Director of Finance

CREATIVE UNITED; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A social enterprise in the creative sector is seeking a Director of Finance to provide strategic and operational leadership across all financial aspects. This role involves leading financial planning, reporting to the Board, and managing day-to-day finance operations. Ideal candidates will be qualified accountants with experience in small businesses or not-for-profits, and preferably have exposure to the arts or creative industries. Join a values-led organization where your skills can make a real impact.

Qualifications

• Track record of senior financial leadership in a small business or not-for-profit.
• Experience within the arts, cultural, or creative industries is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the financial planning, forecasting, and reporting.
• Prepare and present management information for the Board and SMT.
• Oversee finance operations including cashflow, payroll, VAT.
• Manage the annual audit process and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Develop systems and processes for financial reporting.

Skills

Proven experience at senior management level

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Proficiency in finance systems (ideally Xero)

Ability to communicate complex financial information

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA)

Tools

Xero

Job description

Creative United is a social enterprise dedicated to supporting creative livelihoods across the UK. Our mission is to build a sustainable, resilient and inclusive creative economy for all. By focusing on the smallest parts of the creative ecosystem our innovations seek to preserve talent and diversity in the sector, stimulating growth and building skills.

Working with public funders, Higher Education Institutions and commercial partners, we develop and deliver research, finance initiatives and business support programmes that help creative practitioners strengthen their business models, overcome economic barriers, expand their audiences, increase revenues and maximise social impact.

As we continue to grow our ambition and influence, we are now seeking a Director of Finance to help shape and support the next stage of our organisation's development.

The Director of Finance will provide strategic and operational leadership across all financial aspects of the business. Working closely with the Chief Executive and Senior Management Team, you will play a key role in strengthening financial systems, guiding business planning, and supporting the organisation's continued growth and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the financial planning, forecasting, and reporting to support strategic decision‑making
• Prepare and present clear, insightful management information for the Board and SMT
• Oversee day‑to‑day finance operations including cashflow, payroll, VAT, and statutory filings
• Manage the annual audit process and ensure full compliance with regulatory and tax requirements
• Develop robust systems and processes for accurate and accessible financial reporting
• Support the design and financial modelling of new business initiatives
• Lead and develop a small finance team (Bookkeeper 0.6 FTE)
• Act as Data Protection Officer, ensuring compliance with GDPR and related policies

About You

You’ll be qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) or have the equivalent experience, with a track record of senior financial leadership – ideally within a small business or not‑for‑profit organisation. You combine technical expertise with strategic insight, bringing an entrepreneurial mindset to financial management.

You’ll also bring

• Proven experience at senior management level, including board reporting and team leadership
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with meticulous attention to detail
• Proficiency in finance systems (ideally Xero) and confidence with wider business systems
• The ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and persuasively
• A collaborative, solutions‑focused approach that fits our culture of creativity and innovation

Experience within the arts, cultural, or creative industries is highly desirable.

Why apply?

At Creative United, you’ll be part of a values‑led organisation where creativity, integrity, inclusivity, and entrepreneurial thinking are at the heart of everything we do. You’ll have the chance to influence the strategic direction of a respected social enterprise, working in a supportive environment that values your ideas and expertise.

Creative United is an inclusive employer and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. If you have any accessibility needs during the recruitment process, please make us aware by emailing

Please refer to the full job description attached for further details.

Please note we are working with specialist recruitment agency Altum Consulting for this appointment. All applications must be submitted via the 'apply' link on their dedicated webpage for this vacancy.