Head of Finance & HR

Job Title: Head of Finance & HR
Department: Finance & HR Reporting to Chief Executive
Line: manages Finance Officer (p/t), Finance Assistant (p/t, fixed term)
Key Relationships: Honorary Treasurer, Heads of department, Accountant & auditors, HR consultants, Executive Assistant
Salary: Up to £45,000 per annum depending on experience
Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week (part-time considered)
Contract: Permanent
Benefits: 25 days holiday per annum, workplace pension scheme, plus further staff benefits

Main Purpose

• To lead Benslow Music’s Finance function.
• To ensure effective strategic and operational financial planning, monitoring and reporting throughout the organisation in order to enhance decision making by senior managers and trustees.
• To deliver on statutory financial requirements for the organisation.
• To oversee the HR function (delivered by HR consultants).
• As a senior manager, to contribute to creating a positive vision and culture for the Trust’s future. Main Duties Financial management
• Prepare the annual budget and multi-year forecasts in consultation with the Chief Executive and the Hon Treasurer, and to ensure all Benslow Music entities (Benslow Music Trust, Benslow Music Enterprises and Benslow Music Instrument Loan Scheme) have viable financial plans which supports the overall strategic plan and financial strategy.
• Support and develop the organisation’s financial strategy for income generation, efficient operation and future financial security.
• Provide regular budget monitoring reports, cash flows, analysis and insight to key stakeholders, such as trustees and senior management, including attending meetings of the trustees.
• Convene financial committees (Investment, Remuneration) with the Hon Treasurer, and provide advice to the Chief Executive and committee members.
• Advise and work with budget managers on budgetary control, support timely action to deal with variances.
• Oversee a programme of internal and annual external audit, the production and submission of statutory annual accounts to Companies House and the Charity Commission.
• Ensure that payrolls are managed effectively.
• Work with Benslow Music’s accountants and auditors on any relevant matters, including VAT returns, statutory accounts and financial statements.
• Develop management information which enhances the performance of the business activities of Benslow Music and supports the development of new initiatives.
• Manage and develop financial systems and internal controls, and to provide advice and training to budget managers and staff on finance related procedures and issues.
• Maintain Benslow Music’s financial regulations and policies, and with the Chief Executive, ensure compliance with Charity Commission and accounting legal standards and guidelines.
• Support the financial aspect of fundraising applications (grants, capital bids etc). HR management
• Manage the relationship and contract with Benslow Music’s HR consultants.
• Oversee the management of HR systems and policies.
• Hold and manage the budget for HR, including staff training and development.
• Act as the senior management lead for HR. Leadership and management
• Contribute to the overall leadership, strategic planning and management of Benslow Music as part of the senior management team.
• Contribute to the preparation and review of Benslow Music’s strategic plan and to the development of Benslow Music as a dynamic forward-looking organisation.
• Lead the Finance team, line managing the Finance Officer, and provide support, regular feedback, and training and development as appropriate to their needs, skills and experience.
• Conduct annual performance reviews, and other management processes as required. General All Benslow Music staff are expected to:
• Uphold the values of Benslow Music.
• Contribute to a positive and productive working culture.
• Act as an ambassador for Benslow Music when interacting other organisations and members of the public.
• Comply with Benslow Music’s Health and Safety and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policies.
• Undertake other duties as may reasonably be required from time-to-time to support the work of Benslow Music.

 Person specification

We are looking to appoint someone who can offer an extensive balance of skills and attributes; the following criteria are all important. The successful candidate will need to demonstrate real evidence of ability to fill the role effectively.

Experience

Essential

• Experience in a finance role at senior manager or manager level.
• Experience in providing financial reporting to senior management or board.
• Experience supporting or leading organisational decision-making at senior level.
• Experience in working with external auditors and preparing annual accounts.
• Extensive knowledge and experience of financial management and accounting processes. Desirable
• Experience working the arts and culture sector, or adult education sector.
• Experience working in the charity sector.
• Experience in working with payroll providers. Skills Essential
• An articulate communicator both verbally and in writing, in particular the ability to simply convey financial information to non-specialists.
• Excellent people management skills.
• Strong administrative and organisational skills with the ability to plan, co-ordinate, implement and manage multiple work streams and deadlines successfully.
• The ability to work well on your own and to work successfully as a team leader.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong IT skills, particularly with Microsoft Office (and especially Excel). Desirable
• Contract management and negotiation skills. Knowledge Essential
• A working understanding of the financial and legal frameworks (e.g. SORP), procedures and reporting requirements relevant to a charity finance.
• Understanding and appreciation of Benslow Music’s mission and ethos and commitment to the organisation’s continued development.

Desirable

• Knowledge of management accounting practices.
• Knowledge of the Sage accounting system. Qualities Essential
• A self-starter with excellent eye for detail, and the ability to work flexibly responding to business priorities.
• Strong business acumen.
• The ability to build productive working relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders. Qualifications Desirable
• Accounting qualification (e.g. CIMA, ACCA or ACA).

About Benslow Music

Benslow Music creates music learning experiences for people of all ages. We support individual development, inspire curiosity, celebrate creativity, and share all the life-long benefits music brings. We do this through a programme of residential, day and online music courses, a concert series and an instrument loan scheme. At our campus in Hitchin, we welcome and provide learning opportunities to adult musicians of all abilities.

We support everyone from late-starters to early-career professionals in unlocking their potential. We offer around 150 short courses throughout the year, covering genres from classical to jazz to folk, and opportunities to explore solo, small and large ensemble playing. Through regular concerts we provide a platform for emerging and acclaimed artists.

Benslow Music is home to the Benslow Music Instrument Loan Scheme, which holds a collection of over 800 string and woodwind instruments that are lent to young musicians aged 7-25. Each year over 500 loans ensure that borrowers, regardless of background, are able to grow and develop as musicians.

Benslow Music began as the Rural Music Schools Association in 1929, offering musical education to people of all ages who were outside urban centres. In 1952, the four-acre Victorian estate in Hitchin was bequeathed to the RMSA and has since developed into a lively campus for music activity, with two recital halls, practice rooms, accommodation for around 50 people and an extensive music library.

Renamed Benslow Music Trust in 1986, the Trust subsequently took responsibility for the Benslow Music Instrument Loan Scheme, which was founded in 1932 as a separate charity.

Benslow Music today is a thriving musical hub, continuing to develop its creative music activities for all ages. Current plans for the future include an expanded online offer, additional collaborative and partnership working, and further development of our site facilities and accommodation looking towards its centenary celebrations in 2029. benslowmusic.org

 How to apply

To apply please email your application to [email protected] (Subject line: Head of Finance & HR application). You will need to include:

• A CV detailing your relevant experience and skills.
• A cover letter (max 2 sides of A4) explaining why you are interested in this role at Benslow Music and showing how you meet the person specification.
• A completed equality and diversity monitoring form (available via the job page on our website). If you have any questions regarding the role or application process, please email: [email protected]

We are keen to ensure that our recruitment process is accessible to everyone. If you have any access requirements or barriers to application, please email [email protected] to discuss how we might make reasonable adjustments to the process.

Closing Date: Wednesday 6 November, 12pm
Interviews: First round w/c 11 November, Second round w/c 18 November

Please note, the closing date is a guide only and applications may be closed early if we receive a high number of submissions. We advise to submit applications as early as possible to avoid disappointment