At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial management and ensure compliance with charity sector requirements.
- Company: Join Sunderland Culture, a vibrant charity making a difference in the arts.
- Benefits: Full-time role with pension, holiday entitlement, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the arts while developing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with Xero software and strong financial management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Working hours: Full time
Location: National Glass Centre, Sunderland and other locations as needed
Pension and holiday entitlement in line with charity policy
Deadline: 10am, Friday 31 October
We are seeking a highly skilled and proactive Finance Manager to take a leading role in the financial management of Sunderland Culture.
This pivotal role will ensure our finances are well managed, transparent, and aligned with our mission. You will report directly to the CEO, working closely with colleagues across the business and the Board.
The Finance Manager will provide strong financial leadership, ensure compliance with statutory and charity sector requirements, and deliver timely and accurate management information to support decision-making.
- Oversee the charity’s day-to-day finance operations, ensuring effective processes and controls
- Processing of sales and purchase invoices
- Manage and develop Sunderland Culture’s use of Xero accounting software
- Oversee and monitor the Purchase Order system
- Conduct regular bank reconciliations
- Administer and manage the company Soldo credit card programme
Cash flow & payments
- Take responsibility for cash flow management and forecasting
- Lead on supplier payments and maintain strong supplier relationships
- Act as lead contact for Sunderland Culture’s bankers
Payroll & staff support
- Act as the main contact for external payroll consultants, overseeing monthly payroll
- Support the CEO with salary budgeting and staff cost analysis
Budgets, reporting & compliance
- Prepare annual budgets in collaboration with the CEO and department leads
- Support programme and departmental leads with ongoing budget monitoring
- Produce accurate and timely management accounts for the CEO, Finance Committee and Board
- Support funding applications and provide the reporting to meet funder requirements, including Arts Council England
- Report alongside the CEO into the Finance Committee and Board
Audit, tax and regulatory filings
- Lead on the relationship with external auditors, supporting the production of year-end financial accounts
- Manage statutory filings with HMRC, Companies House and the Charities Commission
- Work with auditors on tax computations including relevant tax reliefs (MGETR and TTR)
- Oversee quarterly VAT returns with external auditors and submit periodic Gift Aid claims to HMRC
Strategic & organisational contribution
- Be an active member of the SMT, contributing to organisational leadership and decision-making
- Support the delivery of Sunderland Culture’s strategy and play a role in the charity’s governance and reporting
- Contribute to the delivery of Arts Council England’s Investment Principles across the organisation
Person specification
Essential skills and experience
- Strong experience with Xero accounting software
- Experience in working with Microsoft products including Excel and SharePoint
- Proven experience managing day-to-day finance functions
- Track record of producing accurate management accounts and financial reports
- Experience in ledger management, bank reconciliations, and processing invoices
- Confident in working with payroll consultants and overseeing payroll
- Experience of working with purchase order systems and supplier payments
- Strong knowledge of financial compliance including HMRC, Companies House and the Charities Commission
- Experience of working with auditors and preparing financial statements
- Familiarity with tax computations, VAT returns, Gift Aid claims and tax reliefs
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues at all levels
Desirable skills and experience
- Experience working in the charity, arts or not-for-profit sectors
- Knowledge of Arts Council England reporting requirements
- Strong understanding of restricted/unrestricted funding and grant reporting
If you would like to have an informal conversation about this opportunity, please contact Ian High on the email above.
Finance Manager in Sunderland employer: Sunderland Culture
Sunderland Culture is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment, where the Finance Manager will play a crucial role in supporting the charity's mission. With a commitment to employee growth, we offer opportunities for professional development and a supportive culture that values transparency and teamwork. Located at the National Glass Centre in Sunderland, our organisation provides a unique chance to contribute to the arts and culture sector while enjoying competitive benefits, including pension and holiday entitlements in line with charity policy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager in Sunderland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience with charities. 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 knowledge of Xero and financial compliance. We recommend practising common interview questions related to finance management and charity regulations to show you’re the right fit.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager in Sunderland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Manager role. Highlight your experience with Xero and any relevant financial management skills that align with what we're looking for. We want to see how your background fits into our mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about working with Sunderland Culture and how your skills can contribute to our goals. Keep it engaging and personal – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Financial Acumen:In your application, be sure to showcase your experience with financial compliance and reporting. Mention specific examples of how you've managed budgets or worked with auditors in the past. We’re keen on seeing your expertise in action!
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 the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sunderland Culture
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets and forecasts in the past. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you’ve used Xero or similar software to streamline processes.
✨Understand the Charity Sector
Familiarise yourself with the unique financial challenges faced by charities, especially in the arts sector. Research Sunderland Culture’s mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will show that you're not just a numbers person, but also passionate about the organisation's impact.
✨Prepare for Compliance Questions
Expect questions around financial compliance, especially regarding HMRC and Companies House regulations. Brush up on your knowledge of tax reliefs and Gift Aid claims, as these are crucial for the role. Being able to articulate your experience with audits and regulatory filings will set you apart.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As this role involves working closely with the CEO and other senior management, be ready to discuss your leadership style. Think of examples where you've led teams or projects, particularly in finance. Highlight your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with colleagues at all levels.
