The Rochester Diocesan Board of Finance is delighted to announce that John Jackson has been appointed as the new Director of Finance for the Diocese of Rochester.
As Finance Director, John will play a leading role in managing the financial function and strategy of the Diocese, ensuring the Board, other diocesan bodies, and parishes, are equipped to further mission and ministry across the areas of Medway, north and west Kent, and the London Boroughs of Bromley and Bexley, as expressed in the Diocese’s shared Called Together vision.
Matthew Girt, Diocesan Secretary welcomed his appointment saying:
‘John brings with him a wealth of experience from both the private and public sector, as well as an extensive understanding of the Church context, including having been a church treasurer himself within our Diocese.
I am delighted that he will be bringing all these qualities, along with his innate sense of collaboration, to the role.’
John joins the Diocese following eight years as Assistant Director of Finance at the Diocese of Southwark.
A Chartered Management Accountant, he has held a number of financial positions in sectors as diverse as defence contracting, health insurance and paper and packaging.
In 2003, feeling a calling to leave industry and work for God in some capacity, he took up the post of Financial Controller at Canterbury Cathedral. From there John moved to Church Army until they relocated to Sidcup, at which point he joined the Ministry Division of the Archbishops’ Council in Church House Westminster.
Addressing the strategic role John will play, Nigel Pope, Chair of the Diocesan Board of Finance said:
‘John joins us at a of time financial challenge but also opportunity, as we work collectively as a Diocesan family to respond generously, both financially and practically, to God’s call for us to be a presence of hope in our communities.
I have every confidence that John will help us in this shared endeavour through his expertise, understanding, and humility.’
Commenting on his appointment, John says:
‘After many years of commuting to London, I feel very privileged to be able to serve the people and churches of my home Diocese.
‘I am looking forward to building relationships across the parishes and to exploring together how we can use our resources to best build the Kingdom in this exciting part of Kent and South-east London.’
More about John
Born in Yorkshire, John has lived most of his life in Kent. He was PCC Treasurer at St Justus Church Rochester from 2002 to 2012, and now worships across the border in Canterbury Diocese.
Outside work, John is a keen musician, playing violin in the City of Rochester Symphony Orchestra, and bass guitar in the St Bartholomew Bobbing worship band. John is married to Becky and has a step-daughter and three grandsons.