About The Role This is a senior finance role. You will bring clarity, control and confidence to the organisation’s finances and support the CEO and Board to make good decisions. We are looking for a Finance Lead to provide hands‑on finance leadership, strengthen governance and compliance, and ensure the organisation has timely, reliable financial information for decision‑making. This is a payroll role, reporting to the CEO and working closely with the Treasurer, General Manager, the Board of Trustees, and external advisors. What You Will Do

Produce, analyse and present timely management accounts and clear board‑ready reporting packs. Establish a monthly finance review rhythm with the CEO and trustees. Lead the annual audit process, acting as the main liaison with external auditors and overseeing preparation of the annual accounts. Ensure compliance with charity and company finance requirements, including Charity SORP and Companies Act reporting. Oversee VAT compliance and any VAT work requiring specialist support. Maintain clear oversight of restricted and unrestricted funds, ensuring accurate allocation and funder‑compliant reporting. Support financial risk management by reviewing and reporting on key finance risks within the risk register for the relevant board subcommittee. Lead budgeting, forecasting and scenario planning, working with the CEO and Treasurer to confirm the annual budget and in‑year re‑forecasting. Provide strategic modelling to support the organisation’s mixed‑income approach, including commercial income assumptions and income diversification. Lead financial planning and tracking for capital maintenance and building compliance projects, supporting fundraising planning where needed. Work with external advisors to manage and resolve complex liabilities and support longer‑term financial planning. Strengthen internal financial controls, approval processes and financial systems so they are simple, consistent and auditable. Oversee day‑to‑day finance operations including banking, payment runs, reconciliations and coordination with any outsourced bookkeeping support. Oversee payroll compliance (PAYE, NI, pensions), working closely with the General Manager on staffing and rota implications. Manage debtor control and credit processes, including active follow‑up of overdue income. Provide budgets and financial inputs for fundraising applications, grant reporting, and attend all quarterly Finance Committee meetings and attend Board meetings, as required.

Who This Role Is For

You might come from charity finance, arts and culture, or other mission‑led environments. What matters most is that you: Hold a formal accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent), or senior‑level finance experience, and have strong technical judgement. Can lead audits and produce clear, reliable management accounts. Are confident in strengthening controls, processes and reporting where they need improvement. Can communicate finance clearly to non‑finance colleagues, trustees and staff. Are highly organised, delivery‑focused and comfortable working in a small team. Are aligned with the Centre’s mission and values and motivated by purpose‑led work. Have an understanding of charity finance, restricted and unrestricted funds, and statutory reporting (desirable).

Working With Us This is mission‑led work with real purpose, helping us protect and strengthen the organisation so it can continue to support artists, audiences and local communities, and contribute to our ambition to be one of the best arts centres in the country. We welcome applications from people connected to our local area and from those who may not have followed a traditional career path. To Apply Please send completed applications to recruitment@berniegrantcentre.co.uk with the subject “Finance Lead” by Wednesday 24 December, 17:00. You will need to provide an up‑to‑date CV with a cover letter (2 × A4 pages maximum) detailing your relevant experience, why this is the right role for you and why you would be a great addition to our team. Please feel free to share any access requirements you have. Information you provide regarding your access requirements will not form part of the decision‑making but will allow us to support your application process. If you have any feedback, access requirements or if you have any queries, you can email us before you apply at recruitment@berniegrantcentre.co.uk. Your application data will be stored securely and confidentially, in line with GDPR/PECR. #J-18808-Ljbffr