Finance Manager

ABOUT EX CATHEDRA

Ex Cathedra is a world-class vocal ensemble that leads the choral sector in the fields of performance, learning and wellbeing. We believe everyone should be able to experience the remarkable physical, mental and emotional health benefits of singing together, and have opportunities to be inspired by extraordinary choral music.

It is an exciting time to join Ex Cathedra. Over the next 2 years we will celebrate the legacy of founder Jeffrey Skidmore OBE and welcome a new artistic director. We are enjoying audience growth, our projects are being recognised at Award ceremonies, and we have recently recruited two new fundraising roles.

You would join a supportive, dedicated and financially literate team, working closely with the General Manager and the Director of Education & Participation. You will be an important part of the Ex Cathedra family - musicians who deliver the highest quality performances and participatory experiences.

THE ROLE

We are excited to advertise this full-time Finance Manager vacancy (£37,500-£40,000). The role encompasses the financial operations of the charity - from purchase ledger and payroll to preparation of the management and statutory accounts and delivery of Board reports. In autumn 2024 we migrated to iplicit, with the potential to realise further efficiencies.

Full details are listed in the Application Pack. Key points include:

Key points include:

• Deliver the financial accounting process, including timely and accurate purchase ledger and sales ledger, processing payments accordingly
• Undertake bank reconciliations
• Monitor debtors and creditors
• Process payroll and pensions
• Ensure statutory obligations and deadlines are met, including payments and reports to HMRC for PAYE & NI
• Prepare annual accounts and meet external audit requirements in accordance with current SORP
• Prepare creative tax relief claims
• Cashflow forecasts
• Prepare management accounts and reports for the Board of trustees and other financial reports that may be required
• Calculate and submit VAT returns
• Prepare financial documents for Arts Council England submissions
• Work with the team to ensure accurate project projections
• Drive improvements and efficiencies
• Support fundraising, including Gift Aid
• Act as Company Secretary
• Support the General Manager with insurance renewals

ABOUT YOU

We anticipate you will be part- or fully-qualified (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA), and excited by the opportunity to have operational responsibility for the full financial processes of Ex Cathedra. You are the kind of person who is equally willing to support the strategic planning of the organisation and to roll up their sleeves to ensure sales invoices are raised and suppliers are paid efficiently.

Essential:

• Experience of working in a complex finance role, preparing statutory and management accounts
• Experience of owning/managing efficient finance processes and controls
• Highly proficient and confident with modern, cloud-based finance software, spreadsheets and other relevant software
• An understanding of partial exemption VAT
• Knowledge of charity SORP

Desirable:

• Recent experience of iplicit, charity SORP and partial exemption VAT would be very helpful
• Interest or experience of supporting strategic initiatives and developments

The successful candidate will demonstrate a track record of:

• Developing strong working relationships and possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Effective time management and of being able to prioritise and plan
• Meticulous accuracy and attention to detail
• Inspiring confidence from colleagues across the organisation and at Board level
• Meeting deadlines

We welcome pre-application conversations if you would like to know more.

Thank you for your interest in this role - Peter & the team at Ex Cathedra.

We would also consider a part-time Finance Manager (3 days pw) with the appointment of a part-time Finance Coordinator (2 days pw). Please contact Peter Trethewey, General Manager, ahead of application if you would like to apply on this basis.