Head of Finance

The Lowry Theatre; Salford; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A vibrant arts venue in Salford is seeking a detail-oriented Head of Finance. You will lead the finance team, oversee statutory reporting and audits, and drive financial process improvements. The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant with strong technical knowledge and a proactive approach. Benefits include free parking, paid birthday off, and access to wellbeing services.

Benefits

Free car parking

Paid day off for your birthday

Discounts at bars and gift shop

Access to Wellbeing Hub

Group Life Assurance Scheme

Qualifications

• Hands-on and proactive with a focus on process improvements.
• Experience in statutory reporting and audit leadership.
• Understanding of charity finance, including fund accounting and grant compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation of monthly management accounts and financial reports.
• Manage and develop the finance team and ensure compliance.
• Drive financial efficiency while identifying process improvements.

Skills

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

Strong technical accounting knowledge

Proven ability to lead and develop a finance team

Exceptional attention to detail

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Experience with financial systems

Job description

We are looking for a technically strong, hands-on-qualified financial controller to join our team as Head of Finance. This is a key leadership role responsible for the day-to-day operations of the finance function, with a focus on accuracy, compliance, and continuous improvement.

As Head of Finance, you will lead the preparation of management accounts, statutory reporting, and audits. You will manage a dedicated finance team, act as a key business partner across the organisation, and play a central role in driving financial efficiency and integrity. This is a hands-on role suited to someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and is comfortable working with manual systems while leading the transition to more automated processes.

• Lead the preparation of monthly management accounts, forecasts, and financial reports.
• Take full ownership of group consolidated statutory accounts and lead the year-end audit process.
• Ensure robust financial controls and compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
• Manage and develop the finance team, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Work with manual and legacy systems while identifying and implementing process improvements and automation.
• Act as a key business partner to teams across the organisation, providing financial insight to support decision-making.
• Oversee the payroll process and all associated end-to-end tasks.
• Lead the preparation and review of balance sheet reconciliations.
• Manage the recognition of grant income and reporting of restricted and unrestricted funds in line with charity regulations.
• Serve as the central point of contact for insurance policies and claims.
• Lead cash flow forecasting and working capital management.
• Maintain and develop financial policies and procedures.
• Work with the Finance Director to deliver a first-class Finance function that supports the organisation's values and strategic vision.

Qualifications and skills:

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Strong technical accounting knowledge with experience in statutory reporting and audit leadership.
• Proven ability to lead and develop a finance team.
• Hands-on and proactive with exceptional attention to detail.
• Comfortable working with manual systems and driving process improvements.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with financial systems and process improvement initiatives.
• Understanding of charity finance, including fund accounting and grant compliance, is highly desirable.

If you are a detail-oriented finance professional looking to make a strategic impact, we would love to hear from you.

About Lowry:

Lowry is a visual and performing arts venue situated at the heart of MediaCityUK in Salford, one of the world's most exciting culture and media destinations.

• Free car parking just a few minutes' walk from the Lowry building.
• Paid day off for your birthday.
• Discounts at the bars, restaurant, and gift shop located within the Lowry building.
• Access to Lowry's Wellbeing Hub and other health and wellbeing services, including counselling, physiotherapy, and remote GP appointments.
• Group Life Assurance Scheme.

Please note that Salford Quays is a well-connected destination with various transport options - bus, car, tram, and bike.