Finance Manager/Accountant

27th July, 2022

Broster Buchanan are delighted to be partnered with The Hepworth Wakefield on an exclusive basis to support them in recruiting their newly created position of Management Accountant

The Hepworth Wakefield has welcomed over 2.4 million visitors since opening in May 2011 and is now established as a major local, national and international attraction, winning Art Fund Museum of the Year in 2017. We present an acclaimed programme of historical and contemporary art exhibitions alongside displays drawn from Wakefield's growing collection of 20th-century and contemporary art. Central to our work is our ambitious learning programme that engages a broad and diverse audience. To bring our wider site to life The Hepworth Garden, designed by Tom Stuart-Smith, opened in August 2019 and is one of the largest free public gardens in the UK. Later this year the 19th century mill building complex opposite the gallery will be opening as a vibrant creative industries and education hub.

We have an exciting vacancy within our Finance team for a Management Accountant, who will support the Director of Finance in providing direction and influence across The Hepworth.

Being a key member of the finance team, we are looking for an engaging and effective finance professional with the ability to take ownership for the preparation of the monthly management accounts for the organisation and personal responsibility for the efficient reporting of accurate data. You will provide support to budget holders across the The Hepworth and you will ensure delivery of the highest quality financial information.

Knowledge, Experience & Skills required:

Technical:

• Knowledge of best practice of finance systems, establishing new financial processes and confident in ensuring controls are robust.
• Willing to run the purchase/sales ledger as necessary, monitor and report on fundraised income.
• Experience of the monthly management accounts cycle, from bank reconciliations, to balance sheet reviews and P&L interrogation, preparing and processing journals for accruals, prepayments as required. Running and reviewing the management accounts reports, developing knowledge and awareness of trends and variances to be discussed with the Director of Finance and budget holders.
• Assisting the Director of Finance with the budgeting and forecasting process.
• Producing reports and business partnering with budget holders, including the commercial team, reviewing performance of the gift shop, café and other enterprise initiatives.
• Experience of year-end accounting processes and preparation of statutory accounts, desirable.
• Experience of working under the Charities SORP reporting standards gained through exposure to charities in industry or practice, desirable.
• Experience of using Sage accounting software, desirable.

General:

• Self-starter, able to understand key objectives and take personal responsibility.
• A strong understanding of process and of what 'good' looks like, with the ability to enhance or create financial systems that are efficient, effective and reliable.
• Confidence and ability to use initiative to develop solutions. Willing to question current practices and suggest more efficient and effective solutions.
• Outstanding organisational skills contributing to overall efficiency in working.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to foster strong working relationships and team culture.
• An exceptional communicator, both verbally and in written form, being able to explain complex financial information to people across the organisation.
• Excellent Microsoft Excel skills

We are committed to improving diversity within our organisation and welcome applications from candidates who are under-represented within the arts sector.

Salary & Benefits

• £30,000 - £34,000 per annum
• Full-time - 37 hours per week (part time hours considered, with at least 4 days per week as a minimum)
• Hybrid working options available
• Study package considered for the successful candidate
• 25 days annual leave per annum plus bank holidays (pro rata), rising by a day each year of service up to a maximum of 28 days.
• New employees meeting the criteria will be auto-enrolled into a pension scheme run by Royal London, including an employer contribution of up to 6%.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption entitlements.
• Enhanced sick pay entitlements.
• Employee Assistance Programme offering confidential support services.
• Free eye tests run by Specsavers.
• Staff discount in the shop and café.