Job Description

Sunderland Culture are seeking a highly skilled and proactive Finance Manager to take a leading role in the financial management of the charity. This pivotal role will ensure our finances are well managed, transparent, and aligned with our mission. You will report directly to the CEO, working closely with colleagues across the business and the Board.

The Finance Manager will provide strong financial leadership, ensure compliance with statutory and charity sector requirements, and deliver timely and accurate management information to support decision-making.

To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to recruitment@sunderlandculture.org.uk

Closes Friday 31 October

If you wish to have an informal chat about this role, please contact Ian High using the email above.

About Sunderland Culture

Sunderland Culture is an ambitious arts charity that exists to bring people together, improve lives and create opportunities for everyone in Sunderland through arts, culture and creativity. We manage and programme some of the city's major cultural venues and deliver a wide range of cultural programmes across Sunderland's communities.

Key responsibilities

Financial Management & Systems

Oversee the charity's day-to-day finance operations, ensuring effective processes and controls Processing of sales and purchase invoices Manage and develop Sunderland Culture's use of

Xero accounting software

. Oversee and monitor the Purchase Order system. Conduct regular

bank reconciliations

. Administer and manage the company

Soldo credit card programme

.

Cash Flow & Payments

Take responsibility for cash flow management and forecasting. Lead on supplier payments and maintain strong supplier relationships. Act as lead contact for Sunderland Culture's bankers.

Payroll & Staff Support

Act as the main contact for external payroll consultants, overseeing monthly payroll. Support the CEO with salary budgeting and staff cost analysis.

Budgets, Reporting & Compliance

Prepare annual budgets in collaboration with the CEO and departmental leads. Support programme and departmental leads with ongoing budget monitoring. Produce accurate and timely

management accounts

for the CEO, Finance Committee and Board. Support funding applications and provide reporting to meet funder requirements, including Arts Council England. Report alongside the CEO into the Finance Committee and Board.

Audit, Tax & Regulatory Filings

Lead on the relationship with external auditors, supporting the production of year-end financial accounts. Manage statutory filings with

HMRC, Companies House and the Charities Commission

. Work with auditors on tax computations including relevant tax reliefs (MGETR and TTR). Oversee quarterly VAT returns with external auditors and submit periodic

Gift Aid claims

to HMRC.

Strategic & Organisational Contribution

Be an active member of the SMT, contributing to organisational leadership and decision-making. Support the delivery of Sunderland Culture's strategy and play a role in the charity's governance and reporting. Contribute to the delivery of Arts Council England's

Investment Principles

across the organisation.

Person Specification

Essential Skills & Experience

Strong experience with

Xero

accounting software. Experience in working with Microsoft products including Excel and SharePoint. Proven experience managing day-to-day finance functions. Track record of producing accurate management accounts and financial reports. Experience in ledger management, bank reconciliations, and processing invoices. Confident in working with payroll consultants and overseeing payroll. Experience of working with purchase order systems and supplier payments. Strong knowledge of financial compliance including HMRC, Companies House, and the Charities Commission. Experience of working with auditors and preparing financial statements. Familiarity with tax computations, VAT returns, Gift Aid claims, and tax reliefs. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues at all levels.

Desirable Skills & Experience

Experience working in the charity, arts, or not-for-profit sectors. Knowledge of

Arts Council England

reporting requirements. Strong understanding of restricted/unrestricted funding and grant reporting.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 40,000.00-45,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person