Finance Manager

The purpose of the post

The Finance Manager is responsible for the effective day-to-day management and operation of the organisation’s finance function, working closely with the Head of Finance to ensure that financial information is accurate, timely and robust.

The Finance Manager will oversee the finance team and the organisation’s core financial processes, maintain effective financial controls and ensure that accounting records, reconciliations, payments, income, payroll and statutory financial requirements are completed accurately and on time.

The role will provide the Head of Finance with accurate and timely financial information, analysis and supporting schedules to enable effective management of the organisation’s finances, including management accounts, budgeting, forecasting and financial decision-making.

Terms & Conditions

Job Title: Finance Manager
Reporting to: Head of Finance
Responsible for: Finance Officer, Finance Assistant
Hours: 39 hours per week
Salary: £34,739 – £38,065 depending on experience
Holidays: 32 days (inc. statutory holidays) per annum

Key Duties & Responsibilities

1. Financial Operations & Team Management

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the finance function, ensuring financial transactions are processed accurately and efficiently.
• Manage and support the finance team, setting priorities and fostering a positive, collaborative working environment.
• Maintain effective financial controls, procedures and processes, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and compliance.
• Support the ongoing development of finance systems and reporting tools.

2. Financial Reporting & Management Information

• Support the preparation of management accounts, budgets and forecasts, providing analysis and insight to aid decision-making.
• Produce regular financial information to budget holders and support them in understanding financial performance.
• Investigate and explain key financial variances and emerging issues.

3. Financial Accounting & Compliance

• Oversee balance sheet reconciliations and ensure the integrity of financial records across the organisation.
• Support the preparation of year-end statutory accounts, and external audit process.
• Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards, charity regulations and internal financial policies.

4. Grants, Funds & Income Management

• Support the financial management and reporting of grants, restricted funds and fundraising activity.
• Ensure income is accurately recorded, allocated and reconciled in accordance with organisational and funder requirements.
• Oversee Gift Aid administration and claims process.

5. Payroll, Tax & Treasury

• Oversee payroll and pension processes, ensuring all payments, submissions and reconciliations are completed accurately and on time.
• Manage VAT compliance and support specialist tax-related activities, including Theatre Tax Relief claims where applicable.
• Oversee payment processes, banking activities and cash management arrangements.

6. Wider Organisational Support

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to support operational planning and continuous improvement.
• Provide financial support on operational projects and organisational initiatives as required.

7. General Responsibilities

• Maintain confidentiality in relation to financial, commercial, employee and organisational information.
• Ensure all work is carried out in accordance with the organisation’s policies, procedures and values.
• Maintain professional knowledge and keep up to date with relevant developments in financial reporting, charity accounting, VAT, Gift Aid, payroll and other areas relevant to the role.
• Undertake other reasonable duties consistent with the level and responsibilities of the post as instructed by the Finance and Operations Director.

Person Specification

Essential

• AAT qualified, part-qualified accountancy qualification or equivalent relevant experience
• Experience of working with a computerised accounting system, including Sage 50 Accounts, Sage Payroll, or similar systems.
• Experience in producing VAT returns.
• Experience of reviewing payroll and payroll-related controls.
• Experience of preparing or reviewing management information and financial reports.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Office, with proven high-level skills in Excel.
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills.
• Proven ability to prioritise a complex workload.
• Experience of supervising and supporting staff.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Desirable

• Experience of improving financial controls.
• Experience of working within the charity sector.
• Experience working within the arts/theatre sector.
• Experience of complex VAT partial exemption calculations.
• Experience of preparing or supporting Theatre Tax Relief claims.
• Experience of fund accounting, restricted funds, or grant-funded organisations.

About Exeter Northcott

Exeter Northcott is a city-wide organisation welcoming more than 100,000 people each year to live theatre and events at the Northcott Theatre on the University campus, and the Barnfield Theatre in the city centre. A registered charity, the Northcott offers a wide range of creative opportunities for and with the people of Exeter and Devon. These include year-round opportunities for young people through the Northcott Young Company; Elevate, a talent development programme for local artists and bespoke projects developed with community groups, schools, and other charities.

Exeter Northcott Theatre is a registered charity and is supported by the University of Exeter, Arts Council England and Exeter City Council.

Diversity & Inclusion

There continues to be a significant lack of diversity across the arts, with a pressing need to provide progression routes for talented people from backgrounds that are under-represented. Exeter Northcott Theatre is committed to playing its part in addressing this by putting inclusion at the heart of our recruitment processes, finding new ways to share the power and resources we have at our disposal, and fostering a working culture that is welcoming for all our team. We actively encourage people from all backgrounds to join us and positively impact our teams and working practice. We are particularly keen to receive applications from people of African and Caribbean heritage, people of South Asian, East Asian and South East Asian Heritage, deaf and disabled people, LGBTQ+ people, or those experiencing barriers due to their socioeconomic background.

All deaf or disabled candidates who demonstrate that they meet the essential criteria for this role will b