Are you an experienced Finance Administrator with bookkeeping and accounts knowledge, looking for a role where your skills can make a real difference? Role Purpose St. Edmund and St. Joseph, Southampton City Centre Parish are seeking a Parish Finance Administrator. To provide financial management for the parish, ensuring sound stewardship of resources and effective support to the Parish Priest in the administration of the parish. The postholder is expected to foster a professional, welcoming, and efficient parish environment for parishioners, volunteers, and visitors.This is an exciting time to join our friendly, busy, and supportive team as we implement our 10-year Mission Plan, shaping the future of our Diocese and the communities we serve. Covering Hampshire, Berkshire, South Oxford, and the Channel Islands, our Diocese is home to 87 parishes and 50 schools, serving over 27,000 practising Catholics and supporting 32,000 children and their families. Our work is both challenging and deeply rewarding, offering the opportunity to be part of something truly meaningful. This role is based at St. Edmund Church Parish Office, The Avenue, Southampton, SO17 1XJ. Offering a competitive salary c. £28,000 FTE, Part Time 20 hours per week, 1 Year Fixed-Term contract. Employee benefits include 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, life assurance and employee wellbeing, contributory pension scheme. If you are inspired by the idea of working in a values-driven environment where your efforts will have a lasting impact, we would love to hear from you. Come and be part of our mission Parish Finance Administrator - Job Description Main Duties Financial Management Liaise with and provide financial information to the Diocesan Finance team as required. Prepare and manage the parish budget for approval by the Parish Priest and Finance Committee. Prepare quarterly accounts and reports for Finance Committee meetings and attend these meetings. Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records, including income, expenditure, and bank reconciliation using the approved Diocesan Finance System (currently XERO). Oversee the collection, counting, and banking of offertory and other parish income, ensuring proper procedures are followed. Raise and process invoices, payments, and reimbursements in a timely and accurate manner. Prepare monthly and annual financial reports for the Parish Priest and Finance Committee, ensuring transparency and compliance with diocesan requirements. Support the Parish Priest in fundraising and stewardship initiatives, including second collections, campaigns, and appeals. Promote and ensure the routine availability of digital giving platforms for donors, including online and planned giving routes. Ensure compliance with diocesan policies for clergy payments and oversee the monthly processing of income and expenses. Supervise Parish counting and collection teams, assisting with bank deposits where necessary. Ensure compliance with Gift Aid regulations, supporting the Parish Gift Aid Coordinator in fulfilling this role. Governance and Compliance Ensure compliance with all diocesan policies. Maintain an asset register and full inventory, ensuring appropriate insurance coverage for parish properties and equipment. Notify the Estates Department regarding insurance-related matters. Assist the parish priest in preparing reports and documentation for diocesan audits and reviews. Volunteer Coordination Provide support and guidance to parish volunteers involved in finance. Organise and oversee rotas for volunteers assisting with financial tasks. Other Responsibilities Assist in the preparation of reports for parish meetings, including the Parish Finance Committee and Parish Pastoral Council. Attend Finance Committee and Parish Pastoral Council meetings and take meeting minutes. Provide general administrative support to the Parish Priest as required. Undertake any other reasonable duties as requested by the Parish Priest. Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion. Professionalism and values Uphold and promote the ethos and values of the Catholic Church. Work collaboratively with the Parish Administrator and other key members of the parish to ensure the Parish Priest is effectively supported. Foster a welcoming and professional parish environment for clergy, volunteers, and parishioners. Maintain confidentiality and discretion. Parish Finance Administrator - Person Specification Competence, Expertise and Knowledge: Essential Proven experience in financial administration, budgeting, and record-keeping. Strong organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities. High level of proficiency in IT, including Microsoft Office and financial software. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with people at all levels. Valid UK Right to Work. Desirable Formal qualification in financial management, bookkeeping, or accounting. Knowledge of the values and teachings of the Catholic Church. Experience working in a parish, charity, or non-profit organisation. Familiarity with diocesan policies and procedures, or a willingness to learn. Knowledge of safeguarding and data protection practices. Valid driving licence and access to a vehicle. How to Apply Please send a comprehensive and up to date Curriculum Vitae along with a covering letter setting out your suitability for the role and motivation for applying. The Diocese of Portsmouth is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all who support the ethos and values of the Catholic Church. The closing date for applications is Tuesday 6th May 2025, at 6pm. We encourage an early application as we may close this advertisement at our discretion before the date stated, if a high number of applicants apply. Interview Information You will be notified shortly after the closing date, should we wish to progress your application and invite you to an interview. Appointment Any offer of employment to work at the Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth is conditional upon receipt of two satisfactory employment references, provision of relevant certification of qualifications held, and completion of pre-employment checks. You must have a valid UK Right to Work, as the Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth does not offer UK Visa Sponsorship.