Head of Finance / Company Secretary

The Head of Finance will oversee all financial operations and ensure the effective management of financial resources within the charity. This role requires a highly organised individual with expertise in accounting and finance, particularly within the not for profit sector.

Client Details

Lakeland Arts is one of the North's leading arts and heritage organisations, caring for extraordinary cultural spaces across the Lake District including Abbot Hall, Windermere Jetty Museum, and Blackwell & Lakeland Museum

Founded in 1954 as the Abbot Hall Art Gallery Trust, the organisation has grown from caring for a single historic gallery into a major regional charity responsible for multiple nationally significant sites and collections. Over the decades it has played a central role in preserving Cumbria's artistic and social history, while continually evolving to meet the needs of contemporary audiences.

Description

Financial Leadership and Strategy

Lead and deliver the financial strategy for Lakeland Arts to ensure long term financial sustainability.

Support the CEO and Trustees in shaping financial planning and risk management.

Prepare annual budgets, forecasts, and cash flow plans aligned with strategic priorities.

Provide financial analysis and insight to support organisational decision making and business planning.

Financial Operations and Systems Optimisation

Oversee and continuously improve financial processes and systems, optimising our Xero- based platform and integrated apps

Work with external contractors and internal teams to support integration projects between EPOS, CRM, and accounting systems, reducing manual processing and improving data accuracy.

Proactively identify opportunities for further automation, system improvements, and app integrations that enhance control, reduce costs, or increase capacity.

Ensure efficient month-end and year-end processes, including reconciliations, accruals, and reporting.

Maintain oversight of ledgers, payroll, VAT (including partial exemption), and banking arrangements.

Ensure compliance and accuracy in grant and restricted fund accounting.

Reporting and Analysis

Produce monthly management accounts for the Senior Management Team and quarterly reports for the Finance Committee and Trustee Board meetings.

Report on performance against budget, forecast, and prior year, including cash flow and balance sheet commentary.

Provide clear and concise analysis and recommendations to support decision making.

Oversee preparation of detailed project and grant reports for funders and assist the development team with the financial aspects of fundraising bid

Profile

A successful Head of Finance should have:

• Significant, proven experience in a senior finance role, including both strategic and hands-on delivery (qualified accountant ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent demonstrable experience).
• Experience working with modern cloud-based accounting systems (ideally Xero) and integrated financial apps.
• Proven ability to design and embed effective financial controls and processes.
• Experience producing management accounts, budgets, forecasts, and cash flow reports.
• Experience liaising with auditors and preparing consolidated statutory accounts under Charity SORP.
• Strong financial and analytical skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work strategically while remaining hands-on in delivery.
• Proactive problem-solver with a track record of delivering system and process improvements.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills; able to explain finance clearly to non-financial colleagues.
• Collaborative, supportive management style with the ability to motivate and develop staff.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and resilience, with the ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Lakeland Arts.

Job Offer

• Competitive salary of circa £50,000 per annum.
• 33 days annual leave
• Opportunity to work with a respected not for profit organisation in Kendal.
• Chance to make a meaningful contribution to the organisation's mission.
• Additional benefits to be confirmed.

If you have the skills and expertise to excel as a Head of Finance, we encourage you to apply. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a great charity in the heart of the Lake District and make a significant impact.