Job Context

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Lead and manage the organisation’s financial affairs, financial reporting, management of financial resources and compliance with regulatory and public sector obligations across all National Gallery group entities.

 

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Job Purpose

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The Head of Finance ensures the accurate recording of all financial transactions and the management and availability of cash resources to enable the smooth running of the organisation. The job holder is responsible for all regulatory reporting and timely payment of taxes. This role manages four direct reports and reports to the Director of Finance,

 

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Scope of Job

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As a Head of Department this role will lead on the financial governance of the Gallery and its sister entities. The role holder will ensure that the finance team delivers the highest internal and external customer service, constantly looking to improve the quality of information and advice provided and to drive efficiency through process improvement and the implementation of new systems and technologies.

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Some of the tasks and responsibilities of the role are:

• Committee secretary for Audit and Finance committees and various other Committees sub-committees of the Gallery and its sister entities.

• Management of all restricted reserves in the Gallery and within its associated charities, ensuring that available funds are agreed with relevant staff, utilised in line with business need and that donor’s wishes are met.

• Key liaison with DCMS finance team and other government departments, overseeing accurate and timely preparation of, review and sign off of relevant returns.

• Ensure appropriate controls are in place to safeguard the financial assets of the National Gallery and achieve a high level of compliance with statutory and public sector requirements and good governance.  

• Oversee the management of risk throughout the Gallery ensuring that risk registers are fit for purpose.

• Treasury management of the Gallery and its associates and overseeing Grant in Aid drawdown from DCMS.

• To monitor the Gallery’s compliance with financial and finance-related regulations, including direct tax, indirect tax, accounting regulations (including SORP, GAAP and Government Accounting) and Charities Act.

• To undertake front line liaison with HM Revenue & Customs, including review of VAT and other returns.

• To lead the financial accounting team to ensure high level of service provided to the National Gallery and its associated organisations.

• Ensure that the team is making best use of available systems and drive efficiency and improved customer service through the implementation of new technologies.

 

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Key Relationships

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Reporting to the Finance Director, the job holder will also be required to develop and maintain positive working relationships across the Gallery to ensure appropriate and effective delivery of services. 

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This includes:

• DCMS

• External Auditors

• Tax advisers

• Chair of Trustees for NG and related organisations

• Chair of Finance and Audit Committee

• Executive Committee members

• Heads of Department and other budget holders

 

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Essential Qualification

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​Fully qualified accountant – ACA, ACCA, CIMA

 

 

Essential Role Criteria

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• Ability to critically assess and lead on the implementation of financial and reporting software.

• Required knowledge of Charity SORP and DCMS reporting requirements.

• Good working knowledge of VAT legislation as it applies to the NG and related entities.

• Ability to lead on financial planning activities and cash flow modelling.

• Experience of preparing and/or the audit of financial statements.

• Knowledge and experience of setting and monitoring budgets.

• Ability to lead a Financial accounts team.

• An organised and efficient approach to work together with a proven ability to use initiative when necessary.

• Analytical approach to problem solving.

• Being able to present financial information to senior and non-financial staff and trustees clearly and on the required level.

• Being able to communicate clearly to staff and external organisations on all levels.

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Diversity and Equal Opportunities

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• To value and respect your colleagues and members of the public regardless of their background.  

• To cooperate and contribute to measures introduced by the Gallery to ensure equality of opportunity and encourage diversity. 

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