Head of Financial Operations and Control

Lead Financial Excellence at a World-Renowned Institution.

The Courtauld is an internationally renowned university for art history, offering a range of degree programmes to appeal to art historians, conservators and curators. Our Gallery is set in the magnificent Somerset House, and is home to much loved masterpieces by Van Gogh, Monet & Renoir to name a few. We have an income of £33m and employ approx. 300 staff. We are seeking a strategic, technically skilled, and forward-thinking Head of Financial Operations & Control to lead and enhance our finance function.

We have ambitious plans for growth with key priorities including expanding our student and visitor numbers, enhancing our estate, integrating data systems, and upgrading our IT and digital infrastructure.

Reporting to the Director of Finance, the Head of Financial Operations & Control is a pivotal senior leadership role, responsible for ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and compliance of all financial records across The Courtauld and its subsidiaries. You will oversee core financial operations, reporting, tax and treasury management, investment support, regulatory compliance, and risk management, playing a key role in safeguarding the financial stability and integrity of the institution.

Key Responsibilities Include:

· Lead the finance function, including financial accounting, control, compliance

· Manage all aspects of financial operations such as accounts payable/receivable, payroll, treasury, fixed assets, and tax

· Ensure accurate accounting and tax services to the group and its subsidiaries

· Lead the production of high-quality statutory financial statements, management reporting, and lead the annual audit

· Develop and maintain internal control policies, systems, and procedures to facilitate timely and accurate financial transactions and reporting

· Maintain the integrity and completeness of financial data held in the ERP system, including the chart of accounts and resolution of data quality issues

· Support investment strategy, manage treasury, endowment accounting and liquidity planning

· Drive continuous improvement in financial processes and controls and contribute to strategic financial planning

· Ensure compliance with regulatory and statutory obligations (including HMRC, VAT, Gift Aid and tax implications for fundraising activities)

· Build effective relationships across the institution and externally, including auditors, investment managers, and regulators

· Deputise for the Director of Finance when required

In order to be successful in the role we're looking for;

· A qualified accountant (CCAB or equivalent)

· Significant experience in managing financial control and operations including VAT, Tax relief, treasury in a charitable/education/not-for-profit organisation of similar size and complexity

· Able to self-sufficiently lead a smooth, accurate and timely year end process

· Strong technical expertise in accounting standards, able to ensure correct accounting treatment of restricted, unrestricted and endowment income

· A proven track record of leading finance teams and driving process improvements, thriving to develop a best-in-class finance function

· Strong stakeholder engagement and the ability to influence at a senior level

· Experience in investment and endowment accounting is strongly desirable

Why Join The Courtauld?

You’ll join a world-class institution with many of your stakeholders based at the iconic Somerset House. You will join at a time of exciting transformation and growth. You will be able to develop your skills and make a difference by further developing systems, processes, and contributing to the strategic growth of the investment portfolio. We offer a supportive, inclusive workplace with opportunities to make a lasting impact, in a vibrant, arts-focused environment. We also offer;

· Competitive salary of £75,000

· Excellent USS pension scheme

· 30 days annual leave + additional closure days

· Training and development opportunities

· Hybrid work pattern 3 days a week in the office (Kings Cross)

In order to apply, please submit your CV along with covering letter of no more than 1 side of A4 outlining why you wish to apply and highlighting your relevant experience by the 19th of October. For a confidential call to discuss your suitability please contact our recruitment partner Sian Negal of Morgan Law.