Wiltshire Music Centre

Wiltshire Music Centre is looking for a Head of Finance to drive financial strategy, ensure robust financial management, and provide clear insight to support decision-making across all areas of activity of our music and education venue. This role sits on our Senior Leadership Team. Key Responsibilities 1. Financial Management & Reporting Lead preparation of management accounts, cash flow forecasts, and variance analysis Produce quarterly finance reports and manage month end processes and reports Oversee preparation of the annual statutory accounts and audit Maintain a clear reserves policy and monitor cash flow Administer finances raised through fundraising campaigns, donations, sponsorship and grants, and claim back Gift Aid from HMRC Prepare and process VAT returns, handling partial exemption when applicable Be the first point of contact for any HMRC query 2. Budgeting & Strategy Coordinate the annual budgeting process across departments Provide financial modelling and analysis for strategic planning and fundraising bids Support the Executive Director and trustees in scenario planning and long-term forecasting Advise on risk management and internal controls 3. Operations & Systems Oversee day-to-day finance operations (invoicing, payments, payroll, expenses, reconciliations) Maintain accurate event and project accounts, reconciling Box Office data to financial systems Ensure efficient provision and use of merchant services and card payment solutions Manage and improve financial systems e.g. Sage Work closely with Executive Director to track restricted and unrestricted funds 4. Governance & Compliance Ensure compliance with the Charities Act, Companies Act, and funder requirements Prepare data and documents as required for reporting to key funders Prepare finance reports and dashboards for board meetings Liaise with external accountants, auditors, and the Charity Commission Support the Treasurer and Finance & Resource Committee and attend board meetings as required 5. Organisational strategy and growth Work collaboratively to identify strategic opportunities for growth Job Requirements Ideal Candidate Profile Essential Professional qualification (or part-qualified) such as ACA / ACCA / CIMA / CIPFA, or equivalent Strong financial and accounting experience within a Finance Department covering all relevant functions Excellent budgeting, forecasting, and analytical skills. Knowledge of Charity SORP and statutory charitable reporting and accounts preparation. Technical knowledge of tax matters (VAT and PAYE). Experience of managing VAT and gift aid for a charity. Experience with Sage or another cloud-based accounting platform. High attention to detail and ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial colleagues Desirable Experience with arts, education, or cultural sector charities. Experience working with fundraising and grant-making bodies, including an understanding of restricted funds, grant management and project reporting Experience of box office systems Job Responsibilities Key Deliverables Accurate and timely monthly management accounts and Board reports. Month end processes timely and fulsome. Annual budget, forecasts, and audited statutory accounts. Effective cash flow and investment management. Clear, concise financial insight to support strategic decisions. Strong financial controls, policies, and risk management processes. A financially informed, confident leadership team.