Head of Finance

London Museum; City Of London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cultural institution in London is seeking a Head of Finance to lead financial strategy and operations. This full-time role involves overseeing budgeting, reporting, and compliance while managing a team of finance professionals in a complex environment. The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant with proven leadership skills and strong technical expertise.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Qualifications

• Proven senior financial leadership in a complex organisation.
• Experienced team leader with a record of developing finance professionals.
• Strong technical expertise in financial reporting and audits.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all financial functions including accounting and budgeting.
• Produce timely monthly management accounts and financial statements.
• Manage corporate administration tasks related to insurance and risk.

Skills

Financial leadership

Team management

Financial reporting

Project accounting

Audit management

Education

Qualified accountant (CCAB or equivalent)

Tools

Accounting software

Job description

About Our Client

At London Museum, we believe arts, culture, and heritage are central to shaping a vibrant, informed, and connected society. Our collections not only reflect where we've come from but help us imagine where we're going. Founded through the unification of London Museum (originally established in 1912) and the Guildhall Museum (dating back to 1826), we became London Museum in 2024–a new chapter rooted in a rich legacy. As one of the capital's most important cultural institutions, we are proud to house a diverse and historic collection that continues to educate, inspire, and connect people of all backgrounds. Through our exhibitions, events, and education programmes, we aim to make London's story accessible to everyone. Underpinning all of this is a need for robust financial management and strategic planning. With an ambitious new vision in place, including major capital developments and enhanced programming, London Museum is now looking for a talented Head of Finance to lead on financial strategy and operations. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of the Museum and play a key role in ensuring long–term sustainability and excellence.

Job Description

You will lead the Finance Department, overseeing financial planning, budgeting, reporting, and control. You\'ll ensure compliance with relevant policies and regulations, while promoting financial best practices across the Museum.

• Lead and oversee all financial functions including accounting, reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and compliance with financial regulations.
• Provide strategic leadership to the finance team and collaborate with budget managers and the Executive Team on annual budgets and financial planning.
• Produce timely monthly management accounts, financial statements, and manage the full external audit process.
• Maintain and update key financial policies and ensure adherence to governance standards and audit recommendations.
• Liaise with external stakeholders such as the City of London Corporation, GLA finance team, and auditors to optimise funding and financial processes.
• Support project finance activities including budget preparation, expenditure monitoring, VAT recovery, and risk management, particularly for the New Museum programme.
• Prepare and present financial reports, board papers, and strategic financial forecasts; deputise for the Chief Financial Officer as required.
• Manage corporate administration tasks including insurance, risk management, and statutory company secretarial duties such as Charity Commission filings.

The Successful Applicant

• Qualified accountant (CCAB or equivalent) with proven senior financial leadership in a complex organisation.
• Experienced team leader, with a track record of developing and motivating finance professionals.
• Strong technical and systems expertise, including financial reporting, audits, project accounting, and use of accounting software.
• Excellent communicator and strategic thinker, with the ability to influence at all levels and support organisational planning.
• Commercially focused, with experience managing multiple funding sources, driving efficiencies, and enabling growth.

What\'s on Offer

Location: London
Terms: Full–time, Permanent
Salary: 70,046 to 72,120 per annum plus benefits
Reports to: Chief Financial Officer
Responsible for: A team of up to 8, including 4 direct reports

Contact

Maria De Gracia
Quote job ref
JN–(phone number removed)Z

Where specific UK qualifications are required we will take into account overseas equivalents. All third party applications will be forwarded to Michael Page.