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- Tasks: Lead the finance team and shape financial strategy for a historic museum.
- Company: Join the Royal Armouries, home to the world's oldest collection of arms and armour.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 27.5 days holiday, and a competitive salary of £56,000 - £58,500.
- Why this job: Make a cultural impact while working in a unique museum environment.
- Qualifications: Professional accountancy qualification and experience in senior finance roles required.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor a dynamic team and collaborate across departments.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 58000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Head of Finance role at Broster Buchanan. The Royal Armouries isn’t your average museum - we’re home to the world’s oldest national collection of arms and armour, and we need a financial expert to help us craft our next chapter.
We’re looking for an exceptional Head of Finance who’s ready to apply their expertise across our legendary institution. This isn’t just about spreadsheets and budgets (though you’ll definitely master those) - you’ll be the financial strategist behind one of Britain’s most fascinating cultural treasures.
Reporting directly to our Finance Director, you’ll lead a dynamic team while building bridges across departments, from our sword wielding live interpreters to our commercial conquistadors. If you thrive on variety, love a challenge, and want your financial acumen to make a real cultural impact, this could be your perfect quest.
YOUR EPIC FINANCIAL ADVENTURE AWAITS
- Lead from the Front
- Take charge of our finance team and inspire excellence across the organisation
- Deputise for the Finance Director and own your operational realm
- Shape long-term financial strategy that supports our world-class mission
- Master the Numbers Game
- Lead our annual budget process like a true financial general
- Deliver forecasts that keep our Executive Board, Managers, Trustees, and DCMS (Department of Culture, Media and Sport) in the know
- Turn complex financial data into compelling stories for decision-makers
- Battle Complexity with Style
- Navigate year-end reporting and statutory requirements with finesse
- Conquer tax matters and ensure bulletproof compliance
- Build financial systems that work smoothly for all team members
- Forge Powerful Alliances
- Partner with colleagues across all departments to drive financial excellence
- Mentor and develop your team while upskilling stakeholders
- Build networks, it’s all about collaboration and allegiances
- Drive Innovation & Growth
- Spot opportunities to boost revenue and reduce costs without compromising quality or our impact on museum audiences
- Champion digital-first approaches and system improvements
- Support business cases that fuel our plans
WHAT'S ON OFFER FOR YOU:
- Competitive Package
- Salary in range £56,000 - £58,500 driven by market rate
- 27.5 days holiday plus Bank Holidays
- Good pension scheme with up to 9% employer contribution
- Company sick pay scheme for peace of mind
- Great Working Conditions
- Based in Leeds with occasional travel to our other epic locations
- Flexible working arrangements (minimum 4 days/week considered)
- A unique work location
- Discounted staff car parking
- Access to discounted bicycles via Bike2Work scheme
- Career Growth & Wellbeing
- Join a leadership team that values collaboration and innovation
- Access to free online learning to keep your skills razor-sharp
- Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services for support when you need it
- Make your mark on a nationally significant cultural institution
- Build experience across charity, commercial, and public sector finance
- The Little Extras That Matter
- 25% off in our staff shop
- 10% off food in our on-site café
- Professional development opportunities and free online learning courses
Your Skillset Toolkit
- Essential Qualifications:
- Professional accountancy qualification (ACCA, ACA, CIMA, CIPFA etc.)
- Proven experience in senior finance roles supporting board-level decisions
- Track record of leading teams and implementing financial systems
- Experience with budgets, forecasts, and statutory reporting
- Communication skills that mean you are able to explain complex finance information to historians, curators or committees.
- Desirable Experience:
- Experience across charity, commercial, and public sectors
- Knowledge of employment taxes, corporation tax, and VAT complexities
- Background in cultural or heritage organisations
Ready to make history? Apply now or speak to Lucy Rider at Broster Buchanan for further details. Closing date 20th June 2025 and interviews to be scheduled for early July 2025.
The Royal Armouries is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Head of Finance employer: Broster Buchanan
Contact Detail:
Broster Buchanan Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Royal Armouries and its financial needs. Understanding their mission and how finance plays a role in preserving cultural heritage will help you articulate your vision for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the cultural sector, especially those with experience in finance roles. Attend relevant events or webinars to build connections that could provide insights or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you can inspire a finance team. Think of examples where you've successfully led teams through challenges, as this will resonate well with the hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to communicate complex financial information clearly. Be ready to explain how you've done this in past roles, particularly in environments that require collaboration with non-financial stakeholders.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Head of Finance position. Familiarise yourself with the Royal Armouries' mission and how your financial expertise can contribute to their goals.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant experience in senior finance roles, particularly those that demonstrate your ability to support board-level decisions. Emphasise your leadership skills and any experience in cultural or heritage organisations.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell your story and explain why you're passionate about this role. Discuss your professional accountancy qualifications and how your background aligns with the unique challenges of the Royal Armouries.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: In both your CV and cover letter, illustrate your ability to communicate complex financial information clearly. Provide examples of how you've successfully explained financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders in the past.
How to prepare for a job interview at Broster Buchanan
✨Showcase Your Financial Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your professional accountancy qualifications and how they relate to the role. Highlight your experience in senior finance positions, especially those that involved supporting board-level decisions.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a finance team, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Discuss your approach to mentoring and developing team members, as well as how you foster collaboration across departments.
✨Communicate Complex Information Clearly
You’ll need to explain financial data to non-financial colleagues, so practice simplifying complex concepts. Prepare to give examples of how you've turned intricate financial information into compelling narratives for decision-makers.
✨Align with the Organisation's Mission
Research the Royal Armouries and understand its cultural significance. Be ready to discuss how your financial strategies can support their mission and contribute to preserving history, showing that you’re not just about numbers but also about making an impact.
