Director of Finance & Resources

We are delighted to be partnering with The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) to recruit a Director of Finance & Resources. This is an exciting position for someone to support a Charitable organisation that has been in existence for over 100 years. The role is paying £60,000 - £65,000 + benefits.

The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) are a symphony orchestra and charity that makes music that matters to the people of Birmingham, the West Midlands and beyond. CBSO have a turnover of c£12 million and c45 administrative staff.

With 90 incredible musicians, alongside a family of choirs, youth ensembles, conductors and staff, CBSO create exciting musical experiences for all. From brightening up the morning commute to inspiring audiences and musicians of the future - CBSO make epic, powerful, meaningful music that fills concert halls, communities, streets, schools and lives with passion, excitement, inspiration, hope and joy.

For more than 100 years, CBSO has taken different names and forms. Weathering war, recession, and social change, and evolving from a part-time municipal ensemble into a symphony orchestra with a worldwide reputation.

But, throughout everything, the CBSO has been Birmingham's orchestra - the musical embodiment of one of the world's great cities, in all its ambition, complexity and diversity.

The CBSO is seeking a Director of Finance & Resources to manage the strategic direction of the CBSO's finances and oversee the efficient deployment of its other internal resource areas including IT, Legal, Procurement & other services.

• Manage the CBSO's cashflow, investments and bank accounts.
• Work with the Chief Executive and other members of the Senior Management Team (SMT) to prepare 5 yearly budgets that support the continued financial sustainability of the organisation.
• Oversee the Finance team and ensure the timely production of annual budgets, monthly management accounts and regular forecasts.
• Play a key role in union negotiation with the MU and BECTU.
• Support the preparation of funding applications to the major grant funders and ensure compliance with monthly and annual funding conditions.
• Assist the CBSO Board, the CBSO Development Trust Board, and the Audit and Risk Sub Committee, with papers and other information.
• Prepare the Annual Report & Accounts for both CBSO and the CBSO Development Trust and submit the necessary returns to the Charity Commission and Companies House.
• Act as Company Secretary to both the CBSO Board, and the CBSO Development Trust Board, ensuring timely compliance with the Companies Act and Charity Commission requirements.
• Ensure compliance with all statutory requirements in relation to VAT, PAYE, National Insurance, Gift Aid, Foreign Entertainers Tax, the Job Retention Scheme and Orchestra Tax relief.
• Oversee the delivery of a professional, compliant and cost-effective service to both internal users and external hirers of the building and its facilities.
• Manage the CBSO's insurance portfolio, Group Life and Income Protection Schemes.
• Direct the CBSO's IT policy ensuring there are effective systems which support the CBSO's business needs and protect the security of company assets including data.
• Lead the CBSO's relationship with its Defined Benefit Pension Scheme Trustees, CBSO's Group Stakeholder Pension and oversee the monthly Pensioner payroll, and scheme bank account.
• To line manage the Finance Manager and the Centre Manager, in conjunction with them, be responsible for the management, recruitment, appraisal and professional development of the team(s).
• Represent the CBSO, building excellent relationships with staff, players, Board members, volunteers, and across the orchestral sector and wider industry.
• Be an ambassador for the CBSO.

The post holder will be required to attend meetings, travel off-site and attend occasional evening meetings. The successful candidate will be required to fulfil an enhanced DBS check.

Director of Finance & Resources:

• A qualified (ACA, CGMA/CIMA, ACCA or equivalent) accountant with significant strategic financial experience ideally in an organisation of a least the scale and complexity of the CBSO.
• Minimum of 5 years Management level experience in a broad finance role.
• Detailed knowledge of the financial and regulatory context for both charities and companies in the UK.
• Track record of successful budgeting and financial control.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills combined with an ability to express complex issues in a style that is clear and concise.
• An ease with complex liaison and consultation across multiple stakeholder groups, both internal and external.
• A keen eye for detail but with the ability to get to the root of the problem and make suggestions for improvement.
• An understanding of, and an enthusiasm for, the arts - especially classical music.
• We are looking for an outgoing, inspiring attitude, with an ability to motivate colleagues and manage their performance.
• Ability to work under pressure and with a good sense of humour.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Ability to influence, drive change and deliver at pace is essential.
• The ideal candidate will be team focused with the ability to work flexibly where required.

• £60,000 - £65,000 per annum.
• 40 hour working week.
• CBSO staff are entitled to 25 days annual leave (pro rata from date of starting) plus Public Holidays.
• Hybrid working (50% of your time is required to be onsite).
• Agile working.
• Membership of the CBSO's Group Stakeholder Pension Plan.
• Member of CBSO staff, based at CBSO's purpose-built rehearsal and administrative home, CBSO Centre, in central Birmingham.
• There will be some requirement for attendance at evening events (e.g. concerts) and for work at weekends. There is some provision for flexible working.
• This post is subject to a six-month probationary period.
• Fitness to Work Scheme (Massages and Physio Treatment).
• EAP (Employee Assistance Programme).
• Discounted Car Parking.
• Complimentary and discounted tickets to CBSO concerts.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Discounted Gym Membership.
• Discount at Specified local restaurants (20% Wagamama's, 10% Chai & Crumbs).
• Season Ticket Loan.

EA First Ltd are acting as an Employment Agency for this permanent vacancy.