Job Purpose
This is a senior management position, working closely with the joint CEOs and the Board to ensure Graeae prospers artistically and financially.
The Finance Director will be responsible for implementing Graeae’s vision as laid out in the company’s business plan and to achieve artistic excellence, effective development of the company and financial stability. The Finance Director has overall responsibility for the financial management of the company, in liaison with the CEO, and the development and maintenance of financial controls, systems and procedures.
Key Responsibilities
Financial management
1. Lead the financial management and the development and maintenance of financial controls, systems and procedures
- Lead the preparation for annual budgets and project budgets in liaison with the joint CEOs
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators in liaison with the joint CEOs
- Manage the company's overall expenditure, ensuring it is in line with budgets
- Monitor grants alongside the joint CEOs ensuring that all funds are received when due
- Liaise with funders and service partners on the submission of reports on financial and other matters as required
- Ensure Graeae fulfils its legal and funding agreement obligations, including writing and updating franchise applications and business plans.
- Manage the company's payroll and pension scheme
- Manage and review “Access to Work” claims in consultation with the Access Manager
- Prepare papers for Finance Sub Committee and take minutes
- Act as lead officer with the company's auditors, bankers and lawyers and HMRC
- Act as Company Secretary to the Board of Directors and to service the Board and Finance Sub Committee in particular through the provision of clear and accurate financial information to ensure their informed policy and decision-making
Financial reporting
- Prepare quarterly management accounts for presentation to the Finance Sub Committee and Board
- Lead the preparation and filing of annual statutory accounts in consultation with the joint CEOs
- Prepare monthly reconciliations including bank and control accounts, business charge cards and petty cash
- Prepare quarterly VAT returns
- Prepare monthly and annual PAYE/NI returns
- Prepare annual cash flow forecasts and update quarterly.
Other duties
- Line manage the Finance Assistant, delegating all appropriate areas of financial administration
- Provide in-house training for non-financial staff members in budget preparation and monitoring
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential
1. Professional qualification or proven significant experience of financial management
2. Experience of software packages, including Word, Excel, Access and a computerised accounts package, preferably Sage 50 Accounts and Sage Payroll.
3. High level numeracy skills and attention to detail
4. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. (NB Graeae recognises that this can be achieved by various means, e.g. through a third party communicator)
5. Excellent time management and strong organisational skills
6. Line management skills
7. Ability to contribute as part of a small team
8. Experience of developing and maintaining financial systems and controls
9. Commitment to the implementation of Graeae’s Equal Opportunities & Diversity policies within the areas relevant to the post.
10. Willingness to undertake training.
Desirable
1. Knowledge of current disability issues
2. Interest in/experience of theatre/Arts/Voluntary Sector
British Sign Language skills
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Trees for Cities is the only national charity dedicated to improve lives by planting, protecting and promoting urban trees. We do this by working closely with communities, landowners, partners and funders to deliver transformational change in towns and cities across the UK and overseas. We plant trees in schools, streets, estates, parks and open spaces to create nature-rich urban woodland, hedgerows, orchards, avenues and playgrounds.
The charity is experiencing an exciting period of growth and development, with expansion in both their programme activities and income. As we adapt to this growth, we are also enhancing our internal operations by strengthening systems and improving efficiencies. We are in the process of shaping our latest organisational wide strategy, set to launch in April 2025, which will focus on broadening our reach and impact across the UK.
In addition to leading a small team and overseeing day-to-day financial management, this role will contribute to key initiatives such as enhancing our fund accounting and management reporting, refining project cost modelling, and reviewing finance policies and processes. As a business partner to budget holders, the role will provide leaders with the knowledge, insights, and tools to strengthen budget management and forecasting, building on the supportive and engaged relationship the finance team already fosters across the organisation. You will work closely with the Director of Finance and Operations on finance strategy and change management projects.
This role presents an excellent opportunity for someone eager to make a lasting impact within the finance function and wider organisation. It offers the chance to develop your strategic and leadership capabilities while advancing your career. Ideal candidates will be fully qualified accountants who bring strong technical accounting expertise and project management skills, ideally gained in practice navigating complex financial accounting management and reporting. A passion for proactive collaboration with staff in leadership and advisory roles is essential, as is an interest in the vision and mission of the charity.
To learn more about the role and organisation, please download the full appointment brief below, which also outlines how to apply.