Interim Finance Director (Part-time)

Goldenline Contact Center; Stanley; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cultural institution in the UK is seeking an Interim Finance Director for a fixed-term contract of 3 months, with a possibility of extension. This role involves strategic financial leadership during a pivotal transition, requiring a fully qualified accountant with significant experience in board-level operations and governance. The position offers a unique opportunity to influence the financial direction of a beloved museum while working collaboratively with the executive team.

Qualifications

• Significant post-qualification experience, including board-level operations.
• Strong track record in strategic and operational finance.
• Ability to quickly adapt and apply financial expertise to new challenges.

Responsibilities

• Provide financial leadership and guidance at the board level during the strategic transition.
• Oversee compliance, risk management, governance, and assurance.
• Support income diversification and commercial strategy development.

Skills

Financial Management

Strategic Planning

Governance

Risk Management

Education

Fully qualified accountant (ACA, CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

Job description

Help Shape the Financial Future of One of the UK's Most Beloved Living Museums

Commitment: 3 Days per Week, 3 Months Fixed Term Contract with a view to 6 Months

Compensation: £65,000 FTE (Pro Rata)

Start Date: ASAP

Application Deadline: 23rd May 2025

Make Your Mark During an Important Financial Transition

Beamish Museum is seeking an experienced, proactive Interim Finance Director to provide essential strategic leadership during a pivotal period of transformation. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on one of Britain's most cherished cultural institutions as we implement our ambitious new strategic plan and strengthen our financial foundations.

About Beamish

Beamish is the North East's award-winning open-air museum where history truly comes to life. Set across 350 acres, we welcome over 800,000 visitors annually, immersing them in authentic experiences from the 1820s to the 1950s.

With approximately 90% of income generated from visitor admissions and on-site spending, we are focused on diversifying income streams and enhancing our commercial strategy.

The Role

As our Interim Finance Director, you will provide crucial financial leadership and strategic guidance during this transition. Reporting directly to the CEO and collaborating closely with the Executive Leadership Team and Board of Trustees, you will help steer our financial direction as we prepare to appoint a permanent Finance Director.

This role is hands-on and collaborative, where your expertise will inform key decisions. With a recently appointed Finance Manager and a stable finance team, your focus will be on strategic input, governance, and forward planning.

You will be a visible leader, helping to shape the organisation's future while embodying Beamish's values of Brave, Inclusive, Collaborative, and Excellence.

Key Areas of Focus

1. Provide financial leadership and guidance at the board level during the strategic transition.
2. Oversee compliance, risk management, governance, and assurance.
3. Guide pensions, insurance, and oversee financial aspects of trust and foundation income.
4. Support income diversification and commercial strategy development.
5. Guide and support the finance team.
6. Oversee technology and infrastructure, highlighting innovation opportunities.
7. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, supporting procurement and value-for-money decisions.

About You

You will be a fully qualified accountant (ACA, CIPFA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) with significant post-qualification experience, including board-level operations. Your background will demonstrate a strong track record in strategic and operational finance, with a deep understanding of financial management, planning, and governance. You will have the credibility to influence both executive leadership and trustees.

More important than specific knowledge areas is your ability to quickly adapt, apply your financial expertise to new challenges, and support the museum's leadership through transition and strategic change.

This is a fixed-term contract of 3 months, with potential extension to 6 months, working approximately three days per week. Flexibility in working patterns will be considered, with a preference for on-site presence at the museum, which is a rewarding aspect of working at Beamish.

For an informal discussion or more information, please contact Robyn through our retained recruitment partner Paul Card Recruitment or click 'apply'. Early applications are encouraged.