Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Sawyers Church is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Finance Manager to join our team.


This vital role supports the mission of the church by overseeing its business operations and ensuring accurate record-keeping across property, legal, and financial matters.

Purpose of the Role:

To serve the Church by providing oversight and support of its business affairs, ensuring effective management and compliance in areas such as:

Property administration Legal documentation Financial records, bookkeeping and reporting Payroll, budgeting, strategic planning.

Key Responsibilities:

Maintain accurate records of church assets and property matters Support financial processes including budgeting, reporting, and compliance Ensure legal documentation is up to date and securely stored Liaise with external providers and internal teams to support operational needs Assist in developing and implementing policies and procedures. Work closely with the Senior Pastor, Core Leadership Team and Trustees.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE, RECEIVABLE & FIXED ASSETS

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Ensure that appropriate and accurate and timely accounting records are maintained including:

Payroll & pension data (outsourced to Stewardship) General ledger (Xero Accounting software utilised) Monthly income statement cash flow and balance sheet Bank, Petty Cash and investment accounts Submission of Gift Aid Claims to HMRC including maintenance of individual contribution records Organising Counters to properly record and deposit cash and cheques on a timely basis and depositing cash and cheques. Recording Church Suite and other online donations into Xero and the system and follow-up on rejected donations. Manage and authorise employee and volunteer expense claims including Church Credit Cards. Manage and initiate payments to vendors, expenses, payroll providers etc. (dual authorisation bank account operated) Follow up overdue building rental income and HMRC Gift aid claims Working with auditors and maintaining Fixed Assets and depreciation on Xero Fixed Assets and perform annual verification. Xero Systems Administration

CHURCH BUDGET AND FINANCES:

Coordinate development and preparation of the annual church budget with the Treasurer etc. Assist Core Leadership Team and staff in the development and preparation of their department budgets as requested. Liaise with Core Leadership Team and Trustees for the purchase of equipment, furniture, supplies and other items. Review spending to see that funds are being used consistent with our policies. Oversee and implement church policies and procedures and all contributions to (including Know Your Donor review) and from the church. Maintain and develop proper procedures so that there is financial integrity of our finances through proper internal controls that are established and followed. Oversee and manage distributing individual contribution annual Gift Aid letters. Issue monthly Management Report monitoring contributions and spending against budget to make sure the church is staying within budget and communicate to the Treasurer, Leadership Team & Budget holders. Create future financial forecasts from Management Report based on contributions, spending, and projected growth/decline. Be responsible for the month end and year end close that includes accruals and prepayments for expenses and income. Prepare the Annual accounts and notes to the accounts ready for audit - (this will depend upon whether we can appoint someone at the start of the auditing process. If we can't then the auditors will carry out this function). Liaise with auditors to ensure annual audit is completed and the Annual Report and Accounts filed with the Charity Commission and Companies House on a timely basis. Assist with grant applications for funding

HUMAN RESOURCES AND OTHER MATTERS:

Monitor strict adherence to church policies and procedures. Assisting the Senior Pastor and leadership team in the stewardship of the Church's financial, capital, and human resources

STAFF MEMBER RESPONSIBILITIES:

Attend Trustees meetings and some Core Leadership Meetings to be the finance function representative. Attend all staff, prayer, devotions and other meetings as requested. To be based at our new church building in Sawyers Hall Lane

ESSENTIAL/ DESIRABLE CRITERIA:

Has a working appreciation of the Christian Ethos of the Church Strong Leadership and Management skills. Maintain confidentiality Experience working with Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Knowledge of accounting procedures and software. Experience of Xero Accounting Software preferred but not essential Ideally should have experience in the preparation of Charity Annual Accounts including income statement cash flow, balance sheet and notes to the accounts and have experience with working with auditors. Qualified or Part qualified Accountant and/or degree or higher in accounting or finance preferred and/or 2 plus-relevant relevant experience including Bookkeeping and end-of-year accounts and audit. Demonstrates a genuine passion for supporting and engaging with people. Proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to take initiative and work independently. Collaborative and respectful, with a cooperative approach to working with others. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage effectively across all levels. Highly organised, with the ability to plan, prioritise, and manage multiple tasks efficiently. Positive and approachable, with an enthusiastic and outgoing personality that contributes to a welcoming team environment.

The role holder will need to provide two satisfactory references and the relevant Right to Work in the UK.

What do we offer:

A friendly and supportive working environment Ongoing training and development 25 days paid holiday per annum (incl of Bank Holidays) - Pro rata for part time employees. Competitive rates of pay. Onsite parking Enhanced sick pay on completion of Probation. Tea/ Coffee facilities Pension


For more information about this role or to register an interest and receive an application form please email pastor@sawyerschurch.org



You can find out more about Sawyers Church at www.sawyerschurch.org