Finance Officer

About Canterbury Festival

Canterbury Festival is Kent's leading arts festival, presenting a diverse programme of 120+ events every October featuring music, theatre, literature, talks, comedy and community events, as well as several weekenders and one-off events throughout the year.

We also run an active year-round Public Engagement programme of workshops, interactive artworks, school projects, choirs, youth music and community showcases, giving over 12,000 people opportunities to discover and engage with the arts in 2025.

Role Overview

As a charity, we are committed to cultural excellence, financial transparency, and responsible stewardship of our resources and we are now seeking a part-time Finance Officer to play a vital role in the financial management of the Festival. This role works closely with the Festival Director & Chief Executive and the wider team to manage the Festival's day-to-day financial operations and support strategic financial planning within a busy arts organisation, ensuring accurate financial administration, reporting, compliance, and informed decision-making.

In addition to core bookkeeping responsibilities, the postholder supports the Festival's artistic programme by supporting on artist contracts, Box Office settlements, and VAT management. This is a hands-on role suited to someone who enjoys combining technical expertise with practical problem-solving in a creative environment and relishes working as part of a small, collaborative team.

The role covers all core bookkeeping functions including SAGE (and/or similar package), purchase and sales ledger management, online banking management, payroll, management accounts, P&L reporting, and preparation of accounts for independent examination. The postholder will also manage Box Office settlements, advise on arts-sector VAT, ensure compliance with Companies House and the Charity Commission requirements, and work closely with the team to support artist contracts, deals, PRS submissions and financial planning.

Essential requirements include a minimum Level 3 bookkeeping/accounting qualification (or equivalent experience), experience using an accountancy package (knowledge of SAGE and/or Xero is desirable), payroll and HMRC compliance experience, and an understanding of culture-sector VAT.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Operations & Reporting:

• Process day-to-day financial operations, ensuring accurate and timely recording of transactions and management of petty cash (as required).
• Administer the sales ledgers to raise timely invoices and credit notes.
• Administer the purchase ledgers, ensuring accurate accounting of invoices/other expenses.
• Maintain strong working relationships with key suppliers.
• Maintain regulatory and professional compliance providing advice and assistance in financial matters, highlighting any legal or advisory issues.
• Maintain robust internal controls, policies, and procedures.
• Generate month and year end accounts.
• Support an audit or independent examination process by supplying documentation and answering administrative queries.
• Produce monthly and annual cashflow forecasts.
• Help with the preparation of reports for the Board of Trustees and any relevant sub-committees e.g. Finance & Audit Committee.
• Manage and submit annual Gift Aid declaration.
• Submit PRS returns.
• Respond to requests for information from the ONS (incl. monthly business surveys).
• Assist the Director with ad hoc reporting requirements as they arise.

Budgeting & Strategic Support:

• Support with the preparation of annual budgeting and reforecasting processes, and the development of longer-term business plans.
• Provide financial insight and advice to the management team to inform decision-making.
• Support funding applications and grant reporting with accurate financial data.
• Work with the Director to deliver the financial objectives of the organisation.

Payroll & People Support:

• Manage relationship with external payroll provider.
• Prepare monthly payroll, pensions, and staff expenses, ensuring compliance with employment legislation. (Staff team of 6 at present, with significant use of freelance staff in festival periods.)
• Process PAYE, NI, and pension for timely submissions.

Systems & Process Development:

• Operate finance systems (e.g., accounting software, payroll systems) and implement improvements.
• Ensure financial data is accurate, up-to-date, and secure, and develop and maintain well-organised administration and electronic filing systems.
• Streamline processes to improve efficiency and transparency.
• Support Governance & Compliance.
• Ensure adherence to charity finance regulations, SORP, and best practice.
• Act as the first point of contact for external auditors, bankers, and other stakeholders.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications:

• Level 3 bookkeeping or accounting qualification (e.g. AAT Level 3 or similar) or equivalent experience

Experience:

• Proven experience in a bookkeeping or finance role, ideally in a charity setting
• Hands-on experience with SAGE, Xero or similar accounting package and HR software
• Payroll processing, PAYE, pensions, and HMRC submissions
• Preparation of management accounts including Profit & Loss reporting
• Preparation of financial records for annual audit or independent examination

Knowledge & Skills:

• Excellent knowledge of Excel
• Strong understanding of culture-sector VAT, including exemptions and reduced rates
• Ability to manage Box Office settlement processes for ticketed events
• Confidence advising colleagues on artist contracts, deals, and financial implications through effective forecasting/modelling tools
• High level of numerical accuracy and attention to detail
• Strong organisational and communication skills

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience working in an arts, cultural or charity organisation
• Familiarity with Box Office systems and live event cash-handling
• Experience working with small teams and Boards
• Knowledge of charity finance governance and reporting
• Experience of working with SAGE

Personal Attributes:

• Able to work independently and collaboratively
• Able to balance and prioritise a busy workload and work to agreed deadlines
• Calm and reliable under pressure, particularly during Festival periods
• Trustworthy and discreet with a strong respect for confidentiality
• Empathy with the mission, vision and values of Canterbury Festival
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and access

Equal Opportunities

Canterbury Festival is an equal opportunities organisation. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities, particularly those underrepresented in the arts. We are committed to creating an inclusive and respectful working environment for all.

How to Apply

To apply, please visit our website via the button below by Monday 23 February 2026 at 9am.

• A cover letter outlining how you meet the job description and outlining your suitability for the role;
• Your CV;
• A completed Equal Opportunities form. The form will be separated from your application on receipt. You can download it from our vacancies page.

Late applications will not be considered.

Shortlisting will take place w/c 23rd February with interviews held w/c 2nd March 2026.