Business Development & Finance Manager

Standing proud in the heart of the small rural market town of Ulverston on the edge of the Lake District, the Coro is a historic arts, culture and entertainment venue. We showcase world–class performance alongside home–grown artists and locally produced festivals, shows, activities and events. We encourage and inspire people to engage in quality and accessible music, art, theatre, and comedy.

Alongside the artistic programme The Coro is home to a whole host of community groups who use the building to host their meetings, functions, events and activities and we hire the the various spaces to individuals, groups and businesses for a range of private functions too. The Coro is a bustling hive of creative and community activity where no two days are the same.

The Coro is managed by not–for–profit organisatoin Ulverston Community Enterprises which also manages Ulverston's Markets. We are seeking a senior finance professional with strong business acumen who is passionate about developing the financial performance of our organisation and who can lead on the development and delivery of a finance strategy for The Coro alongside administering the financial operations for Ulverston Markets. Currently the distribution of time across both entities is approximately 80/20 respectively.

Working closely with the Director, the Business Development and Finance Manager will develop and deliver a finance strategy in line with the organisation s vision and business plan. The successful candidate will work with the Director and department heads to monitor and analyse the finances of The Coro, increase profitability and the viability and ensure financial processes and procedures are effective.

The post holder must be able to work at a strategic level but importantly to be hands–on in the delivery of finance functions on a day to day basis including the book–keeping, administering of invoices and payments and supporting the team with management of a range of financial tools and systems. They will be adept at producing timely financial reports and running effective systems, but will also have great management skills and an entrepreneurial approach to developing and managing sustainable income streams for our cultural, community and commercial activities.

Candidates from all sectors and backgrounds are highly welcomed but some arts or charity experience would be desirable.

We expect this job in its full scope to be a full–time post. However, we are willing to hear proposals for alternative methods of how the elements of this role could be fulfilled in a more flexible way, or even by more than one post/job share.

Job Description:

Finance strategy

Lead the development and implementation of the Finance Strategy

Work with the Director to produce and deliver the annual budget

Produce income reports, management accounts and cash flow projections accurately and in a timely manner

The analysis of performance and updating of forecasts on a regular basis to inform financial planning

Ensure a full understanding of the business plan and make sure departmental strategies and policies are aligned

Management

Develop and deliver departmental strategy and goals with other senior staff

The development and management of financial systems and processes to ensure they work well for all departments and provide timely, appropriate and accurate information

Oversight of the processing and recording systems for all financial transactions to ensure the smooth running of the department

Management and production of timely financial reporting to the Board and to key regular funders

Manage the operation of the Finance Sub Committee of the Board, in consultation with its Chair

Business Development

Identify and produce performance indicators that assist management and the Board to understand and measure current and past trends in revenues, costs of resources, expenditure and other areas, to support growth strategies.

Work closely with managers to improve the effectiveness of business models and financial processes for marketing and fundraising, cinema and live events, classes and courses, and venue hire and hospitality.
Develop financial models and analyses to support strategic initiatives including future

capital development projects. Control and Compliance

Maintain and develop robust financial controls to mitigate the risk of fraud and error. This includes the continued development of efficient finance policies, procedures and reporting

Ensure all financial activities are consistent and compliant with financial regulations (including the Charity Commission and HMRC)

Manage the annual audit and lead on the preparation of annual statutory accounts

Act as Company Secretary with lead responsibility for governance best practice, ensuring Companies House and Charities Commission, Board register of interests and other legislative requirements are complete and that trustees can discharge their responsibilities according to the law.

Lead responsibility for ensuring contracts, grant offers and third–party agreements are appropriately worded and legally compliant

Attend and present at Board meetings as required
Any other duties reasonably required by the Director

Person Specification

Essential
Accountancy qualification (e.g. ACCA/CIMA/ICAEW) or equivalent work experience

Leadership gained in a similar operation in either the culture, voluntary or third sector – or strong evidence that you can adapt

Experience of financial strategic planning
Experience of producing and working with management and statutory accounts
Experience of preparing, monitoring and analysing budgets and cash flow forecasts Demonstrable knowledge of current accounting software

A good understanding of VAT practice and payroll
The ability to communicate financial information clearly and accurately

Desirable

Management of teams
Experience or knowledge of Charity accounting and Charity compliance

Commercial acumen and experience of financial control in a hospitality or catering business

Business development and fundraising experience
Experience as Company Secretary and working with a Board of Trustees