OVERVIEW
To succeed our long-standing Treasurer & Company Secretary, Bridport Literary Festival is seeking to appoint a candidate with proven experience in sound financial management and budgeting; in board/trustee governance support; and with knowledge of the compliance requirements of a charitable limited company. This is an ideal job for someone who loves book-keeping and the world of books. It is highly preferable that the candidate lives in the Bridport area.
Location: West Dorset (home-based)
Contract: Freelance, part-time
Salary: £6,000–£6,500 per annum
Hours: Average 18 hours per month (typically ranging from 10–30 hours depending on the season). Full participation is required during the Festival period (7–14 November).
ABOUT BRIDPORT LITERARY FESTIVAL
In its 22nd year, the annual Bridport Literary Festival Bridport is one of South-West England’s leading cultural events. From 7-14 November 2026, the Festival will produce more than 60 events for adults and children across multiple venues in the Dorset town. The charity also hosts occasional events throughout the year and funds opportunities for young people through its BridLit Bursary scheme.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
The Treasurer & Company Secretary will manage the organisations finances, prepare management accounts and budgets in partnership with the Festival Director, support annual audit and reporting processes, act as secretary to the Board of Trustees, maintain governance records, and ensure compliance with charity and company regulations while supporting the successful delivery of the annual literary festival and any associated events.
The candidate must be able to demonstrate strong organisational skills and the ability to work independently on a part-time basis.
The ideal candidate will have an enthusiasm for the world of books and writers and want to play a central part in building the reputation and scale of the Festival while retaining its distinctive local character.
Qualifications
* Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, cashflow management, and financial reporting. Willing to be do the nitty-gritty of bookkeeping.
* Experience of communicating with, and reporting to: HMRC, Charity Commission, Companies House. This includes completing VAT returns, filing Gift Aid and all annual returns.
* Knowledge of company law, statutory reporting, and corporate governance, ideally in a UK context.
* Proficiency with spreadsheets and financial software for producing monthly management accounts: processing payments, invoices, income and receipts and entering data into accounting software (Freeagent) and other databases. An ability to present financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
* Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to organize board meetings, take clear minutes, and conduct formal correspondence.
* Ability to work collaboratively with the Festival Director, trustee board members, and local partners and suppliers, while maintaining integrity and confidentiality.
* Relevant professional qualification or part-qualification in accounting, finance, or a related field is highly desirable.
* Previous experience as a treasurer, company secretary, or similar role in the cultural, non-profit, or charitable sector is an advantage.
* Genuine interest in literature, the arts, and festivals.
Applications
Applicants must submit an up-to-date CV, the names and contacts of two referees, and a covering letter setting out your credentials and suitability for the role.
Applications should be sent to: joannajacobson@googlemail.com by 5pm Friday 26 June with the subject line: BridLit Treasurer & Company Secretary Application.
First interviews in Bridport (online or in Bridport): w/c 29 June