Job Description

Welcome

Thank you for your interest in the role of Head of Finance at Birmingham Contemporary Music Group (BCMG). This is an exciting moment to join one of the UK's leading contemporary music ensembles as we grow our artistic, learning and community impact locally, nationally and internationally.

The Head of Finance will play a pivotal role in strengthening our financial resilience, supporting strategic planning and ensuring robust and efficient financial operations across the organisation. This post is central to BCMG's future sustainability and ambition. We look forward to receiving your application.

About BCMG

BCMG is a world?renowned ensemble known for bold, brilliant, contemporary music. We work with exceptional composers and performers to create extraordinary commissions, concerts and learning opportunities. Our work spans public performances, school and community programmes, digital projects, international tours, and collaborations across artforms.

Each year we reach thousands of people through performances, participation and creative learning. Founded in Birmingham, we are proud of our roots in a diverse, vibrant city and committed to ensuring that new music is accessible, inspiring and transformative for all.

BCMG is a registered charity and an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation. Visit www.bcmg.org.uk to learn more.

Role Overview

Job title: Head of Finance

Reports to: Artistic Director (with close working relationship with Executive Director and SMT)

Manages: Bookkeeper

Hours: Minimum 21 hours (three days) per week; up to full-time proposals considered

Contract: Permanent, subject to a six-month probationary period

Location: Birmingham / hybrid working (minimum two days per week at BCMG's office)

Salary: 37,000-42,000 pro rata, depending on experience

Benefits: 28 days' annual leave plus bank holidays pro rata; flexible working hours;
3% employer pension contributions; complimentary tickets to BCMG performances

The Head of Finance is a key member of the Senior Management Team and leads on all financial planning, reporting and operational finance processes. The role balances strategic oversight with hands?on financial management, supporting both organisational leadership and project teams.

This role would suit an experienced finance professional with strong management accounting expertise, a collaborative approach and a passion for supporting creative work.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Strategy and Leadership

Lead BCMG's financial planning in collaboration with the Artistic and Executive Directors. Provide clear, timely financial insights to support decision?making across the organisation. Present quarterly and annual management accounts to the Board of Trustees. Identify financial risks and opportunities and recommend practical solutions.

Financial Accounting and Controls

Oversee day?to?day financial operations and ensure accurate accounting records. Ensure robust processes for sales and purchase ledgers, payroll, bank reconciliation, and cash management. Lead development and continuous improvement of financial systems and controls. Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and accounting standards (FRS 102, charity SORP). Prepare VAT returns and relevant tax relief claims (e.g. Orchestra Tax Relief). Manage relationships with banks and financial institutions.

Statutory Compliance and Audit

Oversee HMRC submissions and statutory reporting. Work closely with the Auditors in the production of statutory accounts and annual audits. Work closely with the Executive Director in ensuring timely returns to Companies House and the Charity Commission.

Budgeting and Organisational Support

Lead annual organisational budgeting and support budget holders throughout the year. Provide financial modelling and scenario planning for key projects. Work closely with the Senior Management Team to support project budgeting and financial reporting for funders (including Arts Council England).

Fundraising, Income and Grants

Support fundraising colleagues with budgets and evidence for funding bids. Track restricted/unrestricted funds and ensure timely draw-down of staged payments. Manage Gift Aid claims and support donor income tracking.

Systems, Processes and Culture

Implement and maintain efficient software and digital tools (BCMG currently uses Xero and integrated platforms). Lead review cycles for suppliers and contracts. Ensure all staff understand and follow agreed finance processes. Contribute proactively to organisational development as part of the Senior Management Team.

Concerts and Operational Support

Oversee box office finance administration where BCMG self-promotes events. Ensure appropriate insurance policies are in place and reviewed annually.

Person Specification

Essential Experience and Knowledge

At least three years' experience in a senior finance role (e.g., Head of Finance or similar). Strong understanding of management and statutory accounts preparation. Experience overseeing and improving financial systems, controls, and processes. Proficiency with cloud?based accounting software (e.g., Xero). Working knowledge of charity finance, including SORP and VAT. Experience managing or supervising staff.

Desirable Experience

Professional qualification or part?qualification (ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA, ACA). Experience in the arts, charity, or public sector. Knowledge of Orchestra Tax Relief (OTR) and VAT on international transactions. Experience integrating finance systems with CRM, ticketing or donor management platforms.

Skills and Qualities

Excellent leadership, interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to present financial information clearly to non?finance colleagues. Strong time and project management skills. High accuracy, attention to detail, and a proactive approach. Ability to work independently and collaboratively. Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

How to Apply

We are happy to arrange an informal, confidential conversation before applying. Please contact the Executive Director, Hedd Thomas, at hedd@bcmg.co.uk.

To apply for this role, please send the following documents by email to application@bcmg.org.uk:

An up-to-date CV (including contact details for references) - Word document A covering letter (maximum two pages) outlining your interest in the role and why you think you are a suitable candidate - Word document
Please also complete our Diversity Monitoring Form - https://forms.office.com/e/YNKsqLH0fe. This is optional and does not form part of the selection process.

Deadline:Monday 22 December 2025 at 9am. Late applications will not be considered.

Interviews: Tuesday 6 January 2026 at CBSO Centre, Birmingham. Please indicate in your covering letter should you foresee an issue with attending an interview on this date.

BCMG welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from those currently under?represented in the arts and cultural sector.

Thank you for your interest in joining BCMG. We look forward to hearing from you.

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: 37,000.00-42,000.00 per year

Expected hours: No less than 21 per week

Benefits:

Additional leave Company events Company pension Flexitime
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Birmingham B1 2LF