Head of Finance

Wiltshire Music Centre


Job Summary

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.

Job Description

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 Overview

  • Job Title: Head of Finance
  • Salary: £40k-£50k
  • Hours:
    Full time
  • Artform: Music
  • Role: Finance
  • Contract: Permanent
  • Closing date: Mon, 19 Jan 2026

  • Location:

    South West

    | view on Google Maps

Job: Head of Finance

Job: Head of Finance

Organisation: Wiltshire Music Centre

Postcode: BA15 1DZ

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