Finance Manager Outer Spaces

Outer Spaces supports artists, professional development, artist-led activity, and studio provision by repurposing empty commercial properties. Our programming and partnerships focus on visual artists, using vacant and disused spaces as platforms for research, experimentation, and creative exchange. Since launching in 2021, the response to our work—and to our growing portfolio of spaces—has been overwhelming. We have supported over 1,000 resident artists and groups across 139 spaces in 13 local authority areas. These spaces are currently located in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Greenock, Inverness, Motherwell, Newton Mearns, and Paisley. They include former shops and offices in diverse settings—from busy city centres and commuter towns to post-industrial areas and communities heavily affected by austerity, Brexit, the pandemic, and now the cost-of-living crisis. All our spaces are rent-free. By removing what is often an artist’s highest monthly cost, Outer Spaces plays a vital role in supporting creative practice, particularly now, as rising living costs put further pressure on already fragile incomes. Our goal is to ensure that artists, especially those at early stages of their careers, have access to affordable space, a peer network, and opportunities to collaborate, share work, and engage with the public.

Role

This is a new, hands-on finance role in a small, dynamic charity. The Finance Manager ensures effective cash flow management, timely monthly management accounts, and oversight of pledged income, while maintaining high standards of financial control and compliance. Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) the Finance Manager supports both day-to-day operations and strategic planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Cash Flow Management
  • Monitor daily and weekly cash balances to ensure sufficient liquidity
  • Prepare and maintain accurate rolling cash flow forecasts
  • Proactively identify and report potential cash shortfalls or surpluses at the earliest opportunity
  • Liaise with internal teams to understand income and expenditure timelines
• Monthly Management Accounts
  • Prepare and deliver accurate monthly management accounts, including income and expenditure, cash flow, variance analysis and commentary
  • Complete month-end tasks such as reconciliations, journals, accruals, and prepayments
• Credit Control & Donor Income Tracking
  • Raise advice notes and payment requests to funders and donors
  • Maintain accurate records of pledged income (donations, grants, sponsorships)
  • Monitor and follow up on outstanding income
  • Allocate restricted and unrestricted funds appropriately
• Cash Control & Financial Operations
  • Perform regular bank reconciliations and resolve discrepancies
  • Ensure compliance with internal cash handling and banking protocols
  • Record all income and expenditure accurately using Xero
• Budgeting & Strategic Support
  • Support annual budgeting and in-year reforecasting with cash flow insight
  • Provide financial scenario modelling and planning support to the SLT
  • Prepare ad hoc reports for trustees, funders, and key stakeholders
• Compliance & Audit
  • Ensure compliance with internal policies and external charity regulations
  • Support the preparation of year-end audit files and documentation
  • Maintain documentation of financial processes, recommending improvements where necessary

Essential Skills and Experience

• Qualified or part-qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA) or equivalent experience
• Experience in:
  • Cash flow forecasting
  • Monthly accounts preparation
  • Credit control and income tracking
• Proficiency in Xero accounting software
• Advanced Excel skills
• Understanding of restricted and unrestricted fund accounting
• Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial colleagues
• Capable of working independently in a small, remote team

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Familiarity with MGETR and charity-specific tax reliefs
• Knowledge of UK Charity SORP and financial reserves policies
• Experience working in a donor-funded, small charity, or not-for-profit context

Personal Attributes

• Proactive and detail-oriented
• Collaborative and solutions-focused
• Committed to the values and mission of Outer Spaces

Terms & Conditions

• Salary: £35,000 per annum
• Location: Work from home
• Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week
• Holidays: 33 days including statutory holidays
• Contract: Permanent
• Notice Period: One month (both employer and employee)
• Reporting to: Business Development Director
• Deadline for applications: 9.00am, Monday 30 June

How to apply:

Please send a copy of your CV together with a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role. Please email your application to submissions@outerspaces.org with Finance Manager in the subject line.

Access

We are committed to building inclusivity and diversity within our team and artist network. We encourage candidates who are underrepresented within the arts sector to apply for this post. If there are any adjustments that would help support you in your application, please do get in touch.