JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title

Finance Business Partner

Department

Finance and Resources

Reports to

Head of Finance

Purpose of Role

Reporting to the Head of Finance, the Finance Business Partner will be responsible for delivering a first-class business partnering function

Key Accountabilities

Budgeting, forecasting, monthly reporting and financial analysis

·        Lead the annual budget and quarterly forecasting processes (including timetables, input templates, output tables, challenge sessions with budget holders and commentary) delivering a robust budget and quarterly reforecasts for the Head of Finance to review

·        Produce the monthly management accounts, including analysis and commentary, ready for review by the Head of Finance

·        Work with finance team and budget holders to find efficiencies in month end processes to reduce time to produce the management accounts

·        Work with the Head of Finance and budget holders to anticipate and understand significant financial variances, early identification of issues and ways of improving efficiency and cost control

·        Ensure management accounts remain relevant, including new ways of reporting to align with our strategy and relevant OKRs

·        Improved cash forecasting to manage cash and obtain maximum returns on investment whilst staying within the minimum required level of free cash

·        Work with budget holders and the Head of Finance to model new business and cost saving initiatives

·        Lead, with support from the Head of Finance, the update the 5-year financial plan considering known events and macro-economic trends

·        Supporting the development and implementation of best financial practices

·        Participate in the preparation of monthly balance sheet reconciliations to prevent financial loss for the organisation.

Year-end & audit

·        Work closely with the Finance Manager on the preparation and management of the year-end close and audit timetables

·        Support the Finance Manager and Head of Finance in closing the year-end books, preparing working schedules for the auditors and responding to associated audit questions

Finance systems

·        Be the finance representative on the CRM implementation team (implementation due in 2024)

·        Work closely with the Finance Manager & Tech Team on potential enhancements to the finance system and also the options analysis for a potential change in the finance system post the 2025 audit

·        Work closely with the finance team to provide staff training in relation to the finance system

Management

·        Manage and support the Finance Co-ordinator (planning)

·        Work with the Head of Finance to measure and report progress against 2024 finance OKRs

·        Identify skill gaps and training required within finance team and budget holders.  Provide training where relevant

Other Activities, Duties and Responsibilities

·        To actively participate in the wider life of Art Fund

·        To undertake other duties as requested by Art Fund from time to time

Reporting Lines

·        Reports directly to the Head of Finance

·        This role is directly responsible for the Finance Coordinator (planning) role

Other key relationships

·        Director of Finance & Resources, Finance Manager and Finance Coordinator (accounting)

PERSON DESCRIPTION

Qualifications

·        Qualified accountant

·        Member of a recognised accounting body in the UK

·        Candidates with equivalent experience or qualifications will be considered

·        Educated to degree level

Knowledge

·        Knowledge of charity finance

·        Thorough understanding of financial planning, forecasting and analysis techniques

·        Ability to develop and optimise financial systems, especially financial reporting tools

·        An understanding of financial control mechanisms within a business environment

·        Understanding of management and financial accounting principles and techniques

·        Specific knowledge of Microsoft Business Central financial system

·        Understanding of charity SORP and related reporting requirements including the preparation of statutory accounts

·        Knowledge of the arts and / or museums sector

Experience

·        Significant experience of business partnering

·        Experience of working with multiple stakeholders to prepare and deliver budgets and business plans

·        Evidence of having provided high-quality analysis which has meaningful business impact

·        Proven track record of communicating complex financial information in a concise and easy to understand format

·        Experience of preparing papers for Senior Management

·        Finance system implementation

·        Excellent Excel skills

·        Excellent presentation skills

·        Experience of managing, training and coaching more junior staff

·        Experience of preparing papers for Trustee committees

·        Managing implementation of a CRM system (from a finance team perspective)

Personal Attributes

·        Has the gravitas and credibility to work with and influence senior managers and directors

·        Curious, thinks strategically and is passionate about delivering insightful information

·        A confident communicator and relationship builder at all levels of the charity

·        Constantly looking to constructively identify and drive improvement

·        Interest in the arts