At a Glance
- Tasks: Act as a strategic link between Finance and the business, guiding financial understanding.
- Company: Join the Arts Council, a diverse and inclusive employer committed to creativity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and flexible hybrid working options.
- Other info: We value diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Be a key player in transformative change while supporting the arts sector.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with experience in budgeting and financial analysis.
The predicted salary is between 56561 - 56561 € per year.
Contract: Permanent, working 35 hours per week. Arts Council also recognises the benefit of flexible working as a valued part of the way we work, and welcome applications from individuals who require flexibility.
Salary: £56,561 per annum plus benefits including a final salary pension scheme, generous annual leave, and flexible and hybrid working.
Location: Manchester. The role will be based in Manchester; however, we are operating a hybrid way of working and support our staff to make use of remote working options when combined with regular on-site contact days with other members of the team, normally 1-2 days a week.
We are seeking to recruit a Senior Finance Business Partner acting as the ‘gateway’ between the Finance team and the business. The SFBP requires a strategic and detailed understanding of the organisation's financial structure. The SFBP maintains trusted relationships with the senior leaders to ensure Finance delivers a timely, high-quality, and value-added service to the business, helping the organisation to deliver their objectives in the most efficient way. The role offers the opportunity to be a key component of ongoing change and transformation programmes, guiding financial understanding and providing structure to current plans. The SFBP has responsibility for delivering key accountabilities on time and to a suitable standard and will help lead a Management Accounts function in delivering regular financial reporting. The SFBP also works in collaboration with Financial Accounting, Operations and System teams to develop and maintain a good understanding of the crosscutting activities of the whole of the Arts Council.
Who we need
- Significant experience in generating and communicating clearly detailed financial information, advice and guidance to a range of audiences.
- Experience of providing financial support in developing business cases for securing administration funding.
- Experience of supporting a change programme, providing strategic advice.
- Significant experience of budgeting, forecasting and preparing management accounts.
- Experience in manipulating data using advanced Microsoft Office tools.
- Knowledge of financial rules and regulations.
- Highly developed leadership skills with proven experience of leading, supporting and mentoring.
- Experience of undertaking ad-hoc financial analyses.
- A proactive attitude who is willing to take on new challenges.
- Ability to juggle multiple duties while working to tight deadlines.
What you will need
- Fully Qualified with an Accountancy Body (CCAB) or equivalent experience.
- Experience of working in a similar environment.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement: Arts Council are committed to being an inclusive employer, building an inclusive workplace, and recruiting a workforce that is as diverse as the communities we serve. However you identify, and whatever background you bring with you, we welcome you to apply for a role at Arts Council. If there are any adjustments that would support you in your application, please do let us know when you apply. If you are disabled, Evenbreak are able to provide support with your application.
We participate in the ‘Offer an Interview’ scheme which means that we offer an interview to any disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria for the role they’re applying to, subject to the volume of applications received. Disabled candidates, those living with a long-term condition and/or neurodivergent candidates may be eligible for this scheme. The scheme uses the definition of disability from the Equality Act 2010 to determine eligibility. More information is included in the application guidance.
About us: Arts Council offers a range of benefits to our employees including hybrid and flexible working, a generous annual leave allowance and the Arts Council Retirement Plan - a final salary scheme.
Our Code of Ethics requires that employees of the Arts Council are not able to receive an Arts Council grant, investment or loan funding - either in person, as a member of a partnership, or for any organisation they own. There are also limitations on board or CEO positions employees can hold in organisations we fund. For more information on this, please talk to the recruiting manager or contact recruitment@artscouncil.org.uk.
We believe our recruitment process should be inclusive and transparent. Find out what to expect with our application Guidance: How to apply and recruitment selection process | Arts Council England and more about our commitment to diversity on our website.
Job ref: FCS8
Closing date: Midnight Sunday 7 June 2026
1st Interview: 16 and 18 June 2026
2nd Interview: 23 June 2026
Please note: We do NOT accept CVs or cover letters as part of our recruitment process. If you require any documentation in an alternative format, please contact recruitment@artscouncil.org.uk.
Senior Finance Business Partner (FCS8) in Manchester employer: Arts Council England
Arts Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being through flexible and hybrid working arrangements, generous annual leave, and a final salary pension scheme. Our inclusive work culture fosters professional growth and development, allowing you to play a pivotal role in transformative financial strategies while collaborating with senior leaders in a vibrant Manchester setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Finance Business Partner (FCS8) in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the Arts Council and understand their financial structure. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around budgeting and forecasting.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! During interviews, highlight your experience with advanced Microsoft Office tools and how you've used them to manipulate data effectively. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the financial reporting they need.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Arts Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Finance Business Partner (FCS8) in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Make sure you understand the financial structure and requirements of the role. Brush up on your budgeting, forecasting, and management accounts skills so you can showcase your expertise in your application.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your responses to highlight how your experience aligns with the specific needs of the Senior Finance Business Partner role. Show us why you're the perfect fit!
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out the application, keep your language clear and to the point. We want to see your ability to communicate complex financial information simply, so make it easy for us to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, we only accept applications through our website. So, make sure you submit your application there to be considered for this exciting opportunity with us at Arts Council!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arts Council England
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Finance Business Partner, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial reporting and analysis. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them to support business decisions in the past.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
This role requires a strategic approach to finance. Prepare examples of how you've contributed to change programmes or developed business cases that secured funding. Highlight your ability to align financial strategies with organisational goals.
✨Build Rapport with Leadership
Since you'll be acting as a gateway between finance and senior leaders, practice how you can establish trust and communicate effectively. Think of ways to illustrate your experience in maintaining strong relationships and providing valuable insights.
✨Master the Tech Tools
You'll be expected to manipulate data using advanced Microsoft Office tools. Familiarise yourself with Excel functions and any other relevant software. Be prepared to discuss how you've used these tools to enhance financial reporting and analysis.
