Head of Finance

Burman Recruitment; Bournemouth; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading creative institution in the arts sector is seeking a Head of Finance to drive strategic financial management. This role involves financial leadership, operational oversight, and digital transformation in a collaborative and innovative environment. Ideal candidates will have strong financial management experience and a recognized accounting qualification.

Benefits

Flexible working environment

Opportunity for professional growth

Qualifications

• Recognized professional accounting qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA).
• Proven leadership experience in financial management within a complex organization.
• Strong technical knowledge of UK GAAP and financial reporting standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic financial planning and reporting, managing complex budgets.
• Oversee statutory compliance including annual accounts, VAT, and PAYE.
• Drive improvements in digital financial systems and enhance service automation.

Skills

Leadership

Financial Management

VAT Knowledge

Stakeholder Engagement

Education

Professional Accounting Qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA)

Job description

Head of Finance

South England | Hybrid Working | Competitive Salary | Higher Education Sector

Are you an experienced senior finance leader ready to drive strategic financial management in a thriving, creative environment?

A dynamic and forward-thinking specialist institution in the arts sector is seeking a Head of Finance to play a pivotal role in enabling its long-term sustainability and strategic growth. This role blends financial leadership, operational oversight, and digital transformation within a highly collaborative and creative academic setting.

The Role

As Head of Finance, you will:

• Lead strategic financial planning and reporting, managing complex budgets and forecasting cycles over a multi-year horizon.
• Oversee statutory compliance including annual accounts, VAT, and PAYE, and support financial submissions to external bodies.
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders and heads of department to advise on financial direction, business planning, and project appraisal.
• Drive improvements in digital financial systems and lead implementations and upgrades to enhance service automation and efficiency.
• Lead a finance team dedicated to providing excellent customer service and ensure best practice across all finance operations.
• Influence institutional strategy through evidence-based analysis and high-level reporting.

What You’ll Bring

• A recognised professional accounting qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA).
• Proven leadership experience in financial management within a complex organisation—ideally within higher education or the public sector.
• Strong technical knowledge of VAT (including partial exemption), UK GAAP and financial reporting standards.
• A sound understanding of sector funding (HE/FE), academic cost modelling, and digital finance transformation.
• Exceptional communication, influencing and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to translate complex data into strategic insight.
• Demonstrated success in managing teams, improving systems, and driving a customer-focused approach.

Why Join?

This is more than just a finance role. It’s an opportunity to shape the financial future of a unique creative institution making an international impact through its world-class graduates. You’ll work in a highly collaborative and flexible environment, contributing to meaningful change and innovation.