At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial processes and ensure compliance while supporting culture and community initiatives.
- Company: Join Hampshire Cultural Trust, enriching lives through cultural experiences.
- Benefits: Generous salary, pension contributions, flexible working, and extensive employee perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the arts while developing your accounting skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in financial controls and reporting.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 55000 £ per year.
Level: 2B
Salary: £46,000 to £55,000 dependent on skills and experience
Location: Chilcomb, Winchester (Hybrid working, min. 3 days per week in HCT office/venues)
Hours: 37 (Flexible or part-time arrangements will be considered)
Type of Contract: Permanent
Do you want to use your accounting expertise to support culture, creativity and communities? As our Financial Accountant, you will be central to ensuring Hampshire Cultural Trust’s financial control, statutory compliance, and reporting excellence. This is a critical role within our Finance & IT team, responsible for leading core accounting processes and ensuring we meet our legal, audit, and governance obligations with confidence and accuracy.
You will lead the Trust’s accounting principles, controls, and reporting framework, overseeing statutory accounts preparation, VAT compliance (including partial exemption), payroll and expenses processes, and the annual financial audit. You will manage the sales ledger, oversee reconciliations, ensure robust internal controls are in place, and prepare returns to HMRC and Companies House. This role also line manages a small team, and you will build a high‑performing, collaborative team while developing capability and future potential. You’ll work closely with the Finance Director and support reporting to trustees, funders, and external stakeholders.
A bit about you:
- You’ll be a technically strong, detail oriented qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent or part-qualified with significant experience) with proven experience producing statutory and management accounts.
Key responsibilities:
- Have significant experience leading financial controls and accounting processes
- Be confident managing audits and working with external auditors
- Have strong knowledge of VAT, HMRC and Companies House returns
- Be experienced in payroll, expenses, and pension processes
- Be comfortable analysing complex financial data and translating it into clear reporting
- Be confident using finance systems and have strong Excel skills
You will combine technical expertise with strong leadership capability, motivating and developing your team while maintaining high standards and attention to detail. Experience in the not for profit or charity sector is highly desirable, as is experience in grant management or multi‑site environments.
What it’s like to work for us:
Hampshire Cultural Trust creates inspirational cultural experiences that enrich and transform lives. We operate 20+ attractions and deliver outreach and engagement programmes across Hampshire. We value diversity, equity and inclusion and are committed to supporting the wellbeing and development of our staff.
The benefits of working for us:
- 7.5% Employer pension contributions
- Generous occupational maternity, adoption and paternity pay
- Enhanced occupational sick pay
- Electric Car Lease Scheme (terms and conditions apply)
- Generous compassionate leave scheme
- Paid emergency leave
- Industry leading Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to same day GP appointments for employees and their immediate family
- Life assurance scheme (x3 annual salary)
- Interest‑free Season ticket loans and travel loans from first day of employment
- Charity Worker Discounts Scheme (savings on retail, leisure, groceries, travel etc.)
- Access to free eye tests and vouchers towards glasses for VDU use
- Free flu vaccination vouchers
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Health Cash Plan (cashback on dental, optical, medical for monthly subscription cost)
- Opportunities to learn, develop and progress
- Free tea and coffee
- Team Card – Free access to venues for friends and family, and discounts across café and retail.
We will be running a dynamic recruitment process so we would encourage candidates to submit an application as soon as possible as we will be interviewing candidates before the closing date. To apply please fill in the application form with an up‑to‑date CV. We do not require covering letters for this position however would be grateful to receive context to your application.
Closing date for applications: 12 April 2026
To find out more about us visit our website www.hampshireculture.org.uk and https://careers.hampshireculturaltrust.org.uk/
If you have any queries relating to the recruitment process, please email people@hampshireculturaltrust.org.uk
Financial Accountant in Winchester employer: Hct
Contact Detail:
Hct Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Accountant in Winchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in the not-for-profit or charity space. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills and knowledge of financial controls. Be ready to discuss your experience with audits, VAT compliance, and managing teams. We want to see how you can bring your expertise to our Finance & IT team!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've motivated a team or improved processes. We love candidates who can inspire others while maintaining high standards—so let that shine through in your conversations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of Hampshire Cultural Trust and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Accountant in Winchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your unique experiences and perspectives.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant skills and experiences that match the Financial Accountant role. Use keywords from the job description to show us you’re a perfect fit!
Context is Key: Even though we don’t require a covering letter, providing context to your application is super helpful. Share why you’re interested in this role and how your background aligns with our mission.
Apply Early: We’re running a dynamic recruitment process, so don’t wait until the last minute! Get your application in early to increase your chances of standing out and securing an interview.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hct
✨Know Your Numbers
Brush up on your financial knowledge, especially around statutory accounts, VAT compliance, and payroll processes. Be ready to discuss how you've managed these areas in previous roles, as this will show your technical expertise and confidence.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a small team, prepare examples of how you've motivated and developed your team in the past. Highlight any experiences where you’ve built a collaborative environment or improved team performance.
✨Understand the Organisation's Mission
Familiarise yourself with Hampshire Cultural Trust’s values and mission. Be prepared to discuss how your accounting skills can support their cultural initiatives and community engagement, showing that you’re not just about numbers but also about making an impact.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that test your knowledge of financial controls and audit processes. Practise explaining complex financial data in simple terms, as this will demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with non-financial stakeholders.