Wiltshire Music Centre is looking for a Head of Finance to drive financial strategy, ensure robust financial management, and provide clear insight to support decision-making across all areas of activity of our music and education venue. This role sits on our Senior Leadership Team.
Key Responsibilities
1. Financial Management & Reporting
* Lead preparation of management accounts, cash flow forecasts, and variance analysis
* Produce quarterly finance reports and manage month end processes and reports
* Oversee preparation of the annual statutory accounts and audit
* Maintain a clear reserves policy and monitor cash flow
* Administer finances raised through fundraising campaigns, donations, sponsorship and grants, and claim back Gift Aid from HMRC
* Prepare and process VAT returns, handling partial exemption when applicable
* Be the first point of contact for any HMRC query
2. Budgeting & Strategy
* Coordinate the annual budgeting process across departments
* Provide financial modelling and analysis for strategic planning and fundraising bids
* Support the Executive Director and trustees in scenario planning and long-term forecasting
* Advise on risk management and internal controls
3. Operations & Systems
* Oversee day-to-day finance operations (invoicing, payments, payroll, expenses, reconciliations)
* Maintain accurate event and project accounts, reconciling Box Office data to financial systems
* Ensure efficient provision and use of merchant services and card payment solutions
* Manage and improve financial systems e.g. Sage
* Work closely with Executive Director to track restricted and unrestricted funds
4. Governance & Compliance
* Ensure compliance with the Charities Act, Companies Act, and funder requirements
* Prepare data and documents as required for reporting to key funders
* Prepare finance reports and dashboards for board meetings
* Liaise with external accountants, auditors, and the Charity Commission
* Support the Treasurer and Finance & Resource Committee and attend board meetings as required
5. Organisational strategy and growth
* Work collaboratively to identify strategic opportunities for growth
Job Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
Essential
* Professional qualification (or part-qualified) such as ACA / ACCA / CIMA / CIPFA, or equivalent
* Strong financial and accounting experience within a Finance Department covering all relevant functions
* Excellent budgeting, forecasting, and analytical skills.
* Knowledge of Charity SORP and statutory charitable reporting and accounts preparation.
* Technical knowledge of tax matters (VAT and PAYE).
* Experience of managing VAT and gift aid for a charity.
* Experience with Sage or another cloud-based accounting platform.
* High attention to detail and ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial colleagues
Desirable
* Experience with arts, education, or cultural sector charities.
* Experience working with fundraising and grant-making bodies, including an understanding of restricted funds, grant management and project reporting
* Experience of box office systems
Job Responsibilities
Key Deliverables
* Accurate and timely monthly management accounts and Board reports.
* Month end processes timely and fulsome.
* Annual budget, forecasts, and audited statutory accounts.
* Effective cash flow and investment management.
* Clear, concise financial insight to support strategic decisions.
* Strong financial controls, policies, and risk management processes.
* A financially informed, confident leadership team.