DIRECTOR OF FINANCE - OPERA NORTH
STRATEGIC FINANCIAL LEADERSHIP IN THE ARTS
Opera North, one of the UK's leading opera companies, is seeking an accomplished Director of Finance to provide strategic financial leadership and ensure robust financial management across the organisation.
Reporting to the General Director, you will lead the financial operations and governance framework of Opera North and its affiliated organisations, working closely with the Board of Trustees and Senior Leadership Team to devise sustainable financial strategies that deliver the company's artistic ambitions and strategic priorities. You’ll be taking over from a well-respected senior finance leader who is moving on after years of brilliant service, leaving a legacy to build upon and facilitating a substantial handover period.
This is a senior role requiring significant experience in complex financial and regulatory environments, with strong charity accounting knowledge highly desirable. You will lead a dedicated finance team while building productive partnerships with stakeholders across the organisation, external auditors, and professional advisers.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership
- Lead financial operations and governance across Opera North, Opera North Trading Ltd, Opera North Future Fund and Friends of Opera North
- Contribute to company strategy across all business areas, providing financial analysis and guidance on activities, plans, targets and business drivers
- Work with the General Director and Board to develop sustainable and viable financial strategies
Financial Management & Reporting
- Provide budgets and financial modelling, offering robust challenges to planning processes where necessary
- Produce regular management accounts, annual income and expenditure budgets, improving their effectiveness as managerial tools
- Prepare information on capital expenditure, property management and reserves management to enable effective Board assessment
- Ensure timely and accurate compliance with requirements of Arts Council England, Charity Commission, Companies House and other external stakeholders
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, manage and support the continuous professional development of the finance team
- Support the development of financial skills and awareness across budget-holders to achieve continuous improvement in financial planning, forecasting and budget management
- Develop procedures and policies to support the company's financial performance
Compliance & Governance
- Liaise with providers of professional services including auditors, tax advisers, insurers, lawyers and pension providers
- Work closely with the People Team to ensure efficient payroll and pension arrangements in line with legislative and HMRC requirements
- Maintain awareness of changes to leadership and governance legislation, communicating implications to non-finance colleagues
- Ensure an effective governance framework is in place
BENEFITS PACKAGE
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- 35 hours per week
- 33 days annual leave inclusive of 8 statutory holidays
- Pension scheme: Opera North contributes 5.5% of basic pay after 3 months' service (employee contribution 2.5%)
- Professional development opportunities
- Access to Opera North performances and cultural activities
- Based at the Howard Opera Centre, Leeds
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
Qualifications & Professional Standing
- Full professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)
- Professional membership of recognised accountancy body
Experience
- Senior manager or director level experience
- Substantial professional experience in a complex financial and regulatory environment
- Preparing and presenting management accounts, reports and data at board level
- Liaising with auditors and other professional advisers
- Management of a payroll function
- Managing teams
Technical Knowledge
- Knowledge of relevant legislation affecting financial reporting and taxes
- Good knowledge of VAT and Gift Aid
- Strong Excel skills
- Comfort with different accounting software
Skills & Attributes
- Excellent communication skills with ability to explain complex financial information to stakeholders with varying levels of financial knowledge
- Ability and willingness to review and improve internal systems
- Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
HIGHLY DESIRABLE
- Knowledge and experience in charity accounting
- Understanding of charity law and guidance
- Knowledge and experience in preparing creative tax reliefs
- Professional experience of the arts sector
ABOUT OPERA NORTH
Opera North is one of the UK's most vibrant opera companies, creating extraordinary experiences for audiences across the North of England. The organisation values creativity, collaboration and cultural impact, operating with a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Opera North promotes equity, diversity and inclusion in our workplace and makes recruitment decisions by matching our needs with the skills and experience of candidates. As we work to address underrepresentation in our workforce, we are particularly keen to hear from applicants from the global majority or those with other protected characteristics.
The successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK or be ready to obtain it.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
All Opera North employees are expected to:
- Represent company values and purpose to create extraordinary experiences every day
- Work collaboratively with all team members
- Act as an ambassador for Opera North, following all policies and procedures
- Ensure everyone visiting Opera North is welcomed and treated with respect
APPLICATION PROCESS
Broster Buchanan are acting as recruitment partner for this appointment.
To apply, please send your CV and covering letter to Lucy Rider at Broster Buchanan
Application deadline: 13th March 2026 Interviews: 25th & 26th March
For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Lucy Rider at Broster Buchanan.
If you require any adjustments to the application process, please let us know.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Contract Type: Fixed Term for 10 months
Interviews: 23rd and 24th of March via MS Teams
Join us at The King’s Trust as our new Brand & Marketing Coordinator and play a vital role in helping young people feel inspired, connected and supported.
As part of our growing Brand & Marketing team, you’ll be at the heart of the action - keeping operations running smoothly, supporting colleagues across multiple marketing and fundraising functions, and ensuring our campaigns land with real impact. This is a fantastic opportunity to bring your organisational flair, creativity and energy to a mission‑driven team committed to changing young lives for the better.
In this varied and fast-paced role, you’ll manage inboxes, diaries and key administrative processes, coordinate team meetings and events, support with presentations and documentation, and act as a first point of contact for internal stakeholders. You’ll also work closely with our finance team to keep budgets and supplier processes on track, oversee departmental filing systems, support the Brand & Marketing Director with day‑to‑day admin, and help maintain the smooth flow of information across the wider team. Every task you take on contributes directly to our ability to deliver meaningful campaigns and initiatives for young people across the UK.
We’re looking for someone who’s proactive, organised and enthusiastic someone who enjoys solving problems, building relationships, and supporting colleagues at all levels. You’ll bring strong Microsoft Office skills, experience managing admin within a busy team, and confidence working with a variety of internal stakeholders. In return, you’ll join a supportive, inclusive workplace where your ideas are valued and your development is encouraged. If you’re passionate about helping young people thrive and want to play a key part in a charity making a real difference, we’d love to hear from you.
What happens next?
Please submit a CV, and Cover Letter that includes your experience, transferrable skills and motivation to work for The King's Trust! The Team will be in touch about the next steps shortly after the closing date.
Why do we need Brand & Marketing Coordinators?
Last year, we helped more than 40,000 Young People, with three in four young people on our programmes moving into a positive outcome in work, education or training. The young people we help face a range of challenges, such as unemployment, mental health issues or some who have been in trouble with the law. We believe all young people should have the chance to succeed, and that young people are the key to a positive and prosperous future for all of us. We want to continue having a positive impact on young people’s lives and we couldn’t do this without the important work of Brand & Marketing Coordinators!
Perks for working at The Trust!
- Great holiday package! 30 days annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays. Office closure on the days between Christmas and New Year
- Flexible working! Where operationally possible, our roles require a combination of office days and working from home (please speak to the hiring manager about this particular role)
- You can volunteer for and/or attend events – The King's Trust Awards, Pride, active events etc.
- In-house learning platform! Develop your skills for your career and your role
- Benefits platform! Everything from health and financial well-being support to discounts on your favourite restaurants, shops and cinemas.
- Personal development opportunities through our Networks – KT CAN (Cultural Awareness Network), KT GEN (Gender Equality Network), KT DAWN (Disability & Wellbeing Network), and PULSE (LGBTQIA+ Network).
- Fantastic Family leave! Receive 13 weeks of full pay and 13 weeks of half pay for maternity and adoption leave. Receive 8 weeks of full pay for paternity leave.
- Interest-free season ticket loans
- The Trust will contribute 5% of your salary to the Trust Pension Scheme
- Generous life assurance cover (4 x annual salary)
Registered Charity
More than 1000
We believe that every young person should have the chance to succeed, no matter their background or the challenges they are facing.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.