Director of Finance, Data and Systems in London

Sadler's Wells is a world-leading creative organisation dedicated to dance in all its forms. Our mission is to make and share dance that inspires us all. Sadler’s Wells commissions, presents and produces more dance than any other organisation in the world, with programmes and productions in the UK, global tours with performances in venues in 53 countries to date and our pioneering Digital Stage. Operating across three distinct venues and four theatres in London, our aim is to reflect and respond to the world through dance. We enable artists of all backgrounds to create dance that moves us and opens our minds; sharing those experiences with the widest possible audiences to enrich their lives and deepen their understanding of what it means to be human.

About the Role

The Director of Finance, Data and Systems leads the delivery of high-quality financial stewardship and strategy, providing expert oversight of finance, data and systems across all Sadler’s Wells venues to support organisational performance and decision-making. Working as part of Sadler’s Wells’ senior leadership team, you will act as a trusted advisor to the Co-Chief Executives and the Board, ensuring robust organisational financial planning, risk management, and ensuring resources are effectively aligned to deliver impact for audiences and wider stakeholders.

Key duties will include:

• Act as a strategic advisor to the Co-Chief Executives, trustees and other key stakeholders on all financial matters.
• Prepare and present financial updates to SLT, the Boards of trustees and relevant sub-committees.
• Lead the Finance and Data & Systems teams (3 direct reports and a wider team of 18).
• Advise the Board with clear, insightful financial reporting and recommendations.
• Lead the finance and accounting strategy to optimise the organisation’s financial performance.
• Strategic oversight of Data and Systems department, ensuring the operational infrastructure is fit for purpose, and seeking to optimise the use of data to support improvements across the organisation.
• Lead the financial management plan, including setting and management of budgets, and provision of robust and relevant financial and management information to senior management, trustees and committees, and all budget holders within the organisation.
• Provide financial vision and forward financial planning and identify risk and maintain oversight of relevant mitigation measures.
• Ensure accurate and timely year-end accounts and audit processes, in line with Charity Commission requirements and applicable accounting standards (e.g. SORP).
• Responsible for the governance of the three corporate charities, subsidiary company and board subcommittees through maintenance and development of a risk management framework, financial systems and internal controls.

About You

You will be a CCAB qualified (or equivalent) accountant, with experience operating at Director of Finance, Chief Financial Officer level or within an equivalent senior finance leadership role. Applicants seeking a step up are encouraged to apply but must strongly demonstrate relevant prior experience of leading finance teams operationally and strategically. You will have experience of reporting into Boards and sub-committees with the ability to translate and present complex financial data to non-finance audiences. Candidates from all sectors are encouraged to apply but must demonstrate an interest in the work Sadler’s Wells undertakes as a world-leading performing arts venue. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK.

What We Offer

• Salary of £120,000 per annum.
• Hybrid working – 3 days per week in-office. As this position requires close collaboration across teams a strong in-person presence is encouraged across all four venue sites.
• Annual Leave of 25 days annual leave per year.
• Life assurance policy of twice annual salary.
• Discretionary access to tickets for performances and staff discounts at the Garden Court Café and Park Kitchen and Bar.

More Information

Application Deadline: Sunday 22nd February. First Stage Interviews: Monday 9th and Tuesday 10th March 2026. Second Stage Interviews: Monday 16th March 2026.

Sadler’s Wells is partnering with Ivy Rock Partners in the recruitment of this role. For further information please contact Holly Arrowsmith at Ivy Rock Partners for further details. All direct or third-party applications will be forwarded to Ivy Rock Partners.

Recruitment Statement from Sadler’s Wells

We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds who feel they align with our mission, vision and values. We are international and multicultural on our stages, and we want to reflect that in our organisation. By celebrating difference and incorporating diverse points of view and experiences, we can become closer to our artists, audiences and the communities we serve. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer meaning we have been certified by the government as actively taking steps to attract, recruit and retain disabled workers. Sadler’s Wells is a PiPA (Parents and Carers in Performing Arts) Charter Partner, striving towards creating a more family friendly working environment.