At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage finances, oversee budgeting, and support financial planning for a creative arts organisation.
- Company: Join In Your Space Circus, a vibrant arts organisation in Derry-Londonderry.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and 22 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team transforming a historic school into a circus hub.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the financial growth of an exciting arts initiative.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance management, strong bookkeeping skills, and excellent communication abilities.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 35000 £ per year.
Help us build the financial foundations for the next chapter of In Your Space Circus. In Your Space Circus is looking for an experienced and highly organised Finance Manager to join our small, ambitious and creative team in Derry-Londonderry. This is an important role within the organisation, with responsibility for the effective day-to-day management of our finances and a key role in supporting strong financial planning, reporting and decision-making as we continue to grow.
You will oversee a broad range of financial activity, including bookkeeping, budget monitoring, financial reporting and forecasting, VAT, grant administration, cash flow, credit control and statutory compliance. You will work closely with our Company Director, staff team and Board to ensure that IYSC's financial systems, resources and processes are robust, effective and transparent.
This is an exciting time to join In Your Space Circus. We are an established and growing arts organisation with a strong programme of circus, performance, education and social circus activity, and we are preparing for the next major stage of our development: transforming the historic Cathedral School into a new circus school, performance space and community hub. The Finance Manager will play an important role in helping us manage this growth sustainably and ensuring that we continue to have strong financial systems and effective oversight as the organisation develops.
About the role
The Finance Manager will take responsibility for the organisation's day-to-day financial management, working alongside the Company Director and wider team. Key responsibilities will include:
- Managing day-to-day bookkeeping and financial transactions.
- Monitoring budgets and expenditure across programmes and projects.
- Preparing regular financial reports and management information for the Company Director and Board.
- Supporting annual budgeting, financial planning, forecasting and cash-flow management.
- Managing VAT returns and other financial compliance requirements.
- Supporting the financial administration and reporting requirements associated with grant-funded projects.
- Monitoring income, expenditure and restricted/designated funds.
- Managing credit control, invoicing and payments.
- Supporting the preparation of year-end accounts and working with external accountants and auditors as required.
- Ensuring financial records and systems are accurate, well organised and maintained in line with organisational policies and statutory requirements.
- Supporting the development and improvement of financial systems and processes as IYSC grows.
- Providing advice and financial information to support good decision-making across the organisation.
The role will also involve working collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation, so we are looking for someone who can communicate financial information clearly and confidently to people who aren't finance specialists.
About you
We are looking for an experienced finance professional who is confident working independently, takes pride in accuracy and organisation, and enjoys being part of a busy and creative team. You will ideally have:
- Experience in a finance or accountancy role with responsibility for day-to-day financial management.
- Strong bookkeeping and financial administration skills.
- Experience of budget monitoring, financial reporting and forecasting.
- Experience of managing VAT and statutory financial requirements.
- Excellent attention to detail and a methodical approach to your work.
- The ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines effectively.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to explain financial information clearly to colleagues and Board members.
- Experience of working with grant-funded projects and preparing financial information or reports for funders.
- The ability to work independently while also being a collaborative member of a small team.
- Good digital skills and confidence working with financial systems and spreadsheets.
- Experience of Xero is highly desirable.
- Experience within the charity, voluntary, community or not-for-profit sector would be particularly welcome, as would experience of managing restricted funding and funder requirements.
You do not need previous experience of circus or the arts. We are looking for a strong finance professional who is interested in our work and excited by the opportunity to contribute their expertise to a creative organisation.
Why join In Your Space Circus?
In Your Space Circus is a unique organisation combining circus, street theatre, education and social circus to create memorable experiences, develop skills and support positive change in our communities. You will be joining a small team at an exciting point in our development, with the opportunity to make a genuine contribution to how the organisation grows and operates.
The role offers the opportunity to:
- Take meaningful responsibility for the financial management of an established and growing arts organisation.
- Work closely with the Company Director and Board.
- Contribute to the development of strong systems and processes as IYSC grows.
- Support an ambitious capital project transforming the historic Cathedral School.
- Work alongside a friendly, passionate and creative team.
- Contribute to an organisation that uses circus and street theatre to engage thousands of people each year.
Key information
Salary: £31,500–£35,000 pro rata, depending on experience
Hours: Minimum 30 hours per week
Contract: Permanent, subject to annual funding
Location: Derry-Londonderry
Benefits: 22 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), pension contributions, flexible working arrangements.
Application deadline: 4pm, Friday 28th August 2026
How to apply
For further information, application details or an informal conversation about the role, please contact: Cath McBride. We particularly welcome informal enquiries before applying. In Your Space Circus is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming organisation and encourages applications from people from all backgrounds. We look forward to hearing from you!
Finance Manager employer: In Your Space Circus
In Your Space Circus is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to a growing arts organisation in Derry-Londonderry. With a strong focus on employee development, a collaborative work culture, and the chance to play a pivotal role in exciting projects like the transformation of the historic Cathedral School, you will find meaningful and rewarding employment here. Enjoy benefits such as flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and the chance to work alongside a passionate team dedicated to making a positive impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like In Your Space Circus. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to In Your Space Circus.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on In Your Space Circus's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at In Your Space Circus
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with In Your Space Circus.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at In Your Space Circus will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former In Your Space Circus employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
