Finance Director

Bristol Old Vic & Theatre Royal Trust; Bristol; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a Finance Director to oversee financial operations and strategic planning. This role involves managing the finance department, ensuring timely reporting and compliance, and fostering relationships with stakeholders. The ideal candidate will possess a recognized accounting qualification and extensive experience in financial management within the arts sector. Join a vibrant team dedicated to supporting the creative community while ensuring financial stability and growth. If you thrive in a dynamic environment and have a passion for the arts, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Qualified in a recognized accounting qualification with strong technical accounting experience.
• A good understanding of charity accounting, preferably from within the arts/entertainment industry.

Responsibilities

• Lead budgeting and forecasting processes to allocate resources effectively.
• Produce regular financial information for the Executive Director and Board of Trustees.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards and manage statutory returns.

Skills

Strategic Thinking

Financial Management

Communication Skills

Charity Accounting

Leadership

Analytical Skills

Education

Qualified Accountant (ACA, FCA, ACCA)

Job description

Purpose of the Role

• To develop a good understanding of the theatre and all its aims and operations, to assist the Executive Director and Artistic Director on the financial strategy for Bristol Old Vic.
• To oversee all aspects of the finance department.
• To maintain and develop the theatre’s financial and management accounting and budgeting systems.
• To ensure timely reporting to the Artistic Director, Executive Director, Trustees and key stakeholders e.g. ACE, by the preparation of monthly management accounts, budgets, forecasts and cash flow for the charity and its subsidiaries.
• To ensure preparation of the annual financial statements managing the annual external audit and developing robust internal controls, cash reporting and forecasting disciplines.
• Working at both a strategic and operational level to provide support to the senior management team on financial matters.

Structure of the Team

The Finance Director will be responsible for the line management of:

• Head of Finance (managing Finance Assistant x 2)

Will work closely with the AD, ED and Leadership Team and will report to the Chair of the F&GP as appropriate and necessary.

Key Criteria for Success

• Successful and timely preparation of monthly management accounting and other financial information, inc. budgets, forecasts and cash flow.
• Close understanding of the day to day running of the finance team.
• Successful year end processes and audit
• Productive and close working relationships with Executive Director, Artistic Director and Senior Management team.
• An understanding of the process of producing the shows and the engagement programme.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the budgeting and forecasting processes to determine the resources available to the organisation, ensure they are allocated to business plan priorities and ensure an appropriate level of reserves are maintained.
• Work with the Executive Director and play a key role in the strategic plan formulation and application.
• To prepare the annual budget with the Executive Director and Heads of Departments to monitor progress against targets and to be responsible for overseeing the smooth running and cost effectiveness of the Company’s internal administration.
• Produce regular financial information, ensuring the Executive Director, Board of Trustees, Board of Trading Company and Production Company are appraised of key financial issues and the overall financial performance of the organisation.
• Produce accurate and timely monthly consolidated accounts including a highlights commentary, variance analysis and KPI reporting.
• Ensure balance sheet reconciliations are maintained and any variances are reviewed as necessary, including bank reconciliations.
• Ensure that sound financial controls and processes are maintained and developed including purchase ledger, credit control, payroll, banking, petty cash, credit cards.
• To prepare consolidated financial accounts and to liaise with the Company’s auditors: to ensure that Bristol Old Vic is compliant with changes in legislation and accounting standards.
• To oversee the provision of all financial services including payroll, income collections, creditor payments, banking, investment and to oversee the pension arrangements on behalf of the staff, and with the Executive Director be responsible for the Company pay structure.
• To be responsible for all necessary statutory returns including WHT, PAYE, VAT, Theatre Tax Relief, Gift Aid, Corporation Tax, Companies House and the Charities Commission.
• Maintain and develop relationships with key stakeholders including the bank, auditors and relevant advisors in order to ensure the long-term financial security and stability of the organisation.
• Keep up to date with accounting, tax, regulatory and other relevant changes, ensuring continuing professional development and planning implications for Bristol Old Vic.
• Manage the organisational risk management process and maintain a risk schedule. Report on risk management to the Executive Director in advance of Board Meetings.
• To oversee the integration of company wide systems

Organisation Wide Responsibilities

The following responsibilities are shared by all staff members of Bristol Old Vic:

• To comply with all BOV policies including Equal Opportunities, Dignity at Work, RESPECT Charter, Health & Safety, Safeguarding, and other policies included in the Employment Manual and Staff Handbook.
• To work for the benefit of the whole organisation.
• To attend regular staff meetings and other departmental meetings that may be arranged.
• To keep up to date with the activities of the organisation.
• Undertake additional duties as may reasonably be required.

PERSON SPECIFICATION –

Essential

• Qualified in a recognised accounting qualification (ACA, FCA, ACCA) with strong technical accounting experience.
• A good understanding of charity accounting, preferably from within an arts/entertainment industry.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and act with integrity, looking for ways to support Bristol Old Vic, whilst remaining independent, objective and working within the boundaries of all accounting standards and regulations.
• Experience in financial roles at a senior level, managing all aspects of running a financial function and dealing with a range of activities
• Extensive experience of managing staff with the ability to lead, delegate effectively and motivate a team
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral with the ability to convey complex financial matters to non-financial people.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships, through a genuine interest in people, creating effective partnerships with stakeholders at all levels both internally and externally.
• Ability to work flexibly in a creative, fast-moving environment and understand the importance of artistic risk taking and to respond to it positively.
• Lateral and creative thinking skills

Desirable

• Positive, determined, energetic and resilient
• Flexible and adaptable – an enthusiasm for rethinking accepted norms
• Articulate and persuasive
• A good team player with the ability to get results through discussion, explanation, negotiation, and appropriate compromise
• Outgoing and self-motivated
• A genuine and keen interest in the arts