Head of Finance - Music (Part Time)

Head of Finance - Music (Part Time or Full Time)

Iconic Music non-for-profit organisation is looking for a Head of Finance to play a pivotal role in ensuring ongoing financial stability through a period of growth. They require a senior-level professional to supplement the work of the Accounts Assistant and Senior Operations Director.

This includes providing guidance to staff, Senior Management Team (SLT), CEO, Finance and Risk Committee, and Board through robust financial reporting and sound strategic advice delivered through clear communication to staff and stakeholders.

Management Accounting and Financial Reporting:

• Prepare and distribute regular business-as-usual financial reports, dashboards, and summaries to management and stakeholders monthly in the agreed format.
• Conduct regular reviews of budget vs. actual performance, identifying variances and recommending corrective actions.
• Collaborate with budget holders to ensure an accurate and complete understanding of financial performance is communicated across The Academy, including to the Senior Leadership Team and the Board.
• Produce briefing and detailed reports on the management accounts, forecasts, and budgets for the Finance & Risk Committee and the Board of Directors when required. Present results at meetings.

Financial Planning and Analysis:

• Lead and oversee key business-as-usual financial planning and analysis activities.
• Manage the annual budgeting process and any periodic out-turn forecasting.
• Work with the membership team in analyzing subscription income trends and monthly results. Create dashboards and reports to aid decision-making.

Financial Accounting:

• Monitor the accurate recording and accounting for income and expenditure in compliance with standard accounting policies, following best practices.
• Ensure financial controls are strong and effective within the business and department.
• Timely and accurate preparation of month-end reports including income, expenditure, balance sheet, cash flow, and budget holder information.
• Manage the year-end process of preparation of statutory financial statements by ensuring review and adequate documentation of all aspects of the accounts.
• Manage the distribution of royalties collected by 3rd party organizations, ensuring the process is robust and efficient, managing and updating the royalties model, and providing a full reconciliation of these accounts involving cash, income, and trade creditors.
• Supervise the day-to-day banking arrangements and ensure effective cash flow planning and management while making decisions on the investment of cash on fixed-term deposits to maximize interest income.
• Lead and develop the Finance Assistant to deliver timely and high-quality finance support across The Academy.
• Supervise the preparation and timely submission of payroll deliverables, VAT, and any other tax obligations.
• Seek to continually improve the finance function, building a strong and respected support service.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work as part of the SLT to maximize surpluses, improve decision-making, and drive financial transparency across the organization.
• Collaborate effectively with various departments to enhance understanding of The Academy's finances.
• Cultivate positive relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
• Encourage the adoption of digital tools and data-driven decision-making throughout The Academy to support strategic objectives.

Person Specification:

• Experience in all aspects of Financial and Management Accounting.
• Experience of leading, developing, and managing a finance and accounting function.
• In-depth experience and up-to-date working knowledge in financial planning and analysis, including creating financial models, building long-term plans, analyzing large datasets in Excel, and improving processes.
• Evidence of effective leadership, management, and motivation of staff, including goal setting, monitoring targets/outcomes, and developing staff.
• Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data and provide actionable insights.
• Experience of payroll administration and understanding of HR-related matters.
• Ability to prioritize and allocate resources effectively, to plan and organize.
• High level of proficiency in the use of IT packages including the Microsoft Office suite and especially Excel.
• Knowledge and understanding of CRM systems.
• Good commercial and business awareness.
• Music royalty and industry experience would be beneficial.

Handle actively welcomes applicants from under-represented backgrounds - we pride ourselves on attracting the best talent for every opportunity through a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.