At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance team and shape financial strategy for a historic museum.
- Company: Join the Royal Armouries Museum, home to the world's oldest national collection of arms and armour.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on innovation and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a cultural impact while mastering financial excellence in a unique environment.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in finance with experience in budgets and reporting.
The predicted salary is between 56000 - 58500 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Head of Finance role at Royal Armouries Museum. The Royal Armouries isn't your average museum – we're home to the world's oldest national collection of arms and armour, and we need a financial expert to help us craft our next chapter.
We're looking for an exceptional Head of Finance who's ready to apply their expertise across our legendary institution. This isn't just about spreadsheets and budgets – you'll be the financial strategist behind one of Britain's most fascinating cultural treasures.
Reporting directly to our Finance Director, you'll lead a dynamic team while building bridges across departments, from our sword wielding live interpreters to our commercial conquistadors. If you thrive on variety, love a challenge, and want your financial acumen to make a real cultural impact, this could be your perfect quest.
YOUR EPIC FINANCIAL ADVENTURE AWAITS
- Lead from the Front
- Take charge of our finance team and inspire excellence across the organisation
- Deputise for the Finance Director and own your operational realm
- Shape long-term financial strategy that supports our world-class mission
- Master the Numbers Game
- Lead our annual budget process like a true financial general
- Deliver forecasts that keep our Executive Board, Managers, Trustees, and DCMS (Department of Culture, Media and Sport) in the know
- Battle Complexity with Style
- Navigate year-end reporting and statutory requirements with finesse
- Conquer tax matters and ensure bulletproof compliance
- Build financial systems that work smoothly for all team members
- Partner with colleagues across all departments to drive financial excellence
- Mentor and develop your team while upskilling stakeholders
- Build networks, it's all about collaboration and allegiances
- Spot opportunities to boost revenue and reduce costs without compromising quality or our impact on museum audiences
- Champion digital-first approaches and system improvements
- Support business cases that fuel our plans
WHAT'S ON OFFER FOR YOU:
- Salary in range £56,000 - £58,500 driven by market rate
- 27.5 days holiday plus Bank Holidays
- Good pension scheme with up to 9% employer contribution
- Company sick pay scheme for peace of mind
- Based in Leeds with occasional travel to our other epic locations
- Flexible working arrangements (minimum 4 days/week considered)
- A unique work location
- Discounted staff car parking
- Access to discounted bicycles via Bike2Work scheme
- Join a leadership team that values collaboration and innovation
- Access to free online learning to keep your skills razor-sharp
- Free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services for support when you need it
- Make your mark on a nationally significant cultural institution
- Build experience across charity, commercial, and public sector finance
The Little Extras That Matter
- 25% off in our staff shop
- 10% off food in our on-site café
- Professional development opportunities and free online learning courses
Essential Qualifications:
- Track record of leading teams and implementing financial systems
- Experience with budgets, forecasts, and statutory reporting
- Communication skills that mean you are able to explain complex finance information to historians, curators or committees
- Experience across charity, commercial, and public sectors
- Knowledge of employment taxes, corporation tax, and VAT complexities
- Background in cultural or heritage organisations
READY TO JOIN OUR LEGENDARY TEAM? The Royal Armouries has been protecting and sharing incredible stories for centuries. Now we need someone to help us write the next chapter of financial excellence while keeping our heritage mission at the heart of everything we do.
This is your chance to combine serious financial expertise with genuine cultural impact. You'll work somewhere that tourists travel thousands of miles to visit, support colleagues who are genuinely passionate about their work, and know that your financial stewardship helps preserve history for future generations.
Ready to make history? Apply now or speak to Lucy Rider at Broster Buchanan for further details. Closing date 20th June 2025 and interviews to be scheduled for early July 2025.
The Royal Armouries is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Head of Finance in Bradford employer: ROYAL ARMOURIES MUSEUM
The Royal Armouries Museum is an exceptional employer that offers a unique opportunity to work within one of Britain's most significant cultural institutions. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and innovation, employees benefit from a supportive work culture, flexible working arrangements, and professional development opportunities, all while contributing to the preservation of history. Located in Leeds, the museum provides a vibrant environment where financial expertise meets cultural impact, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Bradford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at the Royal Armouries Museum on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for your application. Building connections can give you insider knowledge and make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the museum's financial history and current projects. Show that you’re not just a numbers person but also passionate about their mission. This will help you connect your financial expertise with their cultural impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've led teams or tackled complex financial challenges in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and keep it engaging.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your enthusiasm and fit for the role. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in Bradford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Finance:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for finance shine through! We want to see how your skills can contribute to our mission at the Royal Armouries. Share specific examples of how you've made an impact in previous roles.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your experience with budgets, forecasts, and team leadership. We love seeing how your background aligns with our unique needs, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to explain your financial expertise and how it relates to our cultural mission. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at ROYAL ARMOURIES MUSEUM
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance, you'll need to demonstrate your mastery of financial concepts. Brush up on key metrics, budgeting processes, and forecasting techniques. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed budgets in the past and how you can apply that experience to the Royal Armouries.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires leading a dynamic team, so be prepared to share examples of how you've inspired and developed your team in previous positions. Highlight any mentoring experiences and how you've fostered collaboration across departments, especially in complex environments.
✨Communicate Clearly
You'll need to explain complex financial information to non-financial colleagues. Practice simplifying your explanations and using relatable examples. Think about how you can make finance engaging for those who may not have a background in it, like historians or curators.
✨Embrace the Culture
The Royal Armouries is a unique institution, so show your enthusiasm for its mission. Research the museum's history and current projects, and think about how your financial strategies can support their cultural goals. This will demonstrate your commitment to making a real impact.
