Head of Finance

We are delighted to present an exciting opportunity to join Birmingham Museums Trust as their Head of Finance. On offer is £50,000 - £55,000 per annum, plus hybrid and flexible working.

Birmingham Museums Trust is one of the UK's largest independent museum trusts, caring for over one million objects across nine remarkable venues, including six listed buildings.

More than a collection of museums, Birmingham Museums Trust is a catalyst for cultural and social change. Through its collections, exhibitions and programmes, the organisation shines a light on Birmingham's diverse stories and communities, creating spaces where everyone feels welcome.

Led by Co-CEOs Sara Wajid and Zak Mensah, Birmingham Museums Trust is committed to radical inclusion, collaboration, creativity and care. With an ambitious vision for the future, this is an exciting time to become part of an organisation that is redefining what a modern museum can be.

Reporting to the Director of Finance, the Head of Finance will lead the day to day financial operations of the organisation, ensuring accurate, timely and insightful financial reporting while maintaining strong financial controls and compliance.

Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team, you'll provide strategic financial insight to support business planning, budgeting and informed decision-making. You'll also lead the continued development of finance processes and systems, embedding improvements and helping to shape the future of the finance function.

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious Finance Manager ready to step into their first Head of Finance role, or for an experienced finance leader looking to join a values led organisation where innovation and continuous improvement are encouraged.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the finance function, providing clear direction, coaching and support to the finance team.

Oversee monthly management accounts and coordinate month end and year end reporting processes.

Ensure robust financial controls and compliance with statutory, regulatory and Charity Commission requirements.

Lead the annual budgeting process in partnership with Directors and Senior Stakeholders.

Maintain financial forecasts and support scenario planning to inform strategic decisions.

Monitor organisational budgets, analyse financial performance and investigate variances.

Provide high-quality financial analysis and recommendations to support investment and operational decisions.

Build and maintain strong relationships with auditors, banks and external advisers.

Drive continuous improvement across finance systems, processes and reporting.

Promote a collaborative, customer-focused finance service across the organisation.

We're looking for a collaborative and proactive finance professional who combines technical excellence with strong leadership and communication skills.

Essential

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA (CGMA) or CIPFA).

Strong financial and management accounting experience.

Experience producing accurate and timely financial reporting.

Knowledge of budgeting, forecasting and financial planning.

Experience developing and maintaining effective financial controls.

Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues.

Experience leading, coaching or mentoring finance staff.

Excellent analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills.

A continuous improvement mindset with the ability to review and enhance finance processes.

Desirable

Knowledge of Charity SORP and charity accounting.

Experience within the charity, not-for-profit or cultural sectors.

Experience using Access Dimensions or Access Financials.

Experience supporting organisational change or finance transformation projects.

Birmingham Museums Trust offers a rewarding role within a collaborative and inclusive organisation where you'll have the opportunity to influence strategic decision making while contributing to the preservation of Birmingham's cultural heritage.

£50,000 - £55,000 per annum.

Hybrid working with flexibility to support work-life balance (1-2 days per week onsite).

37 hour working week.

Flexible working, including part-time and job share opportunities.

Generous annual leave entitlement.

Company sick pay.

Flexible contribution pension scheme.

Funded learning and professional development.

Employee Assistance Programme and well-being support.

Dedicated Mental Health First Aid team.

Discounts on food and beverages across Birmingham Museums Trust venues.

Staff entry discounts at a range of national museums.

Corporate membership opportunities with museums and professional bodies.

A welcoming, inclusive culture where diversity is celebrated.

The opportunity to make a meaningful impact within one of the UK's most respected cultural organisations.

EA First Ltd are acting as an Employment Agency for this permanent vacancy.