Job Description

Head of Finance and Company Secretary

Salary:

46,525 (Full time equivalent)

Contract:

Permanent

Hours:

30 hours per week. It is anticipated that this role should be fulfilled by working the equivalent of 4 days per week. Some flexibility depending on timetables and the accounting calendar is expected

Reports to:

The Director of Glastonbury Abbey

Principal working relationships:

The Director, and Senior Leadership Team

Reporting to this post:

Finance Team, Managers

Location:

Abbey House, Glastonbury Abbey.

Purpose of the Post

The primary purpose of this post is to provide leadership and take overall responsibility for the financial, administrative and governance activities of Glastonbury Abbey as well as contributing to the policies and practices that operate throughout all departments. The post requires excellent knowledge of financial planning and management, the ability to effectively communicate financial matters and a calm and unruffled approach.

This job description sets out the principal accountabilities of the post. It does not include every task necessary to fulfil the purpose of the post.

Principal Accountabilities and tasks:

Management and Leadership

The Head of Finance and Company Secretary is a key member of the senior leadership team (SLT) and will work closely with fellow members of the SLT and with the Director in overseeing the operations of the abbey. Reporting to the Director, the Head of Finance will be accountable for the financial and operational sustainability and efficiency of Glastonbury Abbey, ensuring all regulatory and statutory requirements are met and financial controls are in place across all areas of activity. The Head of Finance is directly responsible for the recruitment, training and management of the finance team, which comprises 4 staff including 2 Finance and Support Officers and a temporary data assistant. The Head of Finance will be responsible for leading in all matters relating to HR including the relationship with the external consultancy. Participate in the formulation and effective delivery and achievement of Glastonbury Abbey objectives and policies. Promote co-operative and effective working across abbey staff teams and contribute to cross-team initiatives as required.
The Head of Finance and Company Secretary will have the following key responsibilities:

Accounting and controls

Manage the efficient working of the abbey's accounting and internal financial control systems Working with the Finance team, prepare periodic management accounts for the organisation to be presented to the SLT, the Finance Committee, board of trustees and Trading Board. Manage the annual year-end accounting process, including liaison with the external auditors

Budgeting and cash flow forecasts

Work closely with the Director and SLT to prepare an annual operating budget. Regularly appraise and report performance of actual versus budget. Proactively identify mitigations where the performance is falling behind budget. Prepare cash flow forecasts and monitor and report actual against forecast.

Professional relationships & Compliance

Develop and maintain professional relationships with the bankers, auditors and other statutory bodies such as HMRC, pensions advisers, Charity Commission etc. Ensure that VAT and corporation tax returns are prepared on a timely basis and submitted to the relevant authorities within reporting deadlines. Prepare and present the relevant reports to the Finance Committee, Trading Board, Trustee meetings and SLT Advise the Director on risk management particularly relating to financial, HR and governance issues Ensure that all filings with the Charity Commission and Companies House are made on a timely basis. Act as the organisation's Company Secretary, ensuring all associated responsibilities are undertaken/implemented. Be familiar with the content and application of the Articles of Association, the charitable objectives and any other governing documents. Ensure that the Abbey and the trading company are compliant with the requirements of current legislation affecting the activities and governance of the charity and of the trading company

HR

Advise the Director on all matters relating to HR Ensure that all line managers are aware of and delivering appropriate HR support to their teams Maintain and develop the relationship with the external HR consultancy and ensure the advice remains fit for purpose Manage all HR policies, procedures and documentation.

Person Specification:

Experience

Leadership experience across a full range of business functions and systems, including strategic development and planning, budgeting, finance and business analysis Experience working in a senior management role, managing or overseeing the financial function of a similar sized organisation with demonstrable experience of setting, monitoring and reviewing financial controls. Experience of working in the heritage or charity sector would be an advantage

Skills

Thorough understanding of all financial, regulatory and statutory reporting Current knowledge of financial reporting, tax and pensions High level of business acumen, problem solving and project management Strong people management and team leadership skills with proven success Strong communication skills, presentation, written and spoken Ability to delegate whilst maintaining personal responsibility Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines

Personal attributes

A genuine interest in all that is Glastonbury Abbey, its history, its commitment to the local community, its importance as a major tourist destination, its spiritual objectives and relevance. A strong team player and communicator, working in partnership with other members of the SLT to achieve joint objectives A commercially minded person with ability to encourage ambition and a culture of entrepreneurialism whilst managing risk A results-oriented person who enjoys working hard and is not afraid of a challenge Personal integrity and confidentiality.

Education, Training and qualifications

Ideally the successful candidate will have the following qualifications.

A university degree or equivalent
and/or

A professional qualification such as CIMA, ACA or ACCA
However other qualifications and educational achievements will be considered.

For full details and information on how to apply including the application form please refer to the Get Involved section on the Glastonbury Abbey website.

Deadline: Friday October 3rd

Interviews: 20th/21st/22nd October 2025

All Glastonbury Abbey staff are required to:

Observe equal opportunities, with respect to both visitors and members of staff. Treat everyone equally with respect and tolerance.

Observe all Health and Safety at Work procedures as set out by Glastonbury Abbey. Be responsible for your own personal health and safety and that of others, including visitors.

Observe all other policies and procedures as set out by Glastonbury Abbey.

Job Types: Permanent, Part-time

Pay: 37,220.00 per year

Expected hours: 30 per week

Work Location: In person