Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategies and oversee management at a leading public art gallery.
- Company: The Hepworth Wakefield, a top UK art gallery with a vibrant creative community.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, hybrid model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diversity is valued; we encourage under-represented candidates to apply.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team making a real impact in the arts sector.
- Qualifications: Formal accountancy qualification and experience in finance leadership.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Full-time (37 hours) although flexible working will be considered including compressed hours, reduced hours (minimum 30 hours) and flexible start and finish times.
Hybrid working
Permanent
The Hepworth Wakefield has welcomed 3 million visitors since opening in May 2011 and is now established as one of the most successful public art galleries in the UK, attracting critical acclaim and audiences from around the world. We present an ambitious programme of major exhibitions of the best international modern and contemporary art, alongside innovative displays drawn from Wakefield’s growing art collection. Central to our work is our learning programme that engages schools, families, adults and local community groups through inspiring creative learning opportunities. In 2019, we opened The Hepworth Wakefield Garden, designed by Tom Stuart-Smith, to complement our David Chipperfield-designed gallery and provide an inspiring public garden, free for all to enjoy. We have recently been joined by neighbours Tileyard North, who have developed the 19th century mill complex opposite the gallery into a vibrant hub for the creative industries. We are now embarking upon two capital projects to complete our wider waterfront site, including returning our much-loved playground and creating a workshop and yard space for our Gardener and her team of volunteers.
As a member of the Executive Team, the Director of Finance & Operations leads on our financial strategies and oversees the financial management and performance of The Hepworth Wakefield (THW) and THW Enterprises Ltd. They lead the finance team and ensure accurate reporting of our donated and fundraised income, earned income, Arts Council grant and our Service Concession Agreement income from Wakefield Council, managing our resources to ensure that THW is appropriately and confidently resourced into the future. They line manage our highly experienced Head of Operations and Visitor Services, providing support to deliver efficiently across visitor services, estates and IT. They report quarterly to the Finance Committee, the Board of THW Enterprises Limited, and the THW Trustee Board on financial performance, outlook, investment performance and related matters, and also act as company secretary, ensuring legal compliance and good practice is applied across the organisation.
We are looking for a senior finance professional with a relevant formal accountancy qualification (ACA, CA, ACCA, ACMA or similar), ideally with experience within a similar organisation. You will have a proven creative entrepreneurial outlook, excellent communication skills, and be someone who enjoys working collaboratively to achieve results at a high level as part of a small team. You will need a clear understanding of our sector, enjoy relationship-building and leading a team to support them to achieve the organisation’s objectives. If you have the vision, skills, experience and leadership qualities we are looking for, then we very much look forward to hearing from you.
We are committed to improving diversity within our organisation and welcome applications from candidates who are under-represented within the arts sector.
For details of our inclusive recruitment practices and for more details about the role please visit our website via the button below.
Deadline for applications is 9am on Monday 24 November 2025. Interviews will take place Tuesday 9 December 2025.
Director of Finance & Operations in Wakefield employer: THE HEPWORTH WAKEFIELD
Contact Detail:
THE HEPWORTH WAKEFIELD Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Finance & Operations in Wakefield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the arts and finance sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research The Hepworth Wakefield thoroughly—know their exhibitions, community projects, and financial strategies. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their mission and values.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully managed teams and projects in the past. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to drive results and foster collaboration.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at The Hepworth Wakefield. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance & Operations in Wakefield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Director of Finance & Operations role. Highlight your financial strategies and management experience, as well as any relevant qualifications. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about working with The Hepworth Wakefield and how your background aligns with our mission. Be sure to mention any creative or entrepreneurial experiences that set you apart.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a senior finance professional, we’re keen to see examples of your leadership style. Share specific instances where you've successfully led a team or project, especially in a similar organisation. This will help us understand how you can support our team in achieving our objectives.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to be part of our community!
How to prepare for a job interview at THE HEPWORTH WAKEFIELD
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Director of Finance & Operations, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to The Hepworth Wakefield and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role involves leading a team, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight your collaborative approach and how you empower others to achieve their goals.
✨Understand the Arts Sector
Familiarise yourself with the current trends and challenges in the arts sector, especially in relation to public galleries. Being able to speak knowledgeably about the industry will show your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about The Hepworth Wakefield's future projects and financial strategies. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values.