Director Of Finance And Operations

The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham is an Anglican centre of Pilgrimage in North Norfolk which traces its roots back to the vision of the Lady Richeldis in 1061. The original Shrine was destroyed at the Reformation and the current Shrine was restored in the 1920’s and 1930’s as a result of the ministry of Fr Alfred Hope Patten.

The Shrine is owned and governed by Walsingham College Trust Association Ltd, a charitable company which also owns a retreat house in North Yorkshire. The shareholders of the company are the College of Guardians who also exercise a ceremonial role.

We are looking for a Full-Time Director of Finance and Resources (working 4 days per week would also be considered)

Interviews will be held in Walsingham on the 16th July 2024.

The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. These posts are eligible for an enhanced criminal record check (DBS).

Purpose or Role

To ensure that effective financial systems are in place across the site which provide Directors and Department Heads with information necessary for making decisions. To maintain, purchase ledger, sales ledger, cash receipts, deposits, payments, reconciliations, charity funds, payroll and personnel records.

To work as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, overseeing Financial, HR and Admin functions across the organisation and report to the Priest Administrator and Board of Trustees.

Review and update various policies in conjunction with the Priest Administrator and Senior Leadership Team.

Have operational oversight of the Shrine Shop and retail operations, encouraging income generation through the trading wing of the Charity.

To line manage the Shrine Office Administrator, Shop Manager, Part Time Accounts Assistants, and ensure smooth running of the Shrine Office and Shrine Shop.

To attend meetings of the Directors and Chapter of WCTA Ltd and to present the Year End Accounts, Budgets and Management Accounts and answer questions relating to Finance and resources.

To attend meetings of the Senior Leadership Team and Management Group

Person Specification

A strong background in Finance with good knowledge of Charity Accounts

Relevant professional or vocational qualification for example trained accountant or relevant degree level qualifications.

Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

Knowledge and or experience in the human resources field.

Able to exercise absolute confidentiality of information.

Excellent communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to communicate effectively.

Competent IT user, including software, database, spreadsheet, and word processing.

The ability to plan and think ahead.

A track record of achievement in managing and leading teams

The ability to organise self and others.

A committed team player who fosters collaborative working.

In sympathy with the ethos, teaching, and policies of the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham.

Please click on the 'How to Apply' button to access and view the full Job Description and Application Form.

General

The Shrine employs around 75 members of staff and every year it welcomes a steady stream of volunteers who offer help in return for board and lodging.

There are 137 bedrooms on site and around 10,500 pilgrims come each year for a residential pilgrimage typically lasting two to three nights. Meals are provided in the Pilgrim Refectory which can seat around 200 residents and produces up to 85,000 meals a year. In addition, the Shrine welcomes a good number of day pilgrims per year.

As well as the pilgrimage programme, which is run at weekends and midweek, each year the Shrine runs a series of special events and retreats. There is an important outreach to young pilgrims which is headed up by the Director of Education. This includes educational visits from schools and a range of events for different ages, the most ambitious of which is the annual Youth Pilgrimage.

Within the beautiful gardens there is a Cafe Bar which is open to pilgrims, tourists and visitors. The Shrine Shop is situated in the heart of the village and offers a wide selection of religious items and gifts.

Benefits

Employer Pension Contribution of up to 10%

Salary Sacrifice Scheme

Meals provided free of charge, during working hours when the Refectory is open.

Free parking

Situated in the heart of North Norfolk offering a friendly and pleasant working environment