision, exercising sound judgment and escalating issues as appropriate.
• Self-motivated and proactive; able to establish priorities for self and respond flexibly to the demands of the role.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and awareness of others; able to work collaboratively, engage and build positive relationships with staff and volunteers across the organisation.
Equal Opportunities
The Diocese of London is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce which represents our context and wider community. We are aware that those of Global Majority Heritage/United Kingdom Minority Ethnic (GMH/UKME) and disabled people are currently under-represented among our clergy and workforce, and we particularly encourage applications from those with the relevant skills and experience that will increase this representation.