Finance Officer Vacancy
South West Baptist Association is seeking to appoint a part-time Finance Officer to support our staff team and oversee the administration of the finances of the Association.
SWBA provides support and resources for 90+ churches, pioneering projects and chaplains throughout Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and one church in Dorset. We are a registered charity governed by a Board of Trustees appointed by our churches.
The successful candidate will be:
• able to deal with a wide range of people in a positive, friendly and professional manner
• able to work well with others as part of a team
• willing to learn, and give commitment to that
• a self-starter, able to see what needs to be done and pro-active in completing tasks
• able to manage a wide-ranging workload, prioritise tasks and pay attention to detail
The successful candidate will have:
• excellent organisational skills
• experience and competence in accounts and bookkeeping
• experience and competence with bookkeeping software and electronic accounts
• a can-do attitude, and a heart to serve the Association and our churches
This role is intended to be 12 hours per week, to be worked flexibly. There may be scope to offer additional paid hours in due course – see final section below. We are able to offer flexible working and we are seeking a candidate who can offer the same. Normally one day, or part of one day per week will be based in the Association Office but the candidate can arrange their remaining hours flexibly. Some weekday evenings may be required but this will be occasional rather than regular. We are willing to consider more hours being worked during school term time and fewer hours in school holidays if requested.
Terms of Appointment
Employment Status You would be either an employee (part time) of SWBA, or self-employed if preferred
Working Hours Part-time (12 hrs/week). Flexible working is expected, including a willingness to adjust days/hours worked when the need arises. Some working on weekday evenings required (occasional).
Salary £13.46 per hour
Annual Leave Entitlement Basic annual paid holiday entitlement is 25 days pro-rata if employed, in addition to statutory Bank Holidays. No paid holiday entitlement if self-employed.
General Responsibilities
• Instruct payroll company of salaries payable on a monthly basis
• Deal with bills, invoices, expenses forms, set up payment runs on a timely basis
• Send invoices for any services provided and ensure receipt is collected on a timely basis
• Process all transactions (receipts and payments) though the Sage software. Reconcile the bank account monthly and present monthly management accounts to the treasurer
• Set up and monitor ongoing Home Mission payments, make adjustments as needed
• Monitor the association cashflows to ensure adequate funds are available, arrange for transfers between accounts when needed
• With the treasurer, prepare a draft budget for the coming year ahead of the Support Services meeting for presentation to the last Trustees meeting of the calendar year
• With the treasurer, prepare the annual accounting records for presentation to the external accountant. Respond to queries raised to ensure the draft accounts are available for presentation to the appropriate Support Services meeting
• Respond to all external requests in connection with the financial administration of the association including the Baptist Union and the pension scheme
• Some liaison, along with the treasurer, with our Investment Advisors
• Prepare the annual summary of churches contribution to the national Home Mission Fund
• Liaise with the bookkeeper who manages the Memorial Loan Fund
• Review HM Giving from previous year, collate data and pass to HM Coordinator
• Undertake other tasks as requested by the Trustees/Support Services team
Property
• Maintain a Register of SWBA properties: Keep updated information on Sharepoint
• Review and update the property register on a regular basis providing reports to Support Services
• Administering and arranging of property insurance for all SWBA properties
• Ensure regular valuations of properties are obtained for rebuild and insurance purposes
• Obtain quotes and schedule regular repairs and renovations: Work with Property Trustee(s) to ensure necessary jobs get done on our properties
• Liaise with solicitors and BUC on property transactions, maintain legal records
Fundraising
• Undertake fundraising training and updating as appropriate
• Make suggestions to SWBA Trustees about possible funding streams for SWBA
• Assist & advise churches & pioneers on funding sources and making applications
Bookkeeping for churches/pioneers
• Undertake day-to-day bookkeeping tasks for churches/pioneering projects who choose to pay a subscription to SWBA for this service, including dealing with requests and correspondence by phone and email, and providing monthly reports to each church/project. This area is negotiable and may expand the paid hours of the role depending on demand.
How to apply for this role
Please apply by sending your CV with a covering letter outlining the reasons you wish to be considered for this role and what you feel you can offer.
Applications can be submitted by email to Chris Fry, Chair of Trustees chris.fry@swbaptists.org.uk
The closing date for applications is 30th September 2025. Interviews of shortlisted candidates will be held in October with the successful candidate starting as soon as possible.
If you would like to discuss this role further, please contact Carl Smethurst carl@swbaptists.org.uk or Chris Fry chris.fry@swbaptists.org.uk