Finance Manager

Working hours: Full time

Location: National Glass Centre, Sunderland and other locations as needed

Pension and holiday entitlement in line with charity policy

Deadline: 10am, Friday 31 October

We are seeking a highly skilled and proactive Finance Manager to take a leading role in the financial management of Sunderland Culture.

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.

• 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 department 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 the reporting to meet funder requirements, including Arts Council England
• Report alongside the CEO into the Finance Committee and Board

Audit, tax and 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 and 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 and 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

If you would like to have an informal conversation about this opportunity, please contact Ian High on the email above.