At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance strategies and support departments in budget management and planning.
- Company: Join the UK's largest arts centre, making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, and discounts at events and venues.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a dynamic environment with a focus on personal development.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping financial strategies for an iconic cultural institution.
- Qualifications: Must be ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
We are currently looking for a Head of Finance Business Partnering to join our Finance team on a full time, permanent contract, with a preferred start date in April 2027.
The Finance team’s mission is to ensure the effective financial and risk management of Southbank Centre while acting as an acknowledged, key partner in achieving its overarching aims and objectives. To achieve this vision, the team provides accurate, reliable, and timely information that empowers departments to administer their budgets with independence and accountability, while ensuring future strategies remain fit for purpose and risks are understood, managed, and mitigated. Concurrently, the team establishes efficient, effective, and appropriate procedures to protect company assets and maintain strict compliance with both internal policies and legislative requirements. Serving as a collaborative partner on every aspect of the business requiring financial input and expertise, the team fosters individual and collective brilliance by actively supporting each member’s development, ensuring all departmental efforts align with Southbank Centre’s strategic priorities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Senior Business Partnering & Challenge: Providing proactive hands on and strategic support and constructive challenge to departmental budget holders, including Directors, across reporting, forecasting, and long-term planning to evaluate variances, risks, and opportunities.
- Management Reporting Delivery: Leading the preparation of, and actively deliver, the monthly management accounts pack, including KPI reporting, performance analysis, and risk and opportunity tracking.
- Planning & Budgeting Cycles: Supporting the Deputy Finance Director in managing and delivering organisation-wide budgeting and short-to-medium-term financial planning processes.
- Team Leadership & Development: Line managing, coaching, and mentoring a Business Partner team of three to deliver high-quality support to budget holders and drive process improvements.
- Financial Modelling & Decision Support: Delivering robust financial analysis, ad hoc modelling, and project evaluation to support the Finance Director and Deputy Finance Director in strategic and operational decision-making.
Skills & Experience:
- Professional Accounting Qualification: Fully ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified, underpinned by significant hands on experience in progressive financial roles and in a complex organisation of a similar size to SC.
- People Management: A proven track record of managing, motivating, and coaching finance staff, including handling performance and team development.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Communication: Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, with demonstrated ability to translate complex financial concepts for non-financial budget holders and engage credibly at Director and Executive level.
- Strategic & Analytical Rigour: The ability to translate detailed operational data into clear, high-level analysis with appropriate strategic focus, while maintaining objectivity and financial control.
- Systems, Reporting & Modelling Tools: Advanced Excel skills and hands-on experience using mid-to-large finance systems and reporting platforms (experience with Microsoft Business Central and Jet Reports is an advantage).
Benefits:
- A min 5% pension contribution (going up to 9% depending on employee contribution), from day 1 of employment
- 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
- Hybrid working model (3 days office working, 2 days from home)
- Enhanced sick pay
- Enhanced family leave benefits
- Up to 30% discounts at onsite retail, food and beverage vendors
- Staff ticket offers for SC events
- Free entry to Hayward Gallery
- Free/discounted entry with other reciprocal organisations
- Free staff yoga
We’re the UK’s largest centre for the arts, and a charity that is proud to bring millions of people together on London’s South Bank. Our mission is to make a difference to the lives of artists, audiences and communities through the variety of our programming and spaces. We look after a 13-acre site, which includes the Royal Festival Hall, the Queen Elizabeth Hall, the Purcell Room, and the Hayward Gallery.
If this role appeals to you, and you want to work with us to make the Southbank Centre the world’s most exciting centre for the arts, we would love to hear from you. We know that experience can look different for everyone, and encourage you to share your relevant skills with us whether they are from within the Arts or gained in other sectors.
Head Of Finance Business Partnering in England employer: Southbank Centre
Southbank Centre is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that thrives on creativity and collaboration. As the UK's largest arts centre, it provides unique opportunities for professional growth within a dynamic environment, where your contributions directly enhance the safety and experience of millions of visitors each year. With a competitive benefits package and a commitment to public engagement, working here means being part of a transformative journey in one of Europe's leading cultural destinations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Finance Business Partnering in England
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Southbank Centre. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Southbank Centre.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Southbank Centre. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Finance Business Partnering in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Southbank Centre and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Southbank Centre how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southbank Centre
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Southbank Centre.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Southbank Centre's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
