Head of Finance

Head of Finance

Main purpose of role 

Charleston is seeking a Head of Finance to join our team at an exciting time of change for the charity. This is a key role in the organisation working alongside our CEO to develop the organisational strategy and business plan, to provide data and clearly communicate financial information, and to lead a small finance team overseeing the day-to-day financial management of Charleston. 

The successful candidate will be a qualified accountant and possess experience leading a team. The post holder will be responsible for the overall financial management of the charity including preparation of annual budgets and cash-flow, monthly management accounts and annual reports, as well as ensuring the financial controls are fit for purpose and operating effectively. 

Excellent technical knowledge will be required to manage the organisation’s multiple business strands and the intercompany relationships. Strong IT literacy will be required to ensure that all financial, ticketing, membership and enterprise systems are maximised to deliver timely and accurate KPIs and other data for Director/CEO, staff and Trustees. An interest in and/or experience working in the cultural sector is desirable. 

As a senior member of the staff team, the role will support the organisational development of Charleston including overseeing HR and line managing members of the Senior Leadership Team. 

Duties and responsibilities 

Financial management: 

• Oversee all aspects of the financial management, planning and reporting of the charity.
• Manage the finance department ensuring a productive and professional service within the organisation and with external stakeholders.
• Prepare management accounts, cash flow forecasts and all other relevant financial information including annual Trustee’s report for presentation to the Board of Trustees and the Business & Finance Committee.
• Work closely with the auditors to manage the annual audit process including preparation and submission of statutory accounts.
• Ensure the charities and the enterprise subsidiary comply with all financial, charitable and other statutory responsibilities including submission of tax and VAT returns and other matters pertaining to HMRC, Charity law, Company law, PAYE and other relevant legislation.
• Act as company secretary for The Charleston Trust and other group companies and ensure compliance with Companies House and Charity Commission filings.
• Provide the Senior Leadership Team with all relevant financial information to enable them to plan effectively and control their strategic and commercial responsibilities.
• Work closely with the Senior Leadership Team and Development team to track fundraising targets to guide effective management of income generation and reporting. 

Business planning: 

• Develop the organisation’s business model informed by audience insight and financial data to drive financial resilience and support the organisation’s charitable objectives.
• Lead the organisation in financial planning, monitoring, and reporting annual budgets including communicating organisational performance through KPI dashboards, Executive and Senior Leadership Team meetings.
• Work closely with the Business and Finance Committee and provide timely and clearly communicated financial information to this committee and the Board of Trustees. 

Person specification 

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA).
• Significant senior experience in managing an organisation’s finances.
• Line management experience and skills to line manage senior staff.
• Proven track record in business planning and development.
• The skills to collaborate effectively with colleagues, staff, external stakeholders, consultants, trustees, and senior managers and to present financial information in an easily understandable manner.
• Strong IT skills across a range of platforms and software relevant to the role.
• Experience coordinating and setting multi-departmental budgets and producing complex cash-flows.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and prioritise effectively.
• Ability to think strategically, commercially and entrepreneurially.
• Understanding of, and preferably experience in, charity finance.
• Exceptional oral and written communication and presentation skills.
• An interest in the cultural sector.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing demands and new challenges.
• Ability to work collaboratively.
• Ability to mentor and supervise individuals.
• Good time management with the ability to work to tight deadlines. 

Desirable criteria: 

• Familiarity with partial exemption in VAT and Museums and Galleries Exhibition Tax Relief.
• Experience of Iplicit accounting software.
• Experience of working in an arts organisation. 

How to apply 

Charleston is committed to equal and equitable opportunities, and to becoming a workforce that represents the diversity of our community. We positively encourage applications from Disabled people, Global Majority people, and working-class people, as people from these groups are currently underrepresented in our organisation. 

Application deadline: Tuesday 3rd December.

Interviews: Monday 9th December at Charleston in Lewes (BN7 1FB).

Click on the 'Apply now' button below. Please include a covering letter of no more than 2 pages detailing how you meet the person specification, along with a CV. 

Alternatively, you can submit a link to an audio or video file that details how you meet the person specification, with an overview of your professional experience and skills. This should be no more than 10 minutes. 

Please also complete a voluntary equal opportunities monitoring form here. 

All positions at Charleston are offered subject to the following conditions: 

• Receipt of satisfactory references
• Proof that you are legally entitled to work in the UK 

For further questions about the role, please email Jen Patterson: j.allchorn@charleston.org.uk