Head of Finance

About the company

The Photographers’ Gallery explores how photography is connecting, captivating and radically
changing our world today. The Gallery’s programme and spaces – from exhibitions, talks, workshops and digital platforms to the galleries, shop and café – all explore the beauty, complexity and future of photography. Right outside the Gallery, the best of contemporary photography is shown for free, day and night, in Soho Photography Quarter. On the borders of busy Oxford Street and vibrant Soho, the Gallery is home to photography experts, novices and the photo-curious; artists and students; locals, tourists and passers-by; and an enthusiastic and committed staff team.
Read more: thephotographersgallery.org.uk

Job Description

The Finance team
The Finance team includes the Head of Finance, Finance Manager and Finance Assistant. The team
deals with all aspects of financial management and statutory governance for The Photographers’
Gallery Ltd (TPG) and The Photographers’ Gallery Enterprise Ltd (TPGE) with a combined annual
turnover of circa £4.5m.

About this role
The Head of Finance is a newly created post, following a period of review and refresh in Gallery
operations. The role supports the Director to deliver the Gallery’s strategic ambitions with
accountability for ensuring effective, and value-led, delivery of all financial, human resources (HR),
legal and governance related activity. Close collaboration with the new Head of Operations and
Enterprise (to be recruited in autumn 2024) is essential to drive revenue generation and enhance the visitor experience, while also delivering effective IT systems and HR, with the support of external specialists.
The Head of Finance reports to the Director and is a member of the Executive Management Team. The role is the Executive lead for the Finance and General Purposes Committee and actively collaborates with the Board of Trustees to ensure seamless communication and alignment across the Gallery’s objectives.

Main responsibilities:
▪ To oversee all areas of financial planning, budgeting and forecasting to ensure optimal use of
resources and achievement of key strategic and financial objectives of the Gallery.

▪ To provide financial analysis to support strategic decision-making and mitigate risks.
▪ To collaborate with other departments in the Gallery to guide financial operations, evaluate
investments, manage HR, and comply with legal and statutory regulation and compliance.
▪ To foster a culture of good financial practice to drive organisational success, through effective
communication and leadership skills.
▪ To deliver an effective IT infrastructure, working with consultants as required, to ensure
effective ways of working, support for visitors and an ability to deliver timely and accurate
management information.

Outline of key tasks
Financial management:
▪ Lead strategic and business planning initiatives, including the annual budget programme, and
assist in funding applications with input across the management teams.
▪ Be responsible for all business, financial and governance aspects of the Gallery, including tax
and audit, risk management and legal, with the aid of external professional support where
required.
▪ Act as Company Secretary for the Charity and its commercial businesses.
▪ Be a key liaison for external stakeholders, including Arts Council England, HMRC, banks,
contractors and advisors.
▪ Support the Finance and other teams in developing budgets, forecasts, risks, and manage
stakeholder presentation of these (including to Committees and the Board of Trustees)
▪ Oversee financial and contract information for HR-related activity, including pay, employment
policies, recruitment and staff contracts.
▪ Work with external HR consultants to ensure compliance with employment laws and
regulations, as well as to develop and implement effective HR policies and practices.
▪ Provide modelling and financial support and guidance for TPGE commercial activities overseen
by the Head of Operations and Enterprise
▪ Support the Director in determining appropriate financial and company structures to deliver
the Gallery’s objectives.
▪ Manage the internal and external audit process.
▪ Work with the Head of Operations and Enterprise in maintaining IT systems and
infrastructure, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations and cybersecurity best
practices.

Financial procedures, oversight, and reporting:
▪ Manage TPG’s financial operations in line with charity accounting procedures and SORP
regulations.
▪ Maintain a 3-5-year business plan aligned with the Gallery’s objectives and values.
▪ Improve and utilise financial accounting software to make financial processes and reporting as
simple and transparent as possible.
▪ Oversee payroll and ensure compliance, pensions, with VAT, PAYE, and other relevant
statutory submissions.
▪ Oversee monthly reconciliation of Bank, control and balance sheet accounts.
▪ Submit quarterly VAT returns.
▪ Manage relationships with external stakeholders such as banks, HMRC, Charity Commission,
auditors and tax advisors.
▪ Oversee ad hoc reporting, projects and collaboration with other departments.

Operational oversight and management:

▪ Inspire and lead a small finance team, supporting continuous professional development.
▪ Collaborate closely with the Head of Operations and Enterprise (to be appointed Autumn
2024) and the broader leadership team, to oversee the operational management of Gallery
staff and the building.
▪ Implement and enforce financial policies and procedures to optimise efficiency and
effectiveness.
▪ Liaise with external vendors and service providers to maintain the Gallery’s infrastructure and
services.

Additionally, team members are encouraged to support the Gallery’s broader values and activity, by
joining one or more voluntary working groups such as the Staff Forum; Equalities, Diversity & Inclusion taskforce; Environmental Working Group; by contributing to staff/team meetings; and through attending training sessions.

Skills Required

The successful candidate will possess proven and considerable experience in business, financial and
team leadership, particularly within the creative or charity sectors.

Ideal experience/skills:
▪ Professional accounting qualification (ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent) with post-qualification
experience of leading a diverse team
▪ Experience in financial management within creative/charity sectors
▪ Experience of operating in resource-constrained environments to deliver objectives creatively
with an open and curious approach to change
▪ Strong regulatory compliance skills and experience of managing relationships with statutory
bodies
▪ Ability to contribute to strategic planning and align financial objectives with organisational
goals
▪ Leadership experience, including managing senior staff and fostering team growth
▪ Excellent communication skills for presenting financial information effectively
▪ Experience managing the transition of digitising finance systems in a similar organisation,
including implementing new digital ways of working and potentially changing software
providers
▪ Proven experience in operational management
▪ Knowledge of creative sector tax relief and company secretary duties
▪ Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
▪ Familiarity with Access Dimensions, Sage, or similar accounting software and CRM tools
▪ Enthusiasm for, or interest in, photography and/or the visual arts

Whilst the above person specification offers a useful guide to the experience level expected, we
encourage applications from anyone who feels they could bring alternative, equally beneficial
skills, experience and perspective to the role.

Benefits

Location: Predominantly office-based, opportunity for flexible working
Holiday: 25 days per year plus bank holidays
Pension: 6% employer and 2% employee

How to Apply

To apply please complete the application form and Equal Opportunities form once the application form is complete. Please note we cannot accept CV-only.

Applications – you must complete the application pack to apply for this role.
Deadline for applications: Monday 29 April 2024, midday
Interviews scheduled from: 7-10 May 2024

The Photographers’ Gallery is committed to equal opportunities and we encourage applications from all persons without discrimination. We particularly welcome applications from people currently under-represented in the arts sector, particularly disabled people, and those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds. Any materials provided by you as an applicant will be treated as your Intellectual Property. The Photographers’ Gallery will only save such materials as part of recruitment and selection process.